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Original title in Czech: Pokročilé nanotechnologie a mikrotechnologieCEITEC VUTAbbreviation: PNTMTAcad. year: 2016/2017
Programme: Advanced Materials and Nanosciences
Length of Study: 4 years
Accredited from: 17.7.2012Accredited until: 31.7.2020
Guarantor
prof. RNDr. Tomáš Šikola, CSc.
Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program
The study of interphases is of paramount relevance for several branches of knowledge. For example, in composite materials the quality of the interphase defines the strength of the material. In endodontics it is required a tight contact between the root filling material and the inner wall of the tooth to prevent reinfections. In orthopedic the succeed of a bone implant is directly related with the growing of new bone on its surface. Therefore, the study of interphases has a huge impact on the design and improvement of advanced materials for these and other applications. Nonetheless, the methods available for characterization of interphases are currently limited to two-dimensional (2D) analysis, including observation by optical or electron scanning microscopes. Although these methods give an overview of the system, most of the information is lost and commonly the sample should be cut for its analysis. The aim of the present project is to develop a computational algorithm that allows to study interphases in three-dimensions (3D) using the information acquired by X-ray computed micro tomography (µCT). µCT is a non-destructive method that allows the 3D visualization of materials with resolutions up to 1 μm. The algorithm should use the information from µCT to determine in a reproducible and accurate manner the extent of contact between two or more interphases without variances due to the operator. The advantages and disadvantages (if any) of the new 3D method will be determined against typical 2D approaches. Within the project, a friendly use interface that integrates the quantification of other structural features of the material (i.e. porosity, pore size distribution, pore morphology, among others) will be developed, increasing the research and industrial potential of the program. The potential of the novel methodology will be validated in three different scenarios, 1) determination of the optimal processing conditions for the infiltration of liquid metals in porous ceramic structures, 2) study of root filling materials for endodontic applications and 3) osteointegration of bone implants.
Tutor: Zikmund Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
For detailed info please contact the supervisor.
Tutor: Kaiser Jozef, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
The topic is focused on research in the field of numerical image reconstruction in coherence-controlled holographic microscope. The work will aim at achievement of the best resolution of the microscope and at detailed investigation of possibilities of imaging 3D objects. We assume to utilize the discrimination properties of low-coherence light (“coherence gate”), the methods of a complex-field deconvolution, and numerical refocusing methods. The work will be directed especially to biological samples imaging. Requirements: - knowledge in field of optics corresponding to undergraduate courses - basic ability to write computer code, preferably in Matlab
Tutor: Chmelík Radim, prof. RNDr., Ph.D.
Scope of the thesis: The aim of this dissertation thesis is the detection of elements with significant spectral lines in VUV region, such as C, N, S, P, Cl, and Br. This thesis will include necessary development and construction of detection system (including spectrometer and detector) designed for LIBS analysis with spectral range under 170 nm and resolution < 0.2 nm. It is desired that this detection system will be a modular extension of already developed LIBS interaction chamber, developed at CEITEC BUT. Consecutively, this system will be tested. Objectives: A. Literature research of current state of the art with respect to thesis goals. B. Design of the spectrometer and detection unit. C. Construction of the detection system. D. Analysis in vacuum. E. Estimation of detection limits for selected elements.
The study will be aimed at the growth of III-Sb and III-As nanowires utilizing various catalyst nanoparticles in a MBE chamber of the complex UHV system in the CEITEC Nano research infrastructure. Characterization of morphology, composition, and structure, as well as measurement of their optical and electrical transport properties will serve as tools for monitoring the quality of nanowires.
Tutor: Spousta Jiří, prof. RNDr., Ph.D.
Magnetic materials have played a major role in the research and development in the last decades. Currently, further advances in the knowledge of magnetic materials are mainly driven by the studies of magnetization dynamics and alternative control of magnetic states with the least energy possible. The Ph.D. candidate will investigate the effect of spatial confinement on the properties of materials featuring the first-order metamagnetic transition from an antiferromagnetic to a ferromagnetic phase. Furthermore, the possibility of controlling the phase transition by a variety of driving forces, electric current, strain, and optical pulses will be studied in detail. The Ph.D. candidate will be involved in the deposition of materials, advanced characterization, and lithography of nanostructures. Magnetic imaging (scanning Kerr microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis, x-ray and photoemission electron microscopy), structural imaging (low energy electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction), and electrical transport measurements will be employed to tackle the project objectives.
Tutor: Šikola Tomáš, prof. RNDr., CSc.
The aim of this dissertation thesis is the development of methodology for depth profiling of elemental composition of samples using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), which will be directly applicable in industrial processes. Reaching the project goals demands complex applied research, what includes investigation of the effect of varying experimental and ambient properties and instrumental configurations on the performance and figures of merit of the LIBS system. Objectives: F. Literature research regarding the scope of the thesis. G. Optimization of the experiment and the development of instrumentation for on-line analysis. H. Determination of detection limits and their improvement. I. Provide the calibration of the system, temporal stability and repeatability of the measurement. J. Assessment of depth profiles and 3D maps showing the distribution of elements of interest in the sample bulk.
Due to increase of the long term application of the polymer materials process of slow stable crack growth became important scientific topic. Therefore, the general goal of the work lies in the accurate description of the slow crack propagation in the case of polymeric structure under complex loading conditions taking into account residual stresses. Slow crack growth can be described by the corresponding fracture mechanics parameters and plays an important part in estimation of this lifetime. Numerical model will be validated by correlation with experimental data of PCCL Leoben and Polymer Institute Brno.
Tutor: Hutař Pavel, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a technique that utilizes high power-densities obtained by focusing the radiation from a pulsed laser to generate a luminous micro-plasma from an analyte in the focal region. The micro-plasma emission is subsequently analyzed by a spectrometer. The plasma composition is representative to the analyte's elemental composition. The topics of the dissertation work include the application of LIBS and its modifications for high-resolution elemental mapping of solid samples.
Tutor: Kolman Pavel, Ing., Ph.D.
Student will learn the principal of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its digital variant (dPCR) including its advantages and properties. Student will then design and fabricate a silicon chip to conduct dPCR using division of original sample to least 106 samples. Student has generally two major tasks: setting up the system to conduct the dPCR and also demonstrate it power to identify presence of rare DNA with background of another one with concentration at least 105 higher. Student will then propose a system for portable version of dPCR.
Tutor: Neužil Pavel, prof. Ing., Dr., DSc.
This work is aimed on construction of cpecific electrochemical sensors and biosensors for detection of nucleic acids. Such type of detection is often connected to modification of detection electrodes by nano and microstructures, which is one of the option how to improve the the detection qualities of the system. The modification of electrodes will be achieved using various forms of carbon materials (tubes, dots, plates or fullerens) or by nanoparticles (quantum dots).
Tutor: Zítka Ondřej, doc. RNDr., Ph.D.
Topic of the work is focused on research and development of thermal sprayed functional graded coating systems with are of high potential use in the aerospace and energetic branches. The work deals with selection of appropriate materials for new generation of environmental barrier coatings, optimization of its processing technology and detailed study of its degradation mechanisms in interaction of variable environmental impacts during high temperature exposure. The results of this work will also be compared at the same or comparable conditions tested thermal barrier coatings, which are widely used in aerospace or currently undergoes the development.
Tutor: Švejcar Jiří, prof. Ing., CSc.
Body-centered cubic metals of the VB and VIB groups are technologically important materials, yet the mechanisms that govern their plastic deformation are still unclear. All non-magnetic bcc metals exhibit the so-called anomalous slip on one of the low-stressed {110}<111> systems in compression, which can be reconciled using the recent computational studies of screw dislocations. However, in the VB group of metals the anomalous slip takes place also under tension, which cannot be explained even using the most sophisticated computational models. The purpose of this study is to investigate the origin of anomalous slip by performing tension and compression experiments on millimeter-sized samples of single-crystals of bcc Ta and W. The orientation of the sample will be determined by EBSD and the character of plastic deformation studied using the differential interference contrast in high-resolution optical microscope. The observed slip activity will be compared with the prediction of the existing effective yield criteria and will serve to make these criteria more accurate.
Tutor: Gröger Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D. et Ph.D.
Epitaxial growth on lattice-mismatched substrates such as III-N on Si is a route commonly used in manufacturing devices that are at the core of advanced optoelectronics. The major problem is that the external quantum efficiency of the device is strongly reduced by the existence of a large density of threading dislocations. Since these dislocations increase the energy of the system, it is important to understand why they exist at all and to identify the mechanism of their nucleation. During this project, the student will get solid experience in growing nanometer-sized AlN films on Si wafers by MBE. The objective is to elucidate the changes in the dislocation substructure with the thickness of the film and the growth technique used by a combination of SEM and TEM (both traditional and 3D electron tomography). These observations will be correlated with predictions of ongoing theoretical and atomistic studies to identify the mechanism by which threading dislocations nucleate in the III-N/Si system and, possibly, in other large-misfit heterostructures
The prismatic dislocation loops have Burgers vector perpendicular to the loop plane and they are created by irradiation or by plastic deformation. These loops can be easily seen in transmission electron microscope (TEM) and can be produced by Ga+ ions in focused ion beam (FIB). The objective of this project is to study interactions of small prismatic loops with each other and with free surfaces of the TEM foil both experimentally and by atomistic modeling using empirical potentials.
Tutor: Fikar Jan, Mgr., Ph.D.
The combination of graphene and single molecular magnets offers the opportunity of external tuning of magnetic properties of deposited organic magnets. The research within the Ph.D. study aims at the understanding of deposition/self-assembly phenomena of organic compounds containing magnetic atoms on graphene surfaces. The graphene surface offers the interesting possibility to alter the functional properties of prepared nanostructures by external means, i.e., the gate voltage. (For detailed info please contact the supervisor.)
Tutor: Čechal Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
The use of iron for bone fractures treatment has been limited by its high density and elastic modulus compared with bone. In contrast, the use of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), a ceramic that promote bone healing, is limited by its brittle nature. The fabrication of iron-TCP composites has shown that the strength of the composite was significantly superior to that of their components alone. Furthermore, the strength is similar to that of titanium alloys considered as the gold standard for the treatment of bone fractures. The aim of the present project is to develop the fracture mechanism of novel iron-TCP composite fabricated by spark plasma sintering. Two different loading conditions will be studied, compression and tension. Several techniques will be combined to address the objective. For example, X-ray computed micro-tomography will be used to access the distribution of phases in the composite and their behavior upon deformation. Scanning electron microscope, as well as metallographic methods, will be used for fracture analysis. Upon a well-defined fracture mechanism has been identified, the second stage of the project will be determine the effects of degradation under simulated physiological conditions on the strength and fracture mechanism of the composites. With this project, a real step forward in understanding the mechanical behavior of this new family of biomaterials for treatment of bone fractures will be gained, laying the groundwork for the design of safe and functional orthopedic implants.
The organic and metal-organic nanoarchitectures prepared self-assembled at surfaces show promising applications. The Ph.D. study aims at catalytic properties of these structures, in particular, understanding the interaction of metal-organic coordination centers with gas molecules, which may lead to development of novel heterogeneous catalysts. (For detailed info please contact the supervisor.)
Characterization of cellular diversity in the early carcinoma biopsy ex vivo culture in a nondestructive way emerges as an important step towards personalised treatment in oncology. Coherence controlled holographic microscopy in the Q-PHASE make represents the instrument that is ready to fulfil such a task.
Tutor: Veselý Pavel, MUDr., CSc.
Nanocomposites containing graphene sheets are already available and are used for various applications. The objective of the work will be using these nanocomposites with graphene or its oxide, material characterization in terms of electron processes with a focus on applications in electronics and sensing.
Tutor: Hubálek Jaromír, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
The goal is to propose the methodology for the supercapacitor lifetime prediction with respect to the attainment of 10 years life time guarantee required for the applications in the satellite systems. The methodology should be based on: 1) Analysis of the charge transport and the dependence of capacitance on the bias voltage or frequency, respectively, for capacitors of capacitance 1 to 100 F. 2) Analysis of time dependences for the charging of capacitors with constant current or constant voltage, respectively. 3) Supercapacitor’s self-discharge analysis. 4) Measurement of capacitance of Helmholtz layer and diffuse layer.
Tutor: Sedláková Vlasta, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Due to stochastic nature of the matter, physical processes in materials are considered to be stochastic, and they reveal as fluctuation of measurable quantities macroscopically. Not only in sensorsics, these fluctuations are usually called noise, since they are assumed to be unwanted and distracting components, which do not carry any information. The aim is study of chargé transport and fluctuation mechanisms at electrode/electrolyte interface. Practical results lay in development of physical and electrical models on the basis of experimental study of amperometric gas sensors.
Tutor: Sedlák Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
In the study plasmonice nanostructures of novel materials (for instance graphene) for detection of adsorbed complex (bio)molecules by FT IR spectroscopy will be used. Instead of relying on classical spectral shifts of localized surtface plasmon polaritons, the „finger prints“ of the molecules in optical spectra enhanced by plasmonic effects will be detected. Here, particularly, tunability of plasmon resonance properties of the nanostructures will be utilized.
Nowadays complicated spektroskopy methods are miniaturized. Whole systems are integrated to small device using MEMS technologies. The aim of the work is finding new approchaes in integration ot these systems by micro- and nano-technologies.
Tutor: Kalousek Radek, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Due to small grain size, nanostructured materials have large number of interfaces in comparison to other materials. Significant amount of internal interfaces leads to special properties of such materials. For instance, nanostructured materials can reveal improved strength or ductility. The functionality and stability of nanostructured materials are strongly dependent on the mobility of internal interfaces. The purpose of this project is to investigate the atomistic mechanisms of migration of interfaces using computer modelling.
Tutor: Ostapovets Andriy, Ph.D., Mgr.
Oxides form the basic component of many functional systems, e.g., catalysts. The model oxide surface can be prepared using pulsed laser deposition and analyzed in-situ. Within the Ph.D. study, the electron microscopies (SEM, LEEM) and electron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS, AR-PES, AES) will be used to determine properties of complex oxide surfaces and to monitor the evolution of the systems comprising metal atoms, organic molecules and nanoparticles on oxide surface. (For detailed info please contact the supervisor.)
The work will be based on preparation, modification and characterization of different nanocarbon materials (graphene, graphene oxide, MWCNT). Prepared nanocarbons will be tested either for their utilization in working electrodes or biosensors or as materials for removal of heavy metals from contaminated waters.
Tutor: Kopel Pavel, prof. RNDr., Ph.D.
For more details please contact the supervisor.
The study will focus on application of different imaging and spectroscopy techniques (HRTEM, diffraction, EDX+EELS, Lorenz microscopy) available in the Titan high- ŕesolution transmission electron microscope (HR TEM) at the CEITEC Nano research infrastructure for analysis of nanostructures with special attention to semiconductor nanowires and their thorough analysis.
Topic of the work is focused on research and development of advanced bulk materials and surface treatments, which are of high potential in aerospace and power generation industries. The work aims on processing of new composite powder materials based on ceramic nanoparticles doped molybdenum matrix produced by means of high energy kinetic milling and/or thermal spraying, its sintering or spraying into the form of bulk composite material or coating, and testing of its properties and structural stability at moderate and high temperatures. The results of this work will also be compared with widely used materials for high temperature applications in aerospace industry.
Tutor: Čelko Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
In this study plasmonic resonant nano-and micro-structures (particles, antennas, tips) will be used for enhancement of photoluminescence of nanostructures such as nanodots, nanowires and 2D materials (e.g. metal dichalcogenides: MoS2, WS2,....). In this way single photon sources provided by defects of these structures might be recognized.
Tutor: Dub Petr, prof. RNDr., CSc.
Fabrication and characterization of nanostructured III-V semiconductor materials ( e.g. GaN, AlN, InN,....). These nanostructures (ultrathin films, nanocrystals and nanowires) will be grown by atom/ion beams and other methods. Characterization of their growth modes, composition and structure will be carried out using SPM, XPS, LEEM, SEM, TEM and other techniques. The results of this investigation will be used as a feedback for improvement of photoluminescence, cathodoluminiscence and other functional properties of nanostructures.
The topic is focused on development of numerical methods for rigorous simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation in arbitrary inhomogeneous media. Namely, we assume investigation of the techniques based on the expansion into plane waves and/or eigenmodes in combination with perturbation techniques. Developed techniques will applied to modeling of light scattering by selected biological samples. Requirements: - knowledge in fields of electrodynamics and optics corresponding to undergraduate courses - basic ability to write computer code, preferably in Matlab.
Tutor: Petráček Jiří, prof. RNDr., Dr.
The aim of this project is to determine parameters of traps in insulation layer of HFET/HEMT structures by analysis of its noise characteristics, mainly RTS (random telegraph signal) noise. Experimental work is based on measurement of temperature dependence of noise using helium cryostat and study of amplitude and mean time of capture and emission as a function of electric field intensity and charge carrier concentration in channel. These results will be used to improve generation-recombination model of noise origin and localization of traps.
Tutor: Pavelka Jan, doc. Mgr., CSc. Ph.D.
Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques (SPM) and particularly Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) are most common techniques for surface topography measurements. They have however still some limitations, for example its limited scanning range and lack of techniques for sub-surface mapping. Even if the interaction between probe and sample is already including information from sample volume, typically only surface topography or surface related physical properties are evaluated and the sub-surface information is lost. In most of the scanning regimes the amount of recorded and stored data is even so small that the information about sample volume is lost. On the other hand, there is lack of reliable subsurface mapping techniques with high resolution suitable for the growing field of nanotechnology, and methods of SPM tomography have large potential – and we can already see some first attempts for sub-surface mapping in the scientific literature. Aim of the proposed work is to develop techniques for mapping volume sample composition using SPM, particularly based on AC Scanning Thermal Microscopy and conductive Atomic Force Microscopy. This includes development of special reference samples, methodology and software development for control of a special, large area, SPM. In cooperation with the research group also a numerical modeling of probe-sample interaction will be performed and methods for sub-surface reconstruction will be tested.
Tutor: Klapetek Petr, Mgr., Ph.D.
Usually fatigue crack propagation is described by simple Paris-Erdogan law, where fatigue crack growth rate corresponds to stress intensity factor value. In the case of short cracks, plasticity, microstructure or free surface effects play role. The aim of the work is using numerical simulations in ANSYS software and our own experimental results find possibility of short fatigue crack fracture mechanics description. Important issue is also separation and quantification of single effects responsible for anomalous short crack behaviour.
Opportunity of an objective evaluation of behavior of live cells freshly transferred from a tumor into in vitro primary culture has been offered by competence of Coherence Controlled Holographic Microscope (CCHM) in the make of Multimodal Holographic Microscope T1 (MHM, Tescan) for the task. CCHM Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) provides non-invasive cell mass measurements and due to coherence gate effect also in turbid media. Importance of analysis of patterns of motility/migration and growth of various cell types in mixed primary culture is currently emerging from collaboration with clinical surgeons operating on cancer. Assessment of cancer cells' behavior manifested in these conditions will contribute to individual tumor prognosis. Also appraisal of cell resistance/sensitivity to available therapeutic options should contribute to the optimization of the therapy plan. The work will consist of understanding primary cancer cell cultivation, mastering operation of CCHM while doing biological experiment and current standard valuation of cell behavior. To this basics there will be the task of adding elaboration/invention of mathematical description of cell activities comprised in the series of time-lapse images from these observations. Such method then will enable comparisons among various types of cancer cells and will lead to an innovation in the classification of the cancer cell malignancy.
Spectrally resolved quantitative phase imaging (QPI) can be achieved owing to the achromatic design of coherence-controlled holographic microscope (CCHM). In this way, the information about the spectral dependence of the object refractive index can be obtained. The work will aim at proposal and experimental verification of the method of spectrally resolved QPI by CCHM especially for biological samples imaging. Requirements: knowledge of optics at undergraduate level, basic ability to write computer code, preferably in Matlab.
Molecular self-assembly at surfaces is a technique for preparation of nanostructures with atomic precision with future prospects for molecular electronics, heterogeneous catalysis, and molecular templates among other topics. The research within the Ph.D. study aims at the understanding of self-assembly phenomena of complex systems at metal and graphene surfaces. The later surface offers the interesting possibility to alter the self-assembly process and the functional properties of prepared nanostructures by external means, i.e., the gate voltage. (For detailed info please contact the supervisor.)
The aim of this work is the preparation of metal ions doped chalcogenide quantum dots series, which will give electrochemical signals appropriate to their given compositions. Synthesized quantum dots will be subsequently used for highly selective labels design intended for electrochemical detection of biomolecules.
The doctoral thesis is focused on study of advanced thermal barrier coatings behavior after thermo-mechanical cyclic loading tests. To metallographic and fractographic evaluation will also be applied recent conventional available materials testing methods.
Tutor: Podrábský Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.
The aim of the Ph.D. thesis is to obtain a profound understanding as well as active control of the dynamics of the phase transformation in materials featuring a first-order phase transition between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states. This class of materials exhibits a metamagnetic behaviour in which the transition can be driven by several types of excitations, such as temperature, magnetic field, strain or laser pulses. The prototype material to perform this study will be the FeRh alloy. Recent studies suggest that its incorporation into meso- and nanoscale devices can result into emergent phenomena and new routes to stabilize and control the antiferromagnetic or the ferromagnetic state. The Ph.D. candidate will investigate the dynamics of the phase transition in patterned films driven by ultrafast current and laser pulses. The project will involve extending the existing scanning magnetooptical Kerr microscope to a pump-probe set-up and combining it with electrical transport measurements. Further steps will lead towards all-optical control of the magnetization in the ferromagnetic phase.
Magnetic materials constitute highly tunable material systems that have been associated with a wide range of new scientific discoveries. Coupled order parameters in complex phase-transition materials can be controlled using various driving forces such as temperature, magnetic and electric field, strain, spin-polarized currents and optical pulses. Tuning the material properties to achieve efficient transitions would enable fast and low-power electronic devices and novel functionality at nanometer length scales. The Ph.D. candidate will explore the first-order magnetic phase transition in materials that have been subjected to strong spatial confinement and design new functional systems by assembling individual structures with well controlled properties into 2D and 3D arrays forming magnetic materials with tuneable properties. The Ph.D. candidate will be involved in the deposition of materials, advanced characterization, and lithography of nanostructures. Magnetic imaging (scanning Kerr microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis, x-ray and photoemission electron microscopy), structural imaging (low energy electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction), and magnetometry will be employed to tackle the project objectives.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a principal electron carrier in cell’s metabolism – glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and the mitochondrial respiratory chain. NADH is generated during glycolysis and oxidized in the electron transport chain. Therefore, the ratio of fluorescent NADH and non-fluorescent NAD+ depends on the redox state of the tissue. Oxidative phosphorylation in isolated mitochondria responds to changes in partial pressure of O2 (pO2) within physiological limits. Brain tissue in vivo has large pO2 gradients with maxima around big oxygen-feeding arterioles decreasing with their distance. It remains unclear whether this normal variation in O2 availability affects the redox state of the tissue. Furthermore, NADH fluorescence of brain tissue decreases in response to cortical stimulation, cortical spreading depression and seizures throughout the duration of the stimulus and increases in response to hypoxia or ischemia. Implications of these findings for brain tissue metabolism in vivo remains also uncertain. Since metabolism is highly affected by different types of anesthesia in a different and unpredictable ways, we set to investigate the metabolism in an awake mouse preparation. Aims of the project: 1. Establishment and optomization of the procedure for awake mice preparation and imaging 2. Investigation of the redox state of the tissue at baseline (without stimulation) focusing on the spatial variation of the NADH fluorescence in the relation to the vascular morphology 3. NADH fluorescence change in the response to cortical stimulation
Tutor: Uhlířová Hana, Ing., Ph.D.
Electromagnetic emissions (EME) arises during mechanical loading of solids. EME anomalies under natural conditions can be observed in association to tectonic loading, stress re-distribution and crack propagation prior to earthquake or in relation to gravitational mass movements. EME can be measured by various types of antennas and it is possible to perform monitoring of the above mentioned phenomena based on this measurement. The goal will be development of a methodology for measuring and processing of EME for use in predicting of earthquakes and other selected events and possibly to distinguish between different types of these phenomena. Long-term measurements of EME in caves in the Czech Republic and in the Alps in Austria will be carried out for this purpose and the results will be compared with results from other methods used in geology. Analysis of EME signals origin and propagation in studied materials and design and verification of advanced methods for measured signals processing and evaluation will be an important part of the work. The Ph.D. student will cooperate on the scientific research collaboration with the Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics of the ASCR and with Department of Geology, Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Austria.
Tutor: Koktavý Pavel, prof. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.
The study will be aimed at design, fabrication, and characterization of resonant plasmonic nano- and micro-structures (“diabolo” antennas, split ring resonators, etc.) providing a significant local enhancement of magnetic components of electromagnetic fields. The structures with resonant properties particularly in the IR and THz will be studied, with respect to their potential applications in relevant spectroscopic methods.
Tutor: Průša Stanislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Tutor: Varga Peter, prof. Dr., dr. h. c.
X-ray computed tomography (CT) is technology which allows 3D imaging of objects including its internal structure. This feature is also used in biological applications, where it is possible to visualise the sample with high resolution (in the micrometre range) and non-destructively. Imaging of soft tissue is one of the key tasks of biologists. For this purpose, several constrasting method exist and they are still under current development.
Biodegradable collagen scaffolds seeded with mesenchymal stem cells or other differentiated cells can serve as a resorbable implant for tissue regeneration (e.g. skin, cartilage or bone). The X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) seems to be a novel method for both observing the morphology of cell seeded scaffold in the whole sample volume without its destruction and also for the determination of the porosity, pore size and cell/scaffold surface ratio. Nowadays, X-ray tube-based high-resolution µCTs are widely used in scientific research and industrial applications. Laboratory based, compact µCT systems that can reach resolutions down to 1 μm are available. However, the potential of these lab systems is often underestimated. This is especially true for biological/biomedical samples that often need the utilization of phase-contrast techniques for 3D visualization limited mainly to synchrotron sources. The goal of the dissertation thesis is a 3D imaging of the polymer materials using the X-ray nano computed tomography. This is interdisciplinary topic including the use of phase contrast imaging, the optimization of the staining procedure for different task of visualization and the image-processing. Within this work it is necessary to establish the standard methods for interpretation and characterization of the 3D data. Furthermore it will also be addressed the correlation of µCT analysis and 2D imaging method like scanning electron microscopy. The CT measurement will be mainly related to Rigaku Nano3DX, an unique device which allows to explore the phase contrast imaging techniques and reach resolution under 1 μm.