Branko Gumhalter | Mathematical Physics | Excellence in Research

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Dr. Branko Gumhalter | Mathematical Physics | Excellence in Research

Emeritus at Institute of Physics, Croatia

Dr. Branko Gumhalter 🌍, an esteemed Emeritus of the Institute of Physics in Zagreb, is a distinguished theoretical physicist whose career spans over four decades of impactful research in surface science and atomic interactions. 📘 With a Ph.D. from Imperial College London and over 100 peer-reviewed publications 🧪, his scientific footprint extends across global institutions, including Max Planck Institutes, ICTP Trieste, and Rutgers University. ✈️ Renowned for organizing high-level conferences and fostering international collaboration, he has mentored generations of scientists 🎓 and contributed to key research partnerships with organizations like IAEA and NSF. 🧭 A recipient of the ICTP Senior Research Associate Award and Croatia’s State Award for Science 🏅, Dr. Gumhalter has served on prestigious editorial and advisory boards, enhancing the global physics dialogue. His legacy is one of scholarly excellence, leadership, and cross-cultural scientific advancement 🔬🤝, making him a towering figure in theoretical and surface physics.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Branko Gumhalter began his academic voyage in Zagreb, Croatia, where he completed both elementary and secondary education with distinction. 📚 In 1966, he enrolled at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, earning his B.Sc. in Theoretical Physics by 1971. Fueled by curiosity and academic rigor, he pursued postgraduate studies at Imperial College London under Dr. D.M. Newns and completed his Ph.D. in 1976. 🎓 His doctoral thesis, “Calculations of the Dynamic Screening Effects in the Electronic Spectra of Adsorbates,” was examined by Prof. D.C. Langreth, a renowned figure from Rutgers University and NORDITA. His educational path combined foundational learning with advanced quantum research in a transcontinental setting, instilling a lifelong dedication to the complexities of atomic-level physics. 🌐 This rigorous academic training laid the groundwork for a remarkable research career that would soon span decades and continents. 📖

🧪 Professional Experience

From 1976 to 2014, Dr. Gumhalter held a permanent research position at the Institute of Physics in Zagreb, where he served as a linchpin of scientific inquiry in surface science. 🔬 His appointment as Emeritus following retirement is a testament to his enduring academic influence. Over nearly four decades, he led numerous national and international research projects, mentored diploma and doctoral students, and contributed prolifically to scientific literature. 📊 His professional journey was interwoven with global collaboration, including stints as visiting professor or scientist at institutions like the Max Planck Institutes (Germany), Rutgers University (USA), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), and Hokkaido University (Japan). 🌎 He played pivotal roles in organizing international conferences and spearheaded Croatian-Japanese research workshops. His career reflects a blend of scientific leadership, mentorship, and global engagement, positioning him as a cornerstone of theoretical and applied physics. 🧭💼

🔍 Research Interest

Dr. Gumhalter’s research gravitated toward the rich field of surface science, with deep dives into interactions between atomic particles, radiation, and adsorbates. ⚛️ His work illuminated dynamic screening effects, quantum coherence, inelastic scattering, and electron-surface interactions. He contributed to understanding ultrafast processes and energy transfer at the nano and quantum scale. 🕳️ His approach integrated theoretical modeling and real-world application, bridging microscopic theory with macroscopic observations. Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and four major monographs reflect his prolific scientific inquiry. 📖 He also maintained a keen interest in interdisciplinary physics, collaborating with chemists and materials scientists to explore interface phenomena and quantum dynamics. His research laid foundational insights that continue to influence condensed matter physics and nanoscience, making his contributions not only relevant but forward-thinking. 🧠🌌 His dedication to exploring complex phenomena at atomic levels remains a guiding light for emerging physicists worldwide. 🌐

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Gumhalter’s stellar career has been marked by distinguished accolades honoring both depth and breadth of contribution. 🌟 In 1996, he received the Senior Research Associate Award from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste — a prestigious recognition for impactful scientific leadership. 🌍 In 2002, the Croatian Parliament awarded him the State Award for Science, one of the nation’s highest honors for academic achievement. 🇭🇷 These awards reflect not only his intellectual rigor but his sustained efforts in mentoring, publishing, and global collaboration. 🏆 Beyond formal recognition, his roles on editorial boards (including Surface Science) and executive committees of international scientific bodies underscore the trust and respect he commands in the global scientific community. 📜 His decades of service as a referee for premier journals such as Physical Review Letters affirm his authoritative voice in evaluating cutting-edge physics research. 🧾

Conclusion

Dr. Branko Gumhalter stands as a towering figure in theoretical physics, blending profound intellectual insight with global scientific leadership. 🌐 His career journey—from Zagreb to London, Berlin to Tokyo—has been marked by tireless exploration of atomic phenomena, mentoring future researchers, and building international scientific bridges. 🧬 His commitment to academic excellence, collaborative outreach, and knowledge dissemination reflects the ideals of scientific pursuit. 🕊️ Recognized both nationally and internationally, he exemplifies what it means to be a scholar of integrity, curiosity, and global citizenship. 📘 Even in emeritus status, his legacy continues to shape research frontiers in surface science, nanophysics, and interdisciplinary physics. 🧠 His enduring influence resonates through the projects he led, the students he mentored, and the scientific ideas he championed. For these reasons and more, Dr. Gumhalter is profoundly deserving of any recognition honoring Excellence in Research. 🏅🧪

Publications Top Notes

🔬 Title: Nonperturbative quantum theory of multiplasmonic electron emission from surfaces: Gauge-specific cumulant expansions vs. Volkov ansatz over plasmonic coherent states
Authors: Branko Gumhalter
Year: 2025
Source: Progress in Surface Science

🔬 Title: Complementary perturbative and nonperturbative pictures of plasmonically induced electron emission from flat metal surfaces
Authors: Branko Gumhalter, Dino Novko
Year: 2025
Citations: 4
Source: Open Access Review

📝 Editorial: Interplay of electron-photon and electron-plasmon interactions at surfaces: Photonics and plasmonics in juxtaposition
Authors: Branko Gumhalter, Hrvoje Petek
Year: 2023
Citations: 1
Source: Editorial Publication

🔬 Title: Electron emission from plasmonically induced Floquet bands at metal surfaces
Authors: Branko Gumhalter, Dino Novko, Hrvoje Petek
Year: 2022
Citations: 11
Source: Physical Review B

🔬 Title: Multidimensional multiphoton momentum microscopy of the anisotropic Ag(110) surface
Authors: Andi Li, Marcel Reutzel, Zehua Wang, Stefan Mathias, Hrvoje Petek
Year: 2022
Citations: 9
Source: Physical Review B

🔬 Title: Plasmonically assisted channels of photoemission from metals
Authors: Dino Novko, Vito Despoja, Marcel Reutzel, Hrvoje Petek, Branko Gumhalter
Year: 2021
Citations: 16
Source: Physical Review B (Open Access)

🔬 Title: Plasmonic Photoemission from Single-Crystalline Silver
Authors: Andi Li, Marcel Reutzel, Zehua Wang, Branko Gumhalter, Hrvoje Petek
Year: 2021
Citations: 26
Source: ACS Photonics

🔬 Title: Nonlinear Plasmonic Photoelectron Response of Ag(111)
Authors: Marcel Reutzel, Andi Li, Branko Gumhalter, Hrvoje Petek
Year: 2019
Citations: 46
Source: Physical Review Letters (Open Access)

🔬 Title: Importance of van der Waals interactions and cation-anion coupling in an organic quantum spin liquid
Authors: Predrag Lazić, Marko Pinterić, David Rivas Góngora, Martin Dressel, Silvia Tomić
Year: 2018
Citations: 10
Source: Physical Review B (Open Access)

🔬 Title: Electrodynamics in organic dimer insulators close to Mott critical point
Authors: Marko Pinterić, David Rivas Gongora, Željko Rapljenović, Martin Dressel, Silvia Tomić
Year: 2018
Citations: 17
Source: Crystals (Open Access)

Thomas Kotoulas | Mathematical Physics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Thomas Kotoulas | Mathematical Physics | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Dr. Thomas Kotoulas is a distinguished researcher specializing in Newtonian Dynamics and Celestial Mechanics, with a prolific academic record comprising 41 refereed journal articles, including 18 monographs. His research spans critical areas such as the restricted three-body problem, periodic orbit computation, symplectic mapping models, and inverse problems in Newtonian dynamics, with applications in astronomy and galactic dynamics. He has been actively involved in funded research projects and received prestigious fellowships, including one from the National Foundation of Fellowships (I.K.Y.). Recognized for his outstanding peer-review contributions, he has been awarded the Outstanding Reviewer Award by Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics and acknowledged by Astrophysics and Space Science. He has reviewed for 13 international journals and contributed to Mathematical Reviews. With his extensive work in celestial mechanics, his expertise plays a crucial role in understanding planetary and asteroid dynamics, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Dr. Thomas Kotoulas holds a B.Sc. in Physics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.), where he graduated with a very good distinction (7.71/10) in 1995. He pursued his Ph.D. in Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Systems at the same institution, completing his thesis, “Dynamical evolution of small bodies at resonant areas in the Outer Solar System”, in 2003 with highest honors (Excellent). During his doctoral studies, he was awarded a fellowship from the National Foundation of Fellowships (I.K.Y.), recognizing his academic excellence. His postdoctoral research included significant contributions to the study of the restricted three-body problem, funded by the Greek Ministry of Education and the European Community. His educational background, rooted in classical physics, dynamical systems, and celestial mechanics, laid the foundation for his impactful career in Newtonian dynamics, orbital mechanics, and inverse problems in physics, with direct applications in astronomy and galactic dynamics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Kotoulas has built an impressive career in celestial mechanics and dynamical systems, contributing extensively through research, peer review, and mentorship. He has worked as a postdoctoral researcher for over five years, with projects focusing on the dynamics of the restricted three-body problem and applications in asteroid and Kuiper Belt studies. His professional journey includes participation in the EPEAEK II PYTHAGORAS research project, where he played a key role in modeling planetary resonances. He has been a reviewer for over 13 prestigious scientific journals, including Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). Additionally, he has authored 41 research papers, 18 of which are monographs, showcasing his expertise in orbital stability, periodic orbits, and inverse problems. His experience solidifies his reputation as a leading figure in Newtonian dynamics and celestial mechanics.

Research Interests

Dr. Kotoulas’ research is deeply rooted in Newtonian dynamics, celestial mechanics, and inverse problems in physics, with a strong focus on planetary motion, asteroid dynamics, and resonance stability. His work on the restricted three-body problem involves studying periodic orbits, resonance phenomena, and dynamical stability, with applications in asteroid belt studies, planetary migration, and Kuiper Belt dynamics. He has also made significant contributions to the inverse problem of Newtonian dynamics, using differential equations to reconstruct gravitational force fields from observed orbital data. His research integrates mathematical modeling, computational methods, and astrophysical applications, contributing to a deeper understanding of planetary system evolution. Additionally, his expertise in symplectic mapping models, spectral analysis of orbits, and stability analysis has provided new insights into long-term orbital behaviors and galactic dynamics, positioning him as a key contributor to the field of astrodynamics and dynamical astronomy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kotoulas has received numerous awards and distinctions for his contributions to celestial mechanics and dynamical astronomy. He was recognized as one of the best external reviewers by Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2022, earning the Outstanding Reviewer Award. Additionally, he received formal recognition from Astrophysics and Space Science for his invaluable peer-review contributions. His research excellence has been acknowledged through a prestigious fellowship from the National Foundation of Fellowships (I.K.Y.), awarded during his Ph.D. studies. His dedication to advancing celestial mechanics is further reflected in his role as a registered reviewer for Mathematical Reviews, where he has contributed expert evaluations of influential research papers. These honors underscore his exceptional impact in the field, his commitment to scientific integrity, and his standing as a respected researcher in Newtonian dynamics and astrophysics.

Conclusion

Dr. Thomas Kotoulas is a renowned researcher in celestial mechanics, Newtonian dynamics, and inverse problems in physics, with an extensive academic, research, and professional portfolio. His contributions to orbital stability, planetary resonance, and dynamical system modeling have provided valuable insights into planetary and asteroid motion. With 41 research publications, 18 monographs, multiple fellowships, and prestigious reviewer awards, he has established himself as a leading figure in astrophysical research. His dedication to advancing celestial mechanics, combined with his active role in peer review and academic mentorship, makes him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to shape the understanding of orbital mechanics and planetary system evolution, reinforcing his position as a respected scientist in the field of dynamical astronomy and mathematical physics.

Publications Top Noted

  • Planar periodic orbits in exterior resonances with Neptune

    • Authors: G. Voyatzis, T. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 44
    • Source: Planetary and Space Science, 53(11), 1189-1199

  • Comparative study of the 2:3 and 3:4 resonant motion with Neptune: an application of symplectic mappings and low-frequency analysis

    • Authors: T. Kotoulas, G. Voyatzis
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 43
    • Source: Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, 88, 343-363

  • On the stability of the Neptune Trojans

    • Authors: R. Dvorak, R. Schwarz, Á. Süli, T. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2007
    • Citations: 33
    • Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 382(3), 1324-1330

  • Symmetric and nonsymmetric periodic orbits in the exterior mean motion resonances with Neptune

    • Authors: G. Voyatzis, T. Kotoulas, J.D. Hadjidemetriou
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 31
    • Source: Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, 91, 191-202

  • On the 2/1 resonant planetary dynamics – periodic orbits and dynamical stability

    • Authors: G. Voyatzis, T. Kotoulas, J.D. Hadjidemetriou
    • Year: 2009
    • Citations: 30
    • Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 395(4), 2147-2156

  • Resonant periodic orbits of trans-Neptunian objects

    • Authors: T.A. Kotoulas, J.D. Hadjidemetriou
    • Year: 2002
    • Citations: 22
    • Source: Earth, Moon, and Planets, 91, 63-93

  • Three-dimensional periodic orbits in exterior mean motion resonances with Neptune

    • Authors: T.A. Kotoulas, G. Voyatzis
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 21
    • Source: Astronomy & Astrophysics, 441(2), 807-814

  • Homogeneous two-parametric families of orbits in three-dimensional homogeneous potentials

    • Authors: G. Bozis, T.A. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 21
    • Source: Inverse Problems, 21(1), 343

  • Planar retrograde periodic orbits of the asteroids trapped in two-body mean motion resonances with Jupiter

    • Authors: T. Kotoulas, G. Voyatzis
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 20
    • Source: Planetary and Space Science, 182, 104846

  • On the bifurcation and continuation of periodic orbits in the three-body problem

    • Authors: K.I. Antoniadou, G. Voyatzis, T. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 20
    • Source: International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 21(08), 2211-2219

  • Three-dimensional potentials producing families of straight lines (FSL)

    • Authors: G. Bozis, T.A. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 19
    • Source: Rendiconti del Seminario della Facoltà di Scienze dell’Università di …

  • The dynamics of the 1:2 resonant motion with Neptune in the 3D elliptic restricted three-body problem

    • Authors: T.A. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 17
    • Source: Astronomy & Astrophysics, 429(3), 1107-1115

  • Retrograde periodic orbits in 1/2, 2/3 and 3/4 mean motion resonances with Neptune

    • Authors: T. Kotoulas, G. Voyatzis
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 15
    • Source: Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, 132 (6-7), 33

  • Two-parametric families of orbits in axisymmetric potentials

    • Authors: T.A. Kotoulas, G. Bozis
    • Year: 2006
    • Citations: 12
    • Source: Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General, 39(29), 9223

  • Construction of 3D potentials from a preassigned two-parametric family of orbits

    • Authors: M.C. Anisiu, T.A. Kotoulas
    • Year: 2006
    • Citations: 11
    • Source: Inverse Problems, 22(6), 2255

  • The dynamical stability of a Kuiper Belt-like region

    • Authors: A. Celletti, T. Kotoulas, G. Voyatzis, J. Hadjidemetriou
    • Year: –
    • Citations: 10
    • Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 378(3), 1153-1164