Research at the Institute of Physical Engineering
Research at the Institute of Physical Engineering focuses on applied physics and nanotechnology. Our research activities concentrate on several key areas, including surface physics and nanostructures, optics and optical materials, micromechanics of materials, and technical acoustics. Our scientists and students engage in advanced projects that combine theoretical modeling with experimental methods, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for their work.
IPE is renowned for its international collaboration and successful acquisition of prestigious grants, which enable us to conduct research at a global level. Our researchers publish their findings in reputable scientific journals and frequently present at international conferences.
Connections to CEITEC BUT
The close collaboration between the Institute of Physical Engineering and CEITEC BUT is crucial for our research activities. Our staff and students utilize the clean rooms and state-of-the-art laboratories at CEITEC Nano, which provide access to modern technologies and equipment, such as deposition apparatuses and electron microscopes.
The personnel connection involves sharing expertise and experience among researchers from both institutions. Our scientists collaborate on joint projects and publish their findings in scientific journals. Students and doctoral candidates are actively engaged in research activities at CEITEC BUT.
This synergy allows our students and researchers to benefit from a wide range of expertise and technical skills essential for success in applied physics and nanotechnology. The connection with CEITEC BUT helps us remain at the forefront of scientific research and deliver innovative solutions to current challenges in both industry and academia.
Research areas
The Institute of Physical Engineering (IPE) includes several specialized research groups that focus on advanced research in various areas of applied physics and nanotechnology.
THESE GROUPS AND THEIR RESEARCH DIRECTIONS ARE:
Head of the Department: Tomáš Šikola
Surface Physics, Thin Films, and Nanostructures
This research group focuses on the preparation and analysis of solid surfaces, studying the interactions of atoms, molecules, and ions with surfaces, and applying this knowledge to the fabrication and characterization of nanostructures (e.g. nanofibers, nanocrystals), 2D materials, and (ultra)thin films.
Nanophotonics
This group investigates the interaction of light with nanostructures, harnessing plasmonic and photoluminescent effects of nanostructures to modify the optical response of material surfaces and to enhance the resolution of microscopic methods, while also developing dielectric optical metasurfaces.
nanoelectronics
This group focuses on the study of graphene and other 2D nanostructures, their integration with additional nanostructures (e.g. nanocrystals), and their use in the development of nanoelectronic components – for example, 2D FET (bio)sensors.
nanomagnetism
Research here centers on spin waves (magnonics), magnetization dynamics, and spintronic phenomena in magnetic nanostructures.
Methods and Instruments for Correlative and Operando Microscopy
This group develops and applies microscopic and spectroscopic methods and instruments for studying surfaces, thin films, and nanostructures, with a particular focus on correlative and operando electron, probe, and optical microscopy and spectroscopy.
Advanced Methods of Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy
This group addresses theoretical and experimental aspects of shaping electron beams with light, and develops new methods of electron microscopy and spectroscopy for material analysis and nanophotonics.
Head of the Department: Radim Chmelík
Advanced Light Microscopy and Biophotonics
This group focuses on coherently controlled holographic microscopy of living cells and metasurfaces, as well as the development of new optical imaging systems.
X-ray CT
The group is engaged in imaging the internal structure of objects for industrial and biological applications.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) / Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIFS)
Researchers here analyze and diagnose samples for biological, industrial, and space applications.
Head of the Department: Pavel Šandera
Micromechanics of materials
The group studies atomic, mesoscopic, and macroscopic processes of deformation and fracture of materials.
Fatigue and Fracture of Materials
The research focuses on uniaxial and multiaxial mechanical loading, the investigation of fatigue in specialized materials, and quantitative fractography.
Technical acoustics
This group provides technical services, including the measurement of elastic and anelastic properties of materials, digital sound modeling, and noise measurement in various environments.