International projects

Programme Johannes Amos Comenius 

AMULET 

Provider: OP JAC (Operational Programme Johannes Amos Comenius) 
Duration: 2024–2028 
NPI Project Manager: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D.
E-mail: mackova@ujf.cas.cz

The AMULET project focuses on advanced engineering of multiscale materials—from sub-nanometer design to functional architectures—for applications in key enabling technologies. The Tandetron Laboratory contributes through research on ion-beam–based fabrication of hierarchical micro- and nanostructures for sensing, microelectronics and photonic systems. The project also supports research into photocatalytic materials and hydrogen production. Newly acquired instruments such as a scanning electron microscope and an AFM-Raman system will significantly expand the laboratory’s analytical capabilities. 
More on the project website: AMULET 

FerrMion 

Provider: OP JAC (Operational Programme Johannes Amos Comenius) 
Duration: 2024–2028 
NPI Project Manager: RNDr. Pavel Strunz, CSc.
E-mail: strunz@ujf.cas.cz

FerrMion strengthens research on smart materials by investigating ferroic and multiferroic phenomena, including shape-memory alloys and materials with coupled electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties. The NPI team focuses on multiscale characterization and ion-beam engineering of ferroic materials, as well as the development of specialized instrumentation such as an MBE system for hybrid ferroic layers. The project aims to advance applications in energy technologies, robotics and medicine. 
More on the project website: FerrMion 

You can find more information about the Programme Johannes Amos Comenius projects on this site.

European international cooperation 

RIANA  

Provider: Horizon Europe 
Duration: 2024–2028 
NPI Project Manager: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D.
E-mail: mackova@ujf.cas.cz

RIANA enhances European research in nanoscience and nanotechnology by coordinating access to 69 state-of-the-art research infrastructures across 22 countries. The project, coordinated by DESY, connects seven major European RI networks and provides tailored access for both curiosity-driven and challenge-driven research. NPI contributes primarily through the Tandetron Laboratory, offering infrastructure for studies in nanoscience, materials modification and semiconductor research at the atomic scale. 
More on the project website: RIANA 

ReMade@ARI 

Provider: Horizon Europe (co-funded by UKRI and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation) 
Duration: 2022–2026 
NPI Project Manager: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D.
E-mail: mackova@ujf.cas.cz

ReMade@ARI supports the development of next-generation recyclable materials by providing access to Europe’s leading analytical research infrastructures. Scientists gain the tools to investigate material properties down to the atomic scale, enabling innovations in areas such as electronics, batteries, construction, packaging, plastics and textiles. The project serves as the central European hub for research and development of materials for a circular economy and coordinates access to dozens of analytical infrastructures, including those at NPI. 
More on the project website: ReMade@ARI 

You can find more information about the European international cooperation projects on this site.

National projects 

GA 23-06702S

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2023-2025
Proposer: RNDr. Petr Malinský Ph.D., NPI CAS
Co-proposer: Ing. Jan Luxa Ph.D., UCT
Title: Graphene oxide electronic structure modulation by intentional doping and defect introduction by ion beams for microelectronics, catalysts and sensors
Original title in Czech: Změny elektronové struktury oxidu grafenu cíleným dopováním a modulací defektů iontovými svazky pro mikroelektroniku, katalýzu a senzoriku

Interaction of energetic ions will be used for study of changes of graphene derivatives electron structure with subsequent change of their electric, sensoric and catalytic properties. The ion lithography, with light and medium-heavy ions allows formation of integrated structures in non-conductive graphene oxide (GO) and conductive graphene (G). The electron stopping of light ions with MeV energies leads in GO to conductive domains production and in G to conductivity decrease and defect formation. These two effects can be used for preparation of complex microstructures for flexible micro-electronics and micro-sensors. Ion implantation through a stencil mask allows with suitably chosen ion-parameters (fluence, mass, energy) to create 3D microstructures consisting of metal nanoparticles and graphene derivatives. Prepared structures would offer extraordinary electrical, sensoric and photocatalytic properties which will be studied by broad spectrum of analytical methods in relation to elemental composition, electronic structure and chemical bonds.
More on STARFOS: GA 23-06702S  

GA 22-10536S

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2022-2024
Proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D., NPI CAS
Co-proposer: Mgr. Jan Malý Ph.D., UJEP
Title: Advanced nano/microstructure creation using ion and electron beam surface modification with potential use in microfluid and lab-on-chip applications
Original title in Czech: Tvorba pokročilých nano/mikrostruktur s využitím iontových a elektronových svazků pro potenciální aplikace v mikrofluidních a lab-on-chip aplikacích

The interactions of energetic ions and electrons with the surfaces of thermoplastics and glasses will be used to obtain new hierarchical morphologies at the nano and micro level in order to achieve advanced optical, fluid and bio-active properties. Focused ions with MeV energies with different masses, chemical properties and also electrons will be used for direct lithography and lithography using a mask to create more complex 3D structures in thermoplastics (COC, COP, PET) and glass. At the same time, a detailed research of changes in mechanical properties, chemical structure, elemental composition and morphology of surfaces due to the predominant effects of electronic energy transfer and ionization in the surface layer induced by ions. Irradiated pretreated structures with functionalized surfaces will be used for lithographic experiments. The main goal is to gain basic knowledge about the creating a complex 3D microstructure in selected materials that will have advanced morphologies, and combined functional properties for applications in microfluidic and lab-on-chip structures.
More on STARFOS: GA 22-10536S  

GA 19-02482S

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2019-2021
Proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D., NPI CAS
Co-proposer: prof. Ing. Petr Slepička Ph.D., UCT
Title: Ion beam writing synthesis of novel microstructures in advanced polymers and nanocomposites
Original title in Czech: Syntéza pokročilých mikrostruktur v inovativních polymerech a nanokompozitech metodou mikrostrukturování iontovým svazkem

The project is dealing with the intentional synthetization of microstructures in novel polymers for novel electronics, optics and microfluid systems application using focused ion beams with the basic attempt on ion beam modification of various chosen polymers and nanocomposites containing nanoparticles as well as the ion microbeam analysis of the prepared microstructures. The prepared microstructures will be synthetized by ion beam and laser writing in polymers and in nanocomposites; furthermore swift heavy ion irradiation will be used for modification nanoparticle size and morphology in nanoparticle-polymer composites with attempt to prepare the micro-systems with the advanced optical and electric properties. Inorganic (oxides, noble metal) or organic nanoparticles shape and size modification in nano composites will be accomplished energetic focused ion beam treatment. The ion beam induced microstructure morphology, chemical and structural modification of irradiated polymers and nanocomposites, created highly crosslinked structure, stability and dynamics is mandatory to be studied.
More on STARFOS: GA 19-02482S  

GA 18-03346S

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2018-2020
Proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková, Ph.D., NPI CAS
Co-proposer: Doc. Ing. Pavla Nekvindová, Ph.D., UCT
Title: Optical active centers and microstructuring in ZnO and cubic ZrO2
Original title in Czech: Vytváření optických center a mikrostrukturování v ZnO a kubickém ZrO2

The project is dealing with the intentional synthetization of optical active centers using energetic ion beams in ZnO and ZrO2. Nowadays ZnO is highly attractive material prospective in the form of thin layers or nanowires for nanosized optical devices with functionalized semiconductor surfaces as a recently established breakthrough concept. Both materials are highly resistant to radiation exposure. The ion beam induced defects, color centers, created defect stability and dynamics is mandatory to be studied for the proposed applications as inert matrix for actinide transmutation or optical applications. Both materials will be intentionally modified by ion beam irradiation in the broad spectrum of masses and energies which will be accompanied by detailed structural, optical studies, simulation of ion and matrix ballistic processes induced by ion beams and DFT simulations. The high attention will be paid to the influence of various crystallographic orientations behaviour under ion beam irradiation and its different physical feedback under the ion beam is expected.
More on STARFOS: GA 18-03346S 

GA 16-05167S

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2016-2018
Proposer: Ing. Zdeněk Sofer Ph.D., UCT
Co-proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D., NPI CAS
Title: Ion beam modifications of graphene based structures
Original title in Czech: Použití iontových svazků pro modifikace struktur založených na grafenu

The research focused on graphene and other 2D materials is in the forefront of materials science. The proposed project addresses the investigation of graphene based materials (graphene and its composites with transition metal dichalcogenides) interaction with ion beams. The ion beam irradiation depending on the used ion beam parameters induces formation of defects, structural disorder and introduction of dopants. Only few works have been published on the proposed topic so far; however, most of the unusual properties of 2D materials like exotic ferromagnetism, anomalously high electrical and thermal conductivity or electrocatalytic activity are associated with this phenomenon. The project will be focused on ion beam irradiation of various graphene forms, such as bulk powder, assembled papers and CVD deposited layers. In addition, the composites of graphene with transition metal dichalcogenides in the form of papers and CVD layers will be investigated.
More on STARFOS: GA 16-05167S 

GA 15-01602S

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2015-2017
Proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D., NPI CAS
Co-proposer: RNDr. Jan Lorinčík CSc., UFE CAS, Ing. Pavla Nekvindová Ph.D., UCT
Title: Creation and characterization of optical nanostructures by energetic ion beams
Original title in Czech: Příprava a charakterizace optických nanostruktur energetickými iontovými svazky

Nanostructures for optics and photonics will be deposited in crystals and amorphous materials using ion implantation, which offers a many possibilities of the functional devices preparation. We will focus on a more detailed study of single crystal materials and glasses implanted by metal and light ions. The combination of appropriate substrate and implanted ion enables us to prepare materials with the desired properties (optical, electrical). Our intention is to define relation between the nano-particles morphology and the optical properties (band gap, photoluminescence), structural changes and dopant positioning in the host matrix. Energetic ions modifying solid materials will be used for the fundamental study of stopping powers of ions in solid compounds and simultaneously will be provided validation of semi-empirical models used in simulation. The simulations and knowledge of empirical stopping powers are irreplaceable in nanostructure synthesis using ion implantation. Measurement of ion stopping in compounds will be realized using transmission and backscattering ion beam methods.
More on STARFOS: GA 15-01602S 

P 108/12/G108

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2012-2018
Proposer: Prof. Ing. Václav Švorčík, DrSc., UCT
Co-proposer: Ing. Alexander Kromka, Ph.D., FZU CAS, MUDr. Lucie Bačáková, CSc., IPHYS CAS, Mgr. Jiří Vacík, CSc., NPI CAS
Title: Preparation, modification and characterization of materials by radiation
Original title in Czech: Příprava, modifikace a charakterizace materiálů zářením

This project, aiming at preparation of novel micro – and nano-structured materials and systems, their modification by radiation and other techniques, their characterization by full arsenal of diagnostic methods available at participant laboratories, and the study of their chemical, physico-chemical and bio-properties, is inherently multidisciplinary and its goals cannot be achieved under standard research financing. Cooperation of 4 participants will lead to strong synergetic effect on common research. Attention will be paid to systems with potential application in medicine, tissue engineering, microelectronics, optoelectronics and sensor construction and further to processes of diffusion, aggregation, self-organization, material degradation by irradiation, interaction of cells with new materials and effects of radiation on biological objects (e.g. living cells). Nuclear analytical techniques will be used in material and biomedical and environmental research. The project will involve master and PhD students, who will asquire partical experience in multidisciplinary research.

SPIRIT U1327500299137

Provider: European Comission 
2012
Proposer: RNDr. Anna Macková, PhD., NPI CAS
Title: Preparation and study of optical structures prepared by ion implantation
Original title in Czech: Příprava a studium optických struktur připravených pomocí iontové implantace

The materials doped by erbium ions are currently used for optical signal amplification or generation. Important factors influencing the luminescence properties of a lasing ion is the surounding crystal field. In this project we would like to use the ion-implantation technique followed by subsequent annealing as a useful way to influence the crystal field of implanted ion in LiNbO3, ZnO and special glasses. This project continue in previous projects SPIRIT No. 117 (2011) and RITA No. 025646 (2007-2009).

GAP 108/11/0958

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2011-2015
Proposer: Doc. Mgr. Jakub Čížek, Ph.D., FMP CUNI
Co-proposer: RNDr. Vladimír Havránek, CSc., NPI CAS, Ing. Ján Lančok, Ph.D., IPHYS CAS
Title: Investigation of point defects in ZnO and their interaction with hydrogen and nitrogen
Original title in Czech: Výzkum bodových defektů v ZnO a studium jejich interakce s vodíkem a dusíkem

Complex investigations of point defects in ZnO are proposed in the present project. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) including also variable energy PAS using slow positron beam will be used as a principal technique for defect studies. State-of-art ab-initio theoretical calculations will be employed for interpretation of PAS data. Defects in ZnO single crystals will be compared with those in epitaxial and nanocrystalline ZnO thin films. Defects studies will be combined with electrical (temperature-dependent Hall effect, deep level transient spectroscopy) and optical (photoluminescence, optical transmission) measurements in order to find a link between predominant defect configurations and specific electrical and optical properties of ZnO samples. Moreover, in the present project we intend to investigate interaction of hydrogen and nitrogen with point defects in ZnO and influence hydrogen and nitrogen on electrical and optical properties. A new UHV chamber for on-line sputtering of ZnO films will be constructed and connected to slow positron beam. This novel setup enables to perform variable energy PAS investigations of thin ZnO films in-situ during film deposition. It gives us an exclusive possibility to investigate formation of defects and incorporation of impurities into ZnO lattice during film growth.

GA 106/09/0125

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2009-2013
Proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková, PhD., NPI CAS
Co-proposer: Prof. Ing. Václav Švorčík, DrSc., UCT, Doc. Ing. Olga Bláhová, Ph.D., UWB
Title: Preparation and characterization of metal/polymer structures
Original title in Czech: Příprava a vlastnosti struktur kov/polymer

The interactions between metals and polymers will be studied using complementary analytical techniques on different metal-polymer and metal-polymer-metal systems. The research is of interest from the fundamental point of view and for broad practical utilization of metal coated polymers in analytical chemistry, electronics, food packaging etc. The specimens will be prepared by sputtering or vacuum deposition of 10-100 nm thick layers of different metals Au, Ag, Pd and Pt on various polymers PET, PMMA, PE and PTFE. The structure characterization will be provided using profilometer, TEM, AAS spectroscopy, RBS, ERD). The electrical resistance and magnetic properties will be measured. Nanointendenter device will be used for the determination of the layers adhesion. The layer morphology will be studied using AFM and SEM. Ion implantation and ion assisted mixing of metal particles and polymer structure will be used for composite preparation. For mobility and diffusion study of metals in polymer substrate RBS, XPS will be used.

GA 104/09/1269

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2009-2012
Proposer: Prof. RNDr. Ondrej Gedeon, Ph.D., UCT
Co-proposer: RNDr. Vratislav Peřina, CSc., NPI CAS, Mgr. Karel Jurek, CSc., IPHYS CAS
Title: Changes in structure and properties of silicate glass irradiated with high-energy particles
Original title in Czech: Změny ve struktuře a vlastnostech křemičitých skel ozářených vysokoenergetickými částicemi

Silicate glass is one of the most important and widely spread technical materials. It is frequently used in the applications where it is exposed to the particle radiations of different energies. Therefore, it is very important to study the changes in glass caused by the radiation both from technical applications point of view (changes in glass properties) as well as from point of view of glass science (changes in glass structure). The project will perform a systematic investigation of changes in glass structure and properties caused by electrons irradiation in different energy ranges from about 3 keV up to MeV's and by proton irradiation (MeV). The compositional changes and inhomogeneities on the micron scale will be characterized by EPMA. Evolution of structural changes will be studied by XPS, NMR, and Raman spectroscopy. Surface topographies will be characterized by AFM and SEM. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulations will be used as a theoretical tool for the interpretation of the experimental findings. Chemical durability of glass irradiated with electrons/protons will be established and nanoindentation methods will be used for the characterization of mechanical properties. Expected results may enhance the applicability of glass and improve its limiting properties.

GA 104/09/0621

Provider: Czech Science Foundation
2009-2011
Proposer: prof. Ing. David Sedmidubský Dr., UCT
Co-proposer: Ing. Dr. Jiří Hejtmánek CSc., IPHYS CAS, prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D., NPI CAS
Title: ZnO-based magnetic semiconductors
Original title in Czech: Magnetické polovodiče na bázi ZnO

The semiconductors based on ZnO doped by magnetic impurities belong to a new class of advanced materials, dilute magnetic semiconductors, which have recently received much experimental and theoretical attention as a suitable spin source for spintronic applications. Some of the highly doped wide band gap materials like (Zn,Mn)O reveal a ferromagnetic like behavior near and above room temperature, which is considered as a major criterium for spintronic applications. The present project focuses on material and technological aspects of transition metal (TM) and rare earth (RE) doped ZnO thin films fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. The TM and RE elements will be incorporated either by ion implantation followed by annealing or by in-situ MOCVD using MO precursors as TM sources. The corresponding bulk materials will be prepared by ceramic route or as single crystals. The sythetized materials will be chemically and structurally characterized and their magnetic and electric transport properties will be thoroughly examined. The thermodynamic and electronic structure calculations will be used as auxiliary tools to model the MOCVD process and to interpret the physical properties.

LC 06041

Provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
2006-2011
Proposer: Doc. Ing. Vladimír Hnatowicz, DrSc., NPI CAS
Title: Preparation, modification and characterization of materials by energetic radiation
Original title in Czech: Příprava, modifikace a charakterizace materiálů energetickým zářením

Preparation and characterization of prospective materials and structures by energetic radiation, upgrading of experimental base of partners, interconnection of universities and academic institutes in research and student education. Basic research topics will be: Modification of polymers by ion beams, plasma and chemical dotation; Electric properties of semiconductors modified by ion beams; Radiation degradation of selected materials; Development and usage of new types of detectors of ionizing radiation; Latent ion tracks in polymers and their usage in construction of sensors; Nano- and micro-structures based on polymers and carbon allotropes and their usage in bio-medicine; Diffusion processes on metal-dielectric boundaries and selforganization in metal-carbon allotropes systems; New materials for opto-electronics based on LiNbO3, LiTaO3, GaN, SiC and polymers; Modification of metal films and nanoparticles by carboran derivatives and controlled chemical reactions on surfaces.

KJB 100480601

Provider: Czech Academy of Sciences
2006-2008
Proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Macková Ph.D., NPI CAS
Title: Ion beam analysis study of crystalline structures
Original title in Czech: Využití iontových svazků při studiu krystalických struktur

Main aim of the project is the characterization of the structures based on LiTaO3, single crystal SrTiO3, BaTiO3 and KTaO3 doped Pb, Mg materials using ion beam analysis. Crystalline structures investigated in this research are very promising for the preparation of planar lasers or are applicable in microelectronics – high permittivity materials. The dopant depth profiles, stoichiometry of crystalline structures will be measured by RBS, ERDA and PIXE.The positions of the interstitial dopants in doped crystals and the crystal modification under the used deposition technologies can be determined by the innovative analytical technique (RBS-channeling) and the crystal lattice changes will be studied by comparative method XRD in collaboration with Forschungzentrum Rossendorf. The important part will be the study of superlattice structures and their interfaces using RBS-channeling. The results of the above mentioned analyses will be confronted with properties of the prepared structures.

COST 527.001

Provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
2001-2005
Co-proposer: prof. RNDr. Anna Mackova, PhD., NPI CAS
Title: Analysis of Plasma Polymer Thin Films by the nuclear analytical methods
Original title in Czech: Analýza plasmaticky připravených polymerních tenkých vrstev jadernými analytickými metodami

The proposed project was focused on the analysis and characterization of thin films prepared by plasma polymerization or plasma deposition. Study of polymer composites synthesis, metal/polymer structures and materials for wear resistant, optical and electronics applications as well as for sensors. The NPI team served in characterization of prepared polymers, composites using ion beam analytical methods for elemental depth profiling, provided irradiation modified polymers and investigated diffusion processes within. The work on the project was accomplished in close collaboration with the Charles University – Department of Macromolecular Physics (production of polymer films and plasma deposited thin films), the J.Evangelista Purkyne University (Atomic Force Microscopy of film surface), Masaryk University in Brno and foreign partners within broad COST frame work. The results obtained by nuclear analytical methods at NPI will be correlated and combined with the results obtained by other alternative techniques (AFM, STM) to obtain more complete characterization of the thin films. The main goal of the proposed investigation is to optimize the deposition technique of plasma deposited and polymeric thin films and to improve their properties.