Material Science and Technology

Materials Engineering and Technology – covers the following fields: multidisciplinary sciences, multidisciplinary materials science, applied physics, metallurgy & metallurgical engineering, nuclear science & technology.

Team leader: dr hab. Anna Zawadzka, prof. NCU.

The scientific activity of the Material Science and Technology research field focuses on thematic areas including:

• fabrication and characterization of multifunctional materials in the form of thin films and nanostructures,
• investigation of thermal properties of mixed crystals,
• searching for scintillation materials,
• development of vacuum technologies for the production of thin films and nanostructures as well as high-pressure methods of crystal growth.

The fabrication, characterization and development of new materials with original physical properties are key elements in the development of future technologies. The search of interesting multifunctional materials for applications in photovoltaics and non-linear optics is one of the most important topics of contemporary materials engineering and nanotechnology. The aim of the research is to optimize the physical and chemical parameters of thin films and nanostructures based on various materials with desirable properties for applications in photovoltaics, optoelectronics and nonlinear optics. Absorptive materials with a perovskite structure, organic materials (including supramolecules) and organic complexes with metals will be used as research materials.

Mixed crystals are currently used in the production of many optoelectronic components: high-energy radiation detectors, optoelectronic devices, electro-optical modulators, solar cells or crystalline substrates. Their physical properties can be significantly modified by selecting the appropriate material and/or its composition. The aim of the research is the application of various photothermal and optical methods to study mixed crystals based on CdTe, doped with Be, Mn, Se and Mg atoms. The crystals will be grown using the high-pressure Bridgman method in an argon atmosphere. As part of the research, a comprehensive characterization of the obtained crystals properties will be carried out. The obtained results will indicate potentially new materials for practical applications.

Scintillators are materials capable of converting high-energy radiation such as X-rays or gamma rays into visible or near-visible light. They are widely used as detectors in medical diagnostics, high energy physics and geophysical exploration. Testing of new scintillation materials will be based on samples obtained from partners involved in their production: IKZ (Berlin), NTU (Singapore), KMUTT (Bangkok) and Łukasiewicz PORT (Wrocław). Samples of semiconductor oxide crystals, lead and lead-free halide perovskites crystals and yttrium and lutetium garnets activated with rare earth ions will be tested. The characterization of materials with application potential in the detection of ionizing radiation will consist in measurements of pulse height spectra, scintillation time profiles, and radio- and thermoluminescence. It is planned to establish cooperation with groups from the USA and France.