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In 1967, on the basis of the University of Latvia Department of Experimental Physics, the Spectroscopy Problem Laboratory (headed by Elza Krauliņa) was established, which was engaged in the investigation of various elemental collisions and photoprocesses in the gaseous phase, using modern spectroscopy methods and lasers. After expanding its research activities, in 1988 the laboratory was reorganised as Branch of Spectroscopy under University of Latvia Department of Scientific Research and completely occupied the building on Šķūņu street 4 in the Old Riga.
In 1994, upon an initiative of prof. Māris Jansons, the Branch of Spectroscopy and the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics (established in 1957 within the Latvian Academy of Sciences Institute of Physics, headed by Viktors Veldre, engaged in studies of electron and atomic collisions, nuclear physics, magnetohydrodynamics and solid state physics) were merged into a new structure under the auspices of the University of Latvia Faulty of Physics and Mathematics – Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy (IAPS), where experimental and theoretical research was continued (development of optical fibres and optoelectronic devices, applications of optical methods in medicine, etc.).
ASI-30
Development of the institute
An important milestone in the history of the Institute was the European Commission's support for the Fifth Framework Programme project ‘Centre of Excellence in basic nanophysics research and applications’ in 2002.
As the institute enlarged, a new laboratory was established in 2017 - "Quantum Optics Laboratory".
At the beginning 2019, the Institute moved to the Academic Centre of the University of Latvia, House of Science at Jelgavas street 3, near Torņakalns.
In August 2019, another the IAPS laboratory was established – "Optical biosensors and functional nanomaterials" with the aim of developing nano-materials research.
In February 2025, the latest IAPS laboratory was established – "Advanced Biomaterials and Biophysics (Bioiterface) Laboratory" aiming at innovative materials and technologies at the interface of biology and physics.
As a result of the consolidation process, the University of Latvia eliminated the independence of research institutes, including them into Faculty structure. Since July 1, 2024, the name of the IAPS is: Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy of the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology Institute, University of Latvia or IAPS FST UL
Directors:
- Māris Jansons (1994 – 1997) – founder of IAPS
- Mārcis Auziņš (1998 – 2003)
- Jānis Spīgulis (2004 – 2012)
- Aigars Ekers (2012 – 2014)
- Inga Šīrante (2017 onwards)