DISCIPLINE - PHYSICS
DISCIPLINE – PHYSICS
TYPE OF STUDY – WORKSHOPS
Nanocomposites produced on the basis of spinel nanoferrites and carbon nanotubes (SF-NPs / CNTs) represent a step forward in the design of multifunctional nanohybrids with a wide range of applications. Such systems have been manufactured and characterized for a year in a research team in cooperation with national and foreign research centers. It is planned to actively involve the summer school participant in the ongoing research.
The student will learn:
- the basic properties of nanotubes, nanoparticles and nanocomposites, including selected methods of their synthesis,
- learn about measurement techniques and software used in research, and software for data analysis,
- participate in the conducted experiments,
- develop selected measurement data.
Comprehensive physicochemical characterization will be mainly focused on the analysis of: crystal and electron structure, magnetic properties and microstructure of SF-NPs/CNTs nanocomposites. The scientific problem to be solved for the student is: determining the distribution of iron cations between tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the crystal lattice and checking the influence of any other Fe impurities (measurement methods – XPS photoemission, including analysis of photoemission results obtained using synchrotron radiation from the PHELIX research beamline in the SOLARIS synchrotron, SQUID magnetometry) and determination of magnetic properties including temperature dependence of magnetization, magnetic phase change and verification of the existence or not of the phenomenon of superparamagnetism in the tested composites.
The subject of laboratory classes includes the content presented in the lecture. Additionally, students will learn the basics of digital technology and programming microcontrollers. Particular attention will be paid to the use of electronic techniques in laboratory practice.
Measurements carried out in the Laboratory of Low Activity Studies IF concern the assessment of radioactivity in the natural environment, i.e. in air, soil and water, in particular with regard to the measurements of radon and its decay products, but also other natural radionuclides with long half-lives. The research is carried out using nuclear radiation spectrometry α, β, γ.
The aim of the proposed project is to measure radon directly in the field in a selected water intake using a portable radon detector RAD7 in combination with the RAD7_AQUA adapter and in the air around this intake. If necessary, the water samples can also be analyzed in the laboratory using a α/β Tricarb, Canberra, liquid scintillation spectrometer. The background of gamma radiation in the area surrounding the intakes will be estimated using a laboratory gamma – spectrometer with a HPGe detector.
Nuclear interactions, following from strong interactions, are the main subject of the studies. Modern models of nuclear interactions can be tested on the basis of precise measurements of observables in breakup of deuteron in collision with proton. Such experiments were performed at KVI Groningen (The Netherlands) and FZ-Juelich (Germany) and are being continued at Cyclotron Center Bronowice (CCB) in Cracow. Tests of new parts of the BINA detector are carried out in our laboratory.
Student will have opportunity to work on:
- preparation and tests of new elements of the detection system;
- data analysis and simulations.
(one can do both or choose between these tasks)
Visit at CCB to see a complete BINA detector is also considered.
Imaging of biological materials by use of an electron microscope, equipped with a cryo-chamber, which the imaging of biological samples in a frozen state, i.e. the study of the morphology of biological samples in a state similar to natural (without lyophilization, strongly distorting the form of the tested material). Moreover, SEM allows examinations for a wide range of magnifications from 25 to 1 000 000. Interactions between the incident electrons and atoms on the sample surface generate backscattered electrons, secondary electrons, and a variety of other signals, including X-rays, that give information about composition and topography.
The student will get acquainted with the theoretical description of the weak interactions and possible theoretical generalizations leading to the processes breaking the lepton number. Practical classes at the blackboard and with the use of own and publicly available programs used to simulate interactions, thanks to which it is possible to determine the probability of discovering such processes in future lepton and hadronic accelerators, neutrino oscillations, low-energy processes.
The T2K experiment in Japan studies the properties of neutrinos, including their interaction with matter and their oscillations. The two detectors of this experiment, near (ND280) and far (Super-Kamiokande), make it possible to record neutrino interactions. One of the main goals of the experiment is to search for CP symmetry breaking in the lepton sector by comparing muon neutrino and muon antineutrino oscillations. Muon neutrino/antineutrino beams are produced in J-PARC/Japan, where a near-ND280 detector is located. During the classes, the properties of neutrinos, their sources (natural and artificial) will be presented. The mechanism of neutrino oscillation will be discussed. After getting acquainted with the operation of the ND280 detector of the T2K experiment, a student of the summer school will have the opportunity to participate in data analysis, including the selection neutrino interactions events.
The aim of the workshop will be to familiarize participants with the methods of fabrication and characterization of organic thin films (both low-molecular compounds and polymers). The classes will have a practical character. Nanometric thin films will be prepared using the spin-coating technique and physical vapor deposition (PVD). The characteristics of obtained thin films (thickness, surface roughness, etc.) will be carried out using ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. In turn, information on molecular dynamics, non-equilibrium processes, or crystallization tendency of prepared nanomaterials will be provided by using dielectric technique. The aim of the dielectric studies is to show the participants the most important differences between the behavior of “soft matter” system in the macro and nanoscopic scales.
The aim of the research is to search for the evidence of a critical point on the transition line between two phases of strongly interacting matter: quark-gluon plasma and hadron gas, to obtain precise data on collisions of hadrons with atomic nuclei necessary for modeling the processes in which neutrinos are produced and to describe the interactions of cosmic rays in the Earth’s atmosphere. A summer school student, after getting acquainted with the operation of the detector of the experiment, methods of data analysis, will have the opportunity to participate in the work of the team.
The course intends to familiarize the participants with the idea and principles of robot programming. During the course, participants will learn not only about the basics of robot control but also about the programming environment based on the Python language.
The laboratory classes aim to program an independently working robot that moves to the goal and simultaneously avoids the obstacles it encounters. The principles of its actions will be based on the proportional controller and the “hard switching” method of selecting the priority. Therefore, the course participants will learn the basic methods used to control the robot’s movement (by setting the motors at a given state) and specify the current goals of the performed activities. As a result, during the classes, participants will face not only programming difficulties but also logical problems resulting from the need to translate the “human” way of thinking into the “language of a robot.”
Laboratory classes in the ultra-high vacuum XPS photoelectron spectroscopy laboratory are intended to familiarize students with the characterization of materials by analyzing the electronic structure and physicochemical processes in ultra-high vacuum conditions, as well as to familiarize them with the working conditions on this type of cluster.
The studies will concern the piezoelectric and optical properties of perovskites ABO3 in the form of crystals and ceramics. A student will learn methods for determining anisotropic electromechanical and optical properties. In our laboratories, we perform tests that classify materials for applications.
Nanocomposites produced on the basis of spinel nanoferrites and carbon nanotubes (SF-NPs / CNTs) represent a step forward in the design of multifunctional nanohybrids with a wide range of applications. Such systems have been manufactured and characterized for a year in a research team in cooperation with national and foreign research centers. It is planned to actively involve the summer school participant in the ongoing research.
The student will learn:
- the basic properties of nanotubes, nanoparticles and nanocomposites, including selected methods of their synthesis,
- learn about measurement techniques and software used in research, and software for data analysis,
- participate in the conducted experiments,
- develop selected measurement data.
Comprehensive physicochemical characterization will be mainly focused on the analysis of: crystal and electron structure, magnetic properties and microstructure of SF-NPs/CNTs nanocomposites. The scientific problem to be solved for the student is: determining the distribution of iron cations between tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the crystal lattice and checking the influence of any other Fe impurities (measurement methods – XPS photoemission, including analysis of photoemission results obtained using synchrotron radiation from the PHELIX research beamline in the SOLARIS synchrotron, SQUID magnetometry) and determination of magnetic properties including temperature dependence of magnetization, magnetic phase change and verification of the existence or not of the phenomenon of superparamagnetism in the tested composites.
The subject of laboratory classes includes the content presented in the lecture. Additionally, students will learn the basics of digital technology and programming microcontrollers. Particular attention will be paid to the use of electronic techniques in laboratory practice.
Measurements carried out in the Laboratory of Low Activity Studies IF concern the assessment of radioactivity in the natural environment, i.e. in air, soil and water, in particular with regard to the measurements of radon and its decay products, but also other natural radionuclides with long half-lives. The research is carried out using nuclear radiation spectrometry α, β, γ.
The aim of the proposed project is to measure radon directly in the field in a selected water intake using a portable radon detector RAD7 in combination with the RAD7_AQUA adapter and in the air around this intake. If necessary, the water samples can also be analyzed in the laboratory using a α/β Tricarb, Canberra, liquid scintillation spectrometer. The background of gamma radiation in the area surrounding the intakes will be estimated using a laboratory gamma – spectrometer with a HPGe detector.
Nuclear interactions, following from strong interactions, are the main subject of the studies. Modern models of nuclear interactions can be tested on the basis of precise measurements of observables in breakup of deuteron in collision with proton. Such experiments were performed at KVI Groningen (The Netherlands) and FZ-Juelich (Germany) and are being continued at Cyclotron Center Bronowice (CCB) in Cracow. Tests of new parts of the BINA detector are carried out in our laboratory.
Student will have opportunity to work on:
- preparation and tests of new elements of the detection system;
- data analysis and simulations.
(one can do both or choose between these tasks)
Visit at CCB to see a complete BINA detector is also considered.
Imaging of biological materials by use of an electron microscope, equipped with a cryo-chamber, which the imaging of biological samples in a frozen state, i.e. the study of the morphology of biological samples in a state similar to natural (without lyophilization, strongly distorting the form of the tested material). Moreover, SEM allows examinations for a wide range of magnifications from 25 to 1 000 000. Interactions between the incident electrons and atoms on the sample surface generate backscattered electrons, secondary electrons, and a variety of other signals, including X-rays, that give information about composition and topography.
The student will get acquainted with the theoretical description of the weak interactions and possible theoretical generalizations leading to the processes breaking the lepton number. Practical classes at the blackboard and with the use of own and publicly available programs used to simulate interactions, thanks to which it is possible to determine the probability of discovering such processes in future lepton and hadronic accelerators, neutrino oscillations, low-energy processes.
The T2K experiment in Japan studies the properties of neutrinos, including their interaction with matter and their oscillations. The two detectors of this experiment, near (ND280) and far (Super-Kamiokande), make it possible to record neutrino interactions. One of the main goals of the experiment is to search for CP symmetry breaking in the lepton sector by comparing muon neutrino and muon antineutrino oscillations. Muon neutrino/antineutrino beams are produced in J-PARC/Japan, where a near-ND280 detector is located. During the classes, the properties of neutrinos, their sources (natural and artificial) will be presented. The mechanism of neutrino oscillation will be discussed. After getting acquainted with the operation of the ND280 detector of the T2K experiment, a student of the summer school will have the opportunity to participate in data analysis, including the selection neutrino interactions events.
The aim of the workshop will be to familiarize participants with the methods of fabrication and characterization of organic thin films (both low-molecular compounds and polymers). The classes will have a practical character. Nanometric thin films will be prepared using the spin-coating technique and physical vapor deposition (PVD). The characteristics of obtained thin films (thickness, surface roughness, etc.) will be carried out using ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. In turn, information on molecular dynamics, non-equilibrium processes, or crystallization tendency of prepared nanomaterials will be provided by using dielectric technique. The aim of the dielectric studies is to show the participants the most important differences between the behavior of “soft matter” system in the macro and nanoscopic scales.
The aim of the research is to search for the evidence of a critical point on the transition line between two phases of strongly interacting matter: quark-gluon plasma and hadron gas, to obtain precise data on collisions of hadrons with atomic nuclei necessary for modeling the processes in which neutrinos are produced and to describe the interactions of cosmic rays in the Earth’s atmosphere. A summer school student, after getting acquainted with the operation of the detector of the experiment, methods of data analysis, will have the opportunity to participate in the work of the team.
Supramolecular nanostructures, existing in most liquids forming hydrogen bonds and in a certain group of materials dominated by van der Waals interactions, have been the subject of interest of many of the world’s best laboratories for many years. The interest in the phenomenon of intermolecular interactions results from the fact that the process of the formation of supramolecular structures of various sizes and architecture is of decisive importance for the physical and chemical properties of associative materials, necessary e.g. for biological processes. Excellent examples of such materials in which the formation of more or less ordered, hydrogen-related structures plays a key role are, for example, water, sugars, or DNA. The ability to form supramolecular structures is also at the center of attention of scientists dealing with the design and creation of new polyelectrolytes, in which the process of transporting protons along hydrogen bonds makes a significant contribution to the conductivity of the material, which is used, among others, in batteries and fuel cells. Such great importance of self-organizing nanostructures resulted in numerous studies of various associative materials using various experimental methods. In this context, it may seem surprising that many fundamental problems remain unresolved despite the growing amount of data and a steadily increasing knowledge of the causes and mechanisms governing association formation. Perhaps the most important reason for this situation is that many experimental methods are not sensitive enough to phenomena and objects on a scale of 5-30 Å, and this magnitude of medium-range intermolecular ordering occurs in associative materials. Moreover, most of the research is carried out only as a function of temperature under atmospheric pressure, when both the kinetic energy of the molecules, the distance between them, and the distribution of conformers depending on the size of energy barriers change. Meanwhile, in order to find out about the properties of associative structures, high-pressure tests, especially isothermal ones, are necessary, during which only the density of the liquid changes, and thus the intermolecular interactions, while the thermal energy of the molecules remains unchanged.
Participants will learn about the differences between the stable and metastable states and the amorphous phase during the course. The properties of supercooled liquids with various intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds, van der Waals), as a large group of metastable systems from which amorphous glasses are formed, will be presented. Participants will learn how to achieve this state and selected methods of testing its properties (e.g., dielectric spectroscopy) on the examples of specific substances, including those from the group of simple alcohols. They will also learn how to detect the influence of supramolecular structures on the chosen properties of materials, like relaxation processes. Unique methods of high-pressure, isothermal, and isobaric tests used in IF will be presented. Participants will learn about the differences and similarities observed for materials with different molecular architectures and interaction types under varying temperature and pressure conditions. In particular, they will realize in this context the advantages and disadvantages of broadband dielectric spectroscopy, which is a highly versatile method of examining various types of supercooled liquids.
Dielectric materials that are capable of “switching” as a result of a phase transition, that is, a change in their properties, such as permittivity or resistivity between two or more states with a different crystallographic structure or degree of molecular order in response to various external stimuli have many potential uses. For example, an optical switching material (after “switching”, second harmonic generation (SHG) takes place in it, it may move from SHG-OFF to SHG-ON and back in response to external factors, which is the result of changes in dynamics organic cations present in the molecular cage during the change of its symmetry during the phase transition of the first type. Thanks to such properties, these materials have potential applications in optoelectronics, among others, in switches and sensors responding with a quick, “jump” change of their parameters to changes in temperature or light intensity.
Recently, the so-called switchable dielectrics in which “switching” between the high and low dielectric state in response to an external stimulus (factor) occurs due to a phase transition are thoroughly investigated. This “switchable” ability expands the application possibilities of these materials in the electronics industry. However, little is known about the dielectric “switching” mechanism itself and its physical causes, even for the most easily investigated temperature-induced effect. And the impact of stress on dielectric “switching” in dielectrics (e.g., in the form of hydrostatic pressure, axial pressure, or temperature variation in thin films) remains virtually unrecognized, meaning that identifying potentially useful materials is not a solved task. This especially applies to thin-layer systems with a dozen … several dozen molecular layers in which stresses arise as a natural consequence of temperature changes alone. The considered materials must meet some criteria to find a broader application. e.g., they must be possible to produce in the process of controlled synthesis and also in the form of thin layers, especially interesting in microelectronics, they should have the desired dielectric parameters at temperatures close to room temperature and these parameters must also be stable under the influence of stresses and, of course, their production cost must be sane.
The research aims to investigate selected materials showing the effect of “switching” dielectric permittivity caused by temperature change (eg hybrid perovskites) and to understand the molecular causes that cause it in the case of materials with different materials phase transition mechanisms. To achieve this, studies will be carried out using the method of broadband dielectric spectroscopy on the selected hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites. However, it will be of particular interest to pioneer the detailed study of these materials for the effect that the mechanical stress generated by the application of hydrostatic pressure has or may have on “switching”. In particular, this isothermal measurement will allow isolating the effect of stress, which is not possible e.g., in the case of isobaric measurements with variable temperature. This will make it possible to determine how different thermodynamic conditions affect the observed properties. Thanks to this, ultimately, for the tested compounds, it will be possible to find optimal thermodynamic conditions in which the “switching” time will be shortened. The stability of material parameters before and after “switching” and its repeatability will be examined.