Milos Burger

Milos Burger is an Associate Research Scientist at the University of Michigan since 2019, specializing in ultrafast laser–matter interactions and optical plasma diagnostics for nuclear-reactor safety and environmental monitoring. He earned his PhD in Plasma Physics from the University of Belgrade in 2015 after six years as a teaching and research assistant.

Education

• PhD in Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, 2015

Research Interests

Burger’s core expertise lies in the fundamental physics of femtosecond laser pulse coupling with solids and gases, producing plasmas that serve as remote sensing sources. His activities span:

• Ultrashort laser–solid interactions and plasma formation
• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for elemental detection in extreme environments
• Optical instrumentation for advanced fission reactors and nuclear safeguards
• Nonlinear propagation of structured beams in air, including orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams
• Machine-learning-enhanced control of high-power ultrafast lasers

Recent work focuses on the ZEUS laser user facility, developing zettawatt-equivalent experiments and novel diagnostics for molten-salt reactors, hydrogen-rich environments, and trace actinide detection.

Scientific Awards & Recognition

No specific awards are listed in the provided material.

Funding & Collaborations

Burger is PI or co-PI on multiple projects funded through the University of Michigan and federal agencies, centred on reactor safety diagnostics, environmental contamination sensing, and advanced laser systems. He collaborates extensively with the ZEUS facility team and interdisciplinary groups spanning plasma physics, nuclear engineering, and optical sciences.

Laboratories & Teams

He is affiliated with the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) and the ZEUS laser facility at the University of Michigan, operating state-of-the-art femtosecond and petawatt-class laser systems for national and international user programs.