Institute of Physics
On sensing mechanism of chemiresistive nanostrutured sensors based on metal oxides
Analýza mechanizmu detekcie chemoodporových nanoštruktúrovaných senzorov na báze oxidov kovov
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Ivančo Ján DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Boom in chemiresistive (ChR) sensors of gas/vapors in large extent relies on screening of various available, especially nanostructured (NS) active layers based on metal oxides and their modifications, namely material, structural or morphological ones. Their sensing properties have been studied in numerous exp. studies; bulk of studies has essentially descriptive character only.
The proposed project aims to verification of an alternative model of the sensing mechanism of ChR films, thus the mechanism governing the conductivity change of NS layer upon adsorption of detected gaseous analytes. We assume that the primary mechanism of conductivity change of adsorbents is not the formation of a subsurface area of spatial charge, as it has been commonly presumed, but the work function change of the adsorbent surface. The proposed concept, if confirmed, would allow to predict or to optimize the ChR behavior of the pair active-layer/analyte, thereby increasing the efficiency and selectivity of the ChR gas sensors. |
Analysis of microstructure formation and its influence on selected properties of lead-free solders
Analýza tvorby mikroštruktúry a jej vplyv na vybrané vlastnosti bezolovnatých spájok
Zero-excess solid-state lithium batteries
Bezanódové tuholátkové lítiové batérie
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Nádaždy Vojtech CSc. |
| Annotation: | The zero-excess solid-state battery (SSB) concept, also known as an anode-free battery, where the anode is
formed in-situ at the interface between solid-state electrolyte (SSE) and current collector (CC), is preferred due to
additional energy density gain, reduction in material and cell production costs, and simplification of recycling. In
addition, the lower amount of Li required reduces Li supply problems and the likelihood of undesirable reactions.
This concept has already been demonstrated for liquid cells, and recently the first zero-excess SSBs (ZESSBs)
have been demonstrated. Nevertheless, ZESSB technology is still in its infancy due to the inherent challenges
related to the in-situ formation of Li anode, which limits battery performance. To infer knowledge-based
optimization strategies, a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes involved during anode formation at
the interface between SSE and CC is required. The central hypothesis of ZERO project is that by real-time
monitoring of Li deposition rate, wetting and/or alloying, and mechanical stress at the SSE/CC interface, we can
optimize and tailor SSBs providing higher capacity and cycling lifetime. This can be achieved by controlling
charge/discharge currents, appropriate alloy-forming interlayers, and managing internal stresses by external loads.
The main aim of ZERO project is to develop optimal alloy-forming interlayers and charging strategies to achieve the high capacity and cycling lifetime of ZESSBs. This will be enabled and connected with the developing and/or
updating methodologies that will facilitate experimental monitoring and a better conceptual understanding of the
growth phenomena involved in the formation of the Li anode in ZESSBs. To this end, we will develop novel
laboratory and synchrotron techniques to explore ZESSB-related phenomena under in operando conditions. |
Carbon-based particulate micro- and mesoporous materials from natural precursors
Časticové mikro- a mezopórovité materiály na báze uhlíka z prírodných prekurzorov
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Maťko Igor CSc. |
| Annotation: | The presented project includes basic research in the field of particulate micro- and mesoporous carbon-based materials (PCM) with significant application impacts. It represents an original approach to the development of a method for the preparation of several types of PCM with significant sorption properties and a wide application potential. To optimize their use it is necessary to know in detail their physical properties (microstructure and porosity) and find a connection between the conditions during the formation of PCM (carbonization) and resulting microstructure, which is the first intention of the project. The originality lies in the combination of different physical methods of studying PCM, using standard sophisticated techniques (electron microscopy) as well as non-standard methods such as positron annihilation spectroscopy, thermoporosimetry and gamma spectrometry. Another purpose is to find procedures for the appropriate modification of PCM and elaboration of composites for several applications. |
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Dimenzionálna redukcia transportných rovníc v priestorovo obmedzených systémoch
Resource Efficient Algorithms for Quantum Computers in NISQ Era
Efektívne algoritmy pre kvantové počítanie v ére NISQ
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
doc. RNDr. Plesch Martin PhD. |
| Annotation: | Conventional supercomputers seem to be outpaced by increasing demand for computational power when developing new drugs, modeling nanoparticles or assessing problems in materials science and nuclear physics. Quantum computers are expected to provide exponentially growing power thanks to their use of quantum effects and indications of so-called quantum advantage have been demonstrated. Unfortunately, the current capabilities of quantum computers are rather limited by numerous issues. Because of them, the quantum computing performed nowadays is described as the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era.
Currently the most promising algorithms for practical purposes are hybrid algorithms, where only part of calculation is performed by a quantum computer. An example of such an algorithm, is the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE), which calculates the smallest eigen-value of an input matrix. Within this project we aim to develop resource efficient methods of VQE that would work on existing quantum computers. |
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Efektívne interakcie v nízkoteplotnej termodynamike coulombovských systémov
Superconducting spintronics and emergent phenomena in low/dimensional superconductors
Emergentné javy a spintronika supravodičov v systémoch s redukovanou dimenziou
| Duration: |
1.5.2022 - 30.4.2027 |
| Program: |
IMPULZ |
| Project leader: |
doc. Mgr. Kochan Denis PhD. |
| Annotation: | From a broader perspective the Superconducting spintronics is vastly expanding field that strives to utilize spintronics phenomena and transfer its applications into the realm of superconductivity. While the latter can support dissipation-less charge transport, and also topologically protected (e.g. Majorana) modes, the former can make use of electron spin for encoding and processing information. For these reasons, one may hope to launch a spin-driven superconducting device that would be, on one hand, very efficient in terms of energy demands, and on the other hand, would offer computational functionalities operating on quantum principles. The beauty of the above idea rests in its simplicity, but as always, devil is hidden in details. To bring such spintronics vision into an operating platform one would need superconducting materials that promote unconventional pairing of electrons into Cooper pairs. Unfortunately, Nature does not give us “free of charge” unconventional superconductors with all those wonderful properties. However, it offers us, instead, “smaller pieces of material-lego” that when being proximitized along each other engender the “scaffolded synthetic hybrid systems” owning effective unconventional pairing (and even much more). Such proximity effects, which are central to my proposal, represent a versatile platform to 1) control and functionalize spin, orbital, topological and magnetic properties of the constituting subsystems by external means – gating, temperature gradients, chemical composition, band structure engineering etc.; and 2) synthetize quasi-2D interfaces promoting an unconventional superconducting pairing and them associated topological bound states (Majoranas, Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states, Caroli-de Gennes-Matricon vortex states, etc.). From the specific point of views, my research ambitions within this programme count particularly two scientific projects: (A) Spin relaxation phenomena in low-dimensional (un)conventional superconductors, and (B) Topological states engineered through proximity effect – superconductivity on the edge. |
Phenomenological modeling of particle structure
Fenomenologické modelovanie štruktúry častíc
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Bartoš Erik PhD. |
| Annotation: | Recent measurements at accelerators with high intense colliding beams place great emphasis on the accurate evaluation of observables. In order to describe the particle structure eruditely, it is necessary to have a suitable model that is consistent with the measured data. Not all theoretical models dealing with electromagnetic structure give a plausible description. It turns out that models based on various analytical properties of the S-matrix, unitarity, causality, locality of interactions, and other assumptions posses such capabilities. The project goal is to investigate the electromagnetic structure of selected particles from the perspective of a model that has these properties builtin. The second project goal will be evaluation of observables in terms of the covariant quark model
for heavy meson decays, focusing specifically on those decays that have the potential to contribute to explain the physics behind the Standard Model and are also will be the subject of research at current accelerators. |
Nanoengineered Trojan hybrid for site-responsive phototherapy of recurrent glioblastomas
Fototerapia rekurentných glioblastómov s nádorovo špecifickým trójskym hybridom optimalizovaným na nano-úrovni
| Duration: |
1.9.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Jergel Matej DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and is generally always fatal. Recurrence after initial eradication is extremely high and tumors appear locally with increased resistance to therapy. Locally mediated photothermal therapy is a highly promising treatment option for glioblastoma. It allows the destruction of the tumor using heat as a drug-free tumor treatment, thus bypassing glioblastoma heterogeneity, blood-brain barrier limitations, and conventional drug resistance mechanisms, without affecting the surrounding healthy tissues. Implantable or injectable hydrogel matrices are able to transport therapy agents to the tumor site and unload upon stimuli. Although there are numerous studies describing such structures for glioblastoma treatment, they mainly focus on more efficient local drug or immunotherapy mediator’s delivery. Moreover, up until now, these studies lacked detailed nanoscale investigation of nano-bio conjugates’ properties and activity on a fundamental nano-level. The NanoGlow project aims to develop i) functional “Trojan horse” hydrogels with embedded photothermal nanoparticle conjugates, ii) validated in vitro and iii) complemented with state-of-the-art structural and chemical mapping at the nanoscale. Photothermal, pH-responsive MoOx nanoparticles will be conjugated with tumor-homing RGD peptides and embedded in nontoxic, biodegradable poly-(2-oxazoline)- and bio-sourced Tulipalin A-based matrices. Near-field nanoscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy Force Spectroscopy, and Confocal Raman Microscopy of nanoconjugate-hydrogel superstructures and in vitro samples will characterize nanoscale related phenomena observable at the macroscale. NanoGlow’s unique nano-to-macro approach will provide a basis for the application of the proposed hybrid structures in the fight against complex and hard-to-treat glioblastomas. |
Founding of A Quantum Computer group at IPSAS
Founding of A Quantum Computer group at IPSAS
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Fyzikálne vlastnosti nových kryoprotektívnych materiálov inšpirovaných prírodnými kryoprotektantami
Harmonic oscillator-inspired Particle Swarm Optimization applied to the Variational Quantum Eigensolver
Harmonic oscillator-inspired Particle Swarm Optimization applied to the Variational Quantum Eigensolver
Search for optimal structural and electronic properties of organic semiconductor thin films
Hľadanie optimálnych štruktúrnych a elektronických vlastností organických polovodičových vrstiev
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Nádaždy Vojtech CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project proposal is focused on the studies of the electronic structure of newly emerging organic
semiconductors for organic electronics. Since the DOS determines the optoelectronic properties, its
understanding and design are essential for all applications. The electronic structure will be investigated using the
electrochemical methods developed by our research team. Changes in the microstructure will be controlled by the
choice of a solvent and annealing conditions. Susceptibility to degradation in the air will be investigated as well.
Our planned research will be based on the combined use of experimental, theoretical, and computational
approaches. We will use the density-functional theory (DFT), the related DF tight-binding (DFTB) method and the
time-dependent DFT as theoretical bases for our calculations of the electronic structure. Geometry relaxation
techniques and molecular dynamics will be used to predict and simulate molecular structure and microstructure of
organic semiconductor films. |
Implementation of the concept of HEA atoms substitution in development of new materials prepared by different quenching and processing rates
Implementácia konceptu substitúcie HEA atómov pri vývoji nových materiálov pripravených rôznymi ochladzovacími a žíhacími rýchlosťami
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Švec Peter DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The project focus is preparation and implementation of the concept of substitution of existing equilibrium Wyckoff
crystallographic positions in known equilibrium crystalline lattice by different types of majority metal atoms consisting of a set of 3-5 additional/other suitable atoms. These atoms, so-called HEA atoms, will be selected in accordance with the principle of High Entropy Alloys (HEA) or compounds e.g. ceramics, dielectrics or oxides, to form a similar, mutually shared crystallographic structure with lattice parameters comparable to those of the original equilibrium unit cell and are inserted for the purpose of controlled optimization of physical properties of the system. Objects of application of such concept will be alloys derived from classical known HEA but also
systems forming metallic glasses of metal-metalloid type, porous catalytic materials, selected ceramics based on carbides and borides or oxides, using possibility to prepare systems in non-equilibrium state via different cooling rates. |
Indefinite Order Beyond Low Energy
Indefinite Order Beyond Low Energy
Multi Laser Configuration to Complement Emission Spectroscopy for Plasma Wall Interaction Studies; MW Enhancement, Fluorescence and Raman
Konfigurácia viacerých laserov na doplnenie emisnej spektroskopie pre štúdie interakcií plazmy so stenou MW zosilnenie, fluorescencia a Raman
Quantum Simulations and Modelling of Interaction Networks
Kvantové simulácie a modelovanie interakčých sietí
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Gendiar Andrej PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to simulate quantum systems to understand the mechanisms of quantum entanglement concerning the interactions among particles (electrons/spins and photons) that are exposed to various external fields, typically magnetic ones. In specific cases, quantum correlations may suddenly amplify, which is reflected in macroscopic quantities. In theory, they behave non-analytically, while in the experiment, maxima (minima) or sudden jump changes are observed. Our task is to numerically simulate these processes and classify them by entanglement entropy. Simulations combine theory with experimental measurements. While in theory, we can solve only a small number of problems exactly, numerical simulations can cover a relatively large area of non-trivial problems. In this project, we will explore new quantum systems using state-of-the-art numerical methods, which we will formulate and implement. We will design conditions for devices under which it will be possible to perform experimental measurements. |
Quantum Structures
Kvantové štruktúry
Alginate-based microcapsules with enhanced stability and biocompatibility for encapsulation of pancreatic islets in diabetes treatment
Mikrokapsuly na báze alginátu so zvýšenou stabilitou a biokompatibilitou pre enkapsuláciu pankreatických ostrovčekov v liečbe cukrovky
Designing quantum higher order structures
Navrhovanie kvantových štruktúr vyššieho rádu
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
doc. Mgr. Ziman Mário PhD. |
| Annotation: | The basis of today’s quantum technologies originates in quantum foundations research performed in the last century, which redefined the concept of information and set new theoretical limitations on information processing. This new information-theoretic perspective resulted in development of resource theories, general probabilistic theories and higher order quantum structures - the frameworks not only extending the quantum theory, but also enabling technologies beyond the quantum ones. DeQHOST will contribute to development of higher order concepts and methods, investigation of their mathematical frameworks, and optimizat ion of newly designed information processing protocols. The activities of the project are organized in three workpackages focused on higher order structures, resources and tasks, respectively. In particular, we plan to explore extensions and modification of the existing frameworks of higher order maps, in quantum theory and in the more general setting of operational theories, with the aim to unite their desirable features and maximize the scope of describable types of phenomena such as causal non-separability. Our goal is to understand how these frameworks can be utilized for optimization of tasks in future networks of quantum devices. One of the objectives will be the development of a higher order calculus for unitary channels. In our study of resources, we will concentrate on incompatibility of quantum instruments, channels and possible extensions to higher order maps. We will study memory effects as a resource for information processing and generalize a resource theoretic approach to quantum thermodynamics. Our findings will be applied to specific tasks as designing programmable quantum processors, discrimination of memory channels, comparison and convertibility of higher order maps and a study of complexity questions in the higher order setting. |
Neutron Radiography for Advanced Heat Exchangers
Neutrónová defektoskopia perspektívnych tepelných výmenníkov
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Operačná kvantová termodynamika
Towards Superior Perovskite-based Solar Cells via Optimized Passivation and Structure
Pokročilé perovskitové solárne články s optimalizovanou pasiváciou a štruktúrou
| Duration: |
1.7.2022 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Mrkývková Naďa PhD. |
| Annotation: | Solar cells (SCs) are one of the highly promising options for environmentally clean electricity production. Their role in our future energy mix depends on further reduction in system costs, and device efficiency is of key importance. Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites seem to be suitable candidates for next-generation photovoltaics, either in tandem with crystalline silicon solar cells or as a cheap/flexible thin-film alternative. Over the last few years, the power conversion efficiency of perovskite SCs has surpassed 25 %. However, its further increase is conditioned by the effective passivation of the detrimental defects at the perovskite interface and grain boundaries. This project is dedicated to understanding the role of defects in limiting photovoltaic performance and developing effective passivation routes to achieve further performance advances. Its innovation potential lies in increasing the efficiency of future SCs via targeting the defect-related nonradiative traps at the surfaces and interfaces and their efficient passivation. The project combines the different expertise and various experimental techniques of three partners intending to translate the acquired new scientific knowledge of defect passivation in hybrid perovskites into technological advances. |
Processing and performance of critical-elements-free hard and soft magnetic materials for sustainable development
Príprava a vlastnosti magneticky tvrdých a mäkkých materiálov bez kritických prvkov pre trvalo udržateľný rozvoj
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Progresívne prírodné izolačné materiály pre drevostavby - laboratórny a in-situ výskum vlastností
Quantum entanglement network applications
Quantum entanglement network applications
Growth and optical characterization of 2D materials: MoTe2, WTe2, PtTe2
Rast a optická charakterizácia 2D materiálov: MoTe2, WTe2, PtTe2
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Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov ohrozených vojnovým konfliktom na Ukrajine č. 1025/2022
Tensor Network States: Algorithms and Applications
Tensor Network States: Algorithms and Applications
Ternary chalcogenide perovskites for photovoltaics
Ternárne chalkogenidové perovskity pre fotovoltaiku
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Jergel Matej DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The goal of the proposed project is the synthesis of ternary chalcogenides with perovskite structure and systematic characterization of the relationship between the composition, structure, optical properties, thermal and chemical stability with the potential in the application in photovoltaics, or other optoelectronics. The result will be a set of prepared pure ternary chalcogenides in the form of crystalline powders and thin films with known, as well as newly prepared compositions and a comprehensive characterization of their optical and electronic properties, as well as thermal and chemical stability. Ternary chalcogenides will be prepared also by wet approach at lower temperature up to 350 °C in the form of nanocrystals which will be characterized in terms of their structure and morphology. Proof-of-concept solar cell will be prepared, which has not yet been reported in the literature. The optimization will be done based on performance measurements. |
Shape coexistence in atomic nuclei
Tvarová koexistencia v atómových jadrách
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Herzáň Andrej PhD. |
| Annotation: | The manifestation of shape coexistence in nuclei with one closed shell was recognized already forty years ago. It is likely to occur in all nuclei. If it was possible to perform shell-model calculations in a sufficiently large space, intruder states and their deformations should appear. Currently, such calculations are not generally possible. Experimentally, we observe real structures characterized by E2 transitions, with different quadrupole moments and reduced transition strengths, i.e., B(E2) values. To determine the B(E2) values from the measured data, it is necessary to know the lifetimes of the respective excited states and the branching ratios of the corresponding electromagnetic transitions. In the project, we will focus on the experimental determination of these quantities in stable nuclei near Z = 20, 50, for which it is possible to perform measurements with ultrahigh statistics. At the same time, we will continue the research program focused on the systematic study of neutron-deficient odd-mass Au. |
Shape coexistence in odd-Au isotopes
Tvarová koexistencia v izotopoch zlata
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
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| Project leader: |
Mgr. Venhart Martin DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Goal of the project is further development of the the TATRA spectrometer. It will be used for studies of shape coexistence in odd-mass Au isotopes. Method of simultaneous gamma-ray and conversion-electron spectroscopy. Namely, the 185Au isotope will be studied. Experiment has already been approved by CERN Council. |
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Výskum a optimalizácia vlastností štruktúr na báze čierneho c-Si a čierneho poly-Si pre výrobu veľkoplošných vysokoúčinných slnečných článkov
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Zdroje previazaných párov fotónov pre základné štúdie, metrológiu a kvantovú komunikáciu
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
MSc. Aktas Djeylan Vincent Ceylan PhD. |
| Annotation: | Entanglement is an amazing resource that can enable various applications and is at the heart of many fields of research. The goal of this project is to design, build and engineer several photon pair sources in order to investigate ways to design and improve new protocols for quantum communication, to develop new QKD prototype solutions for a national testbed, to demonstrate quantum advantage in quantum sensing applications or simply to study the fundamental nature of entanglement. To this end we will use the latest technologies in order to build state-of-the-art photon pair sources and push forward with integrated photonics to get innovative and lower
footprint devices. |
Changes of microstructure and physical properties of crosslinked polymers in bulk and under confined conditions of macro- and mesopores
Zmeny mikroštruktúry a fyzikálnych vlastností zosieťovaných polymérov v objeme a v uväznených podmienkach makro- a mezopórov
| Duration: |
1.7.2022 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Šauša Ondrej CSc. |
| Annotation: | The presented project will deal with the free-volume properties of polymer networks cured by new processes and their consequences on some physical properties, especially thermal properties around the glass transition and material properties. Polymers that are used in many applications based on dimethacrylates and epoxides will be investigated. They will be cured by a common and controlled polymerization as well as by the frontal polymerization. From the lifetime of the external positronium probe, the sizes of the inter-molecular free volumes will be determined and the changes in local free volumes during the curing processes as well as their dependences on the external parameters (temperature) will be examinated. Differences in the microstructure of polymers prepared in different ways will be determined, both in bulk and in the confined conditions of macro- and mesopores. Processes leading to different microstructural inhomogeneities of polymers will be investigated as a consequence of both the different crosslinking mechanisms of materials studied and the external conditions. The obtained free-volume characteristics will be compared with the results of other characterization techniques (FTIR, NIR, DSC, SEM, photo-rheometry, dielectric spectroscopy). The physical bonds will be studied which influence the properties of the polymer network in both bulk and confined states. |
The total number of projects: 36
