Leonid Dolgov

Leonid Dolgov is an Associate Professor in Spectroscopy and Sensorics at the Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu. He has held this position since February 2024, working at 70% FTE. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the same institution since 2016. His academic journey began with a Doctor's Degree in 2007 from the Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine.

His educational background includes postgraduate studies at the Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences (Kyiv, Ukraine) from 2001-2004, culminating in a PhD in 2007. He earned his Diploma in Physics and Mathematics from Chernihiv State University (Chernihiv, Ukraine) between 1993-1998.

Dolgov's research interests span Physics, Optics, Spectroscopy, Sensorics, Nanomaterials, Luminescence, Plasmonics, and Quantum Computing. His work focuses on experimental physics of liquid crystals and polymers, with particular emphasis on spectroscopic studies of rare earth ions in various crystal structures, plasmonic enhancement of luminescence, and applications in quantum computing and biomedical imaging.

His publication record includes 104 publications, with recent work focusing on laser spectroscopy of rare earth doped crystals, plasmon-enhanced luminescence, and applications in quantum information processing and biomedical engineering. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between fundamental physics and practical applications.

Among his scientific recognitions, Dolgov received an Appreciation from the Estonian Ministry of Education in 2012 for his supervision of Master student Ardi Loot, whose thesis 'Characterizing surface plasmons and thin gold film by Kretschmann configuration' won the first National Estonian award.

Dolgov has supervised PhD student Laurits Puust, whose thesis 'Surface effects on impurity fluorescence in oxide nanomaterials for applications in sensing and phosphors' was in progress as of January 2025. He has also supervised Master's student Ardi Loot to completion. His research has been supported by multiple projects, including the current EU-funded project 'Antimicrobial surface coatings sustainability and functionality in real-life usage' (2024-2027).

His work is conducted within the Institute of Physics at the University of Tartu, where he collaborates with researchers across disciplines to advance understanding of optical materials and their applications.