Ivan Bachvarov

Ivan Bachvarov is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Physics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Bulgaria, a position he has held since 2003. Previously, he served as Chief Assistant (1997-2003) and Senior Assistant (1995-1997) at the same institution. His academic career includes significant research experience at prestigious institutions including Boston College (2004-2008 as Senior Research Fellow in Ultrafast Photonics), Technical University of Munich (as DFG Research Fellow in 2001 and 1996), Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics in St. Petersburg (1995), and Friedrich Schiller University in Jena (1993).

Dr. Bachvarov earned his PhD in Physics (1988-1992) and Master of Science in Engineering Physics (1978-1984) from the Faculty of Physics at Sofia University. His educational excellence was recognized with multiple awards including the State Scholarship for Significant Academic Achievements (1981-1983), the Prize for winner of the spring national mathematics competition (1977), and annual Awards in the National Physics Olympiad (1975-1978).

His research focuses on several key areas of modern optics and laser physics. Dr. Bachvarov is particularly known for his work in Nonlinear Optics, where he has made significant contributions to understanding white-light generation in cubic media and polarization properties across spectral ranges. His work in Ultrafast phenomena in molecular systems has explored electronic energy delocalization and dissipation in DNA structures. He has also pioneered research in the Generation and characterization of ultrafast laser pulses, developing innovative techniques for femtosecond pulse generation. Additionally, his expertise in Solid-state lasers has led to advancements in diode-pumped systems and frequency doubling technologies.

Dr. Bachvarov has demonstrated exceptional leadership in research management, having headed 12 scientific and industrial projects between 1997 and 2006. His projects span both fundamental research and practical applications, including collaborations with institutions like Northwestern University, Boston College, and various European organizations through the COST Action framework. Notable projects include the development of innovative laser instruments for medical applications, compact powerful laser sources for remote detection systems, and advanced laser systems for industrial applications.

His scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards:

• Young Scientist Scholarship from the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 1996
• Young Scientist Scholarship - ICTP Trieste in 1995

As an academic advisor, Dr. Bachvarov has mentored numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry worldwide. His former students include Associate Professors at Technical University of Munich, Principal Assistants at UCSD, Postdoctoral Fellows at ELETTRA Synchrotron Laboratory, and Research Engineers at companies like IPG Laser GmbH and Coherent Kaiserslautern GmbH. His research group at Sofia University continues to be active in ultrafast photonics and laser development.

Dr. Bachvarov leads a vibrant research laboratory at Sofia University focused on ultrafast photonics and laser development. His team works on cutting-edge projects involving optical parametric generators, ultrafast phenomena characterization, and solid-state laser engineering. The laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation for laser pulse generation, characterization, and application development, supporting both fundamental research and practical industrial collaborations.