Full-time study

4 years

doc. Ing. Lukáš Fujcik, Ph.D.

Chairman :
doc. Ing. Lukáš Fujcik, Ph.D.
Vice-chairman :
doc. Ing. Jiří Vaněk, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Pavel Koktavý, CSc. Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jaromír Hubálek, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Jiří Háze, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Petr Bača, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
prof. Ing. Josef Lazar, Dr.

The doctor study programme is devoted to the preparation of the high quality scientific and research specialists in various branches of microelectronics, electrotechnology and physics of materials, namely in theory, design and test of integrated circuits and systems, in semiconductor devices and structures, in smart sensors, in optoelectronics in materials and fabrication processes for electrical engineering, in sources of electric energy, nanotechnology and defectoscopy of materials and devices.
The aim is to provide the doctor education in all these particular branches to students educated in university magister study, to make deeper their theoretical knowledge, to give them also requisite special knowledge and practical skills and to teach them methods of scientific work.

The doctors of the program "Microelectronics and technology" are able to solve scientific and complex engineering tasks from the area of microelectronics and electrical technology. Wide fundamentals and deep theoretical basis of the study program bring high adaptability and high qualification of doctors for the most of requirements of their future creative practice in all areas of microelectronics and electrotechnology. Graduates are also equipped with the knowledge and experience from, in particular, physics of semiconductors, quantum electronics and will be able to independently solve problems associated with micro- and nanotechnologies.
The doctors are competent to work as scientists and researchers in many areas of basic research or research and development, as high-specialists in the development, design, construction, and application areas in many institutions, companies, and organisations of the electrical and electronics research, development, and industry as in the areas of electrical services and systems, inclusively in the special institutions of the state administration. In all of these branches they are able to work also as the leading scientific-, research-, development- or technical managers.

Graduate of a doctoral program "Microelectronics and technology" is able to solve complex and time-consuming tasks in areas such as designer of integrated and/or electronic circuits and complex electronic devices. Graduate has a very good knowledge of the field of modern materials for electronics and their use in the electrical industry. Graduate is also able to orient himself in the field of physics of materials and components, nanotechnology and others.
This means that the graduate will be able to become a member of the development team of integrated circuits, complex electronic devices and equipment, their testing and service. In addition, graduate would be as a technologist in the electronic components fabrication process, a researcher in the field of material engineering for the electrical industry, a scientist n basic or applied research and in the introduction, implementation and application of new prospective and economically beneficial procedures and processes in the field of electronics, electrical engineering, non-destructive testing and reliability and material analysis. Likewise, graduate is also able to lead the entire team of workers in presented areas.
A typical employer of a graduate of the Microelectronics and Technology study program is a manufacturing and / or research enterprise that focuses on the areas mentioned above. Another possible employer may be a research organization i.e. the Institute of the Czech Academy of Science. The graduate finds his / her application also on the university campus as an academic at the position of a professional assistant.

Doctoral studies are carried out according to the individual study plan, which will prepare the doctoral student in cooperation with the doctoral student at the beginning of the study. The individual study plan specifies all the duties stipulated in accordance with the BUT Study and Examination Rules, which the doctoral student must fulfill to successfully finish his studies. These responsibilities are time-bound throughout the study period, they are scored and fixed at fixed deadlines. The student enrolls and performs tests of compulsory coursed. Additionally, with regard to the focus of dissertation it is compulsory to enroll and pass at least one of the following courses: Modern microelectronic systems; Electrotechnical materials, material systems and production processes; and/or Interfaces and nanostructures; and other obligatory elective subjects with regard to the focus of his dissertation, and at least two elective courses (English for PhD students, Solutions for Innovative Entries, Scientific Publishing from A to Z).
The student may enroll for the state doctoral exam only after all the tests prescribed by his / her individual study plan have been completed. Before the state doctoral exam, the student prepares a dissertation thesis describing in detail the goals of the thesis, a thorough evaluation of the state of knowledge in the area of the dissertation solved, or the characteristics of the methods it intends to apply in the solution. The defense of the controversy that is opposed is part of the state doctoral exam. In the next part of the exam the student must demonstrate deep theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of microelectronics, electrotechnology, materials physics, nanotechnology, electrical engineering, electronics, circuit theory. The State Doctoral Examination is in oral form and, in addition to the discussion on the dissertation thesis, it also consists of thematic areas related to compulsory and compulsory elective subjects.
To defend the dissertation, the student reports after the state doctoral examination and after fulfilling conditions for termination, such as participation in teaching, scientific and professional activity (creative activity) and at least a monthly study or work placement at a foreign institution or participation in an international creative project.

The doctoral studies of a student follow the Individual Study Plan (ISP), which is defined by the supervisor and the student at the beginning of the study period. The ISP is obligatory for the student, and specifies all duties being consistent with the Study and Examination Rules of BUT, which the student must successfully fulfill by the end of the study period. The duties are distributed throughout the whole study period, scored by credits/points and checked in defined dates. The current point evaluation of all activities of the student is summarized in the “Total point rating of doctoral student” document and is part of the ISP. At the beginning of the next study year the supervisor highlights eventual changes in ISP. By October, 15 of each study year the student submits the printed and signed ISP to Science Department of the faculty to check and archive.
Within the first four semesters the student passes the exams of compulsory, optional-specialized and/or optional-general courses to fulfill the score limit in Study area, and concurrently the student significantly deals with the study and analysis of the knowledge specific for the field defined by the dissertation thesis theme and also continuously deals with publishing these observations and own results. In the follow-up semesters the student focuses already more to the research and development that is linked to the dissertation thesis topic and to publishing the reached results and compilation of the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the second year of studies the student passes the Doctor State Exam, where the student proves the wide overview and deep knowledge in the field linked to the dissertation thesis topic. The student must apply for this exam by April, 30 in the second year of studies. Before the Doctor State Exam the student must successfully pass the exam from English language course.
In the third and fourth year of studies the student deals with the required research activities, publishes the reached results and compiles the dissertation thesis. As part of the study duties is also completing a study period at an abroad institution or participation on an international research project with results being published or presented in abroad or another form of direct participation of the student on an international cooperation activity, which must be proved by the date of submitting the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the winter term in the fourth year of study the students submit the elaborated dissertation thesis to the supervisor, who scores this elaborate. The final dissertation thesis is expected to be submitted by the student by the end of the fourth year of the studies.
In full-time study form, during the study period the student is obliged to pass a pedagogical practice, i.e. participate in the education process. The participation of the student in the pedagogical activities is part of his/her research preparations. By the pedagogical practice the student gains experience in passing the knowledge and improves the presentation skills. The pedagogical practice load (exercises, laboratories, project supervision etc.) of the student is specified by the head of the department based on the agreement with the student’s supervisor. The duty of pedagogical practice does not apply to students-payers and combined study program students. The involvement of the student in the education process within the pedagogical practice is confirmed by the supervisor in the Information System of the university.

1. Advanced post-lithium ion batteries for energy storage

   The topic of the PhD will be research on modern post-lithium ion batteries, in particular lithium-sodium-sulphur batteries. The work will include the synthesis of composite electrode materials and electrolytes, their structural and electrochemical characterization.

   Tutor: Čech Ondřej, Ing., Ph.D.

2. Air/vacuum channel transistors and their electrical characterisation

   The motivation for this work is the development of vacuum nanoelectronics, which are set for a rocket rise in this decade. The aim of this work is to gain a deep understanding of the mechanism of electric charge transport in air/vacuum channel transistors. The work includes the design of these nanostructures in collaboration with the Institute of Instrumentation of the CAS, where these transistors are being prepared.

   Tutor: Sedlák Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Analysis of acoustic emission signals on building structures

   The thesis deals with the investigation of the influence of the environment on building structures and materials using the method of Acoustic Emissions and partly also electromagnetic emissions.

   Tutor: Holcman Vladimír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Back-gated few-layers graphene gas sensors

   Graphene, as a monoatomic layer of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms, currently requires a strong research effort. Due to its unique structure and electrical properties, this material is destined for use in modern electronics, for example as an extremely sensitive gas or liquid sensors. Unique sensitivity and chemical selectivity can be enhanced by measuring noise response instead of measuring mean voltages and currents. Noise processes are generally monitored for many electronic components and are associated with their local/volume electrical stress, change of doping, act of charge capture/release etc. Dominantly, noise 1 / f is observed, which, in conjunction with the 2D structure of graphene, provides a unique opportunity to extend knowledge in the field of sensorics and modern graphene-based electronics.

   Tutor: Sedlák Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Degradation and stability of perovskite optoelectronic structures

   Perovskites are one of the most perspective materials for energy harvesting. Thanks to their properties and tunability, they cover a wide range of applications from sensors to photovoltaic cells. Nowadays, in terms of efficiency, they are one of the most emerging types of solar cells ever. Within a few years, they have surpassed the efficiency of commonly available silicon cells and thus become a very promising alternative source of energy. So the focus is on enhancing this technology and efforts to preserve their stable condition. Aiming to minimize the various degradation processes and the selection of the appropriate design is highly desirable. The goal of this work is to investigate the aging of perovskite as energy generators under different temperature and atmospheric conditions and the physical explanation of these mechanisms. An analysis of both the structure and electrical properties of the material will be performed. A possible definition of the solution, reduction, and slowing down several selected degradation processes is also expected as work outputs.

   Tutor: Papež Nikola, Ing., Ph.D.

6. Determining the effect of unknown load on the battery during operation

   The work will focus on studying the effect of different types of load (higher/lower temperature, upper/lower operating window overlap, higher load) on the operating characteristics of the battery. Li-ion batteries with different electrode chemistries will be tested and will experience the above mentioned loads in addition to standard cycling. Subsequently, the effect of these loads on the operating characteristics of the batteries will be monitored and a model predicting the characteristics of the selected batteries in case they experience a certain type of load or combination of loads will be built using machine learning, which can be used to determine the load to which an unknown battery has been subjected during its operation. The topic is solved in cooperation with Škoda Auto and can be supported by a scholarship from Škoda Auto.

   Tutor: Kazda Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Dielectric spectroscopy of ceramic powders

   The thesis deals with various methods of measuring the dielectric constant and dielectric loss on ceramic powders. This is a rather complex task and will be based on two existing measurement methods. The first method is based on the mixing rule of ceramic powder with epoxy, and the second method is based on dielectro-phoretic principle. However, the results obtained by both methods are speculative and an effort is made to find a new measurement technique or to modify these already known methods.

   Tutor: Holcman Vladimír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries

   The thesis will focus on research and development in the field of electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The aim of the dissertation is to synthesize and electrochemically characterize electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries based on sodium, nickel and manganese compounds and to further optimize its properties in order to achieve the best possible electrochemical properties (capacity, high rate stability, cycle life).

   Tutor: Kazda Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Electrolytes and electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries

   The doctoral thesis will focus on the study, synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization of sodium-ion cells Sodium ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses sodium ions as the charge carrier instead of the traditional lithium ions. Compared to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries have a lower cost and a more abundant supply of sodium as a raw material. However, sodium-ion batteries currently have lower energy density and cycling stability, making them less practical for high-performance applications. Despite these challenges, sodium-ion batteries show great promise as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for stationary energy storage applications.

   Tutor: Čech Ondřej, Ing., Ph.D.

10. Field Emission Properties of Inorganic Semiconductive ZnO Thin Films

    The objective of this study is to describe the effects of semiconductive coating on the surface of metal nanostructures that are located inside strong electric field. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a zinc oxide semiconductor oxide will be used to obtain experimental layer on a conductive substrate. The ALD is a vapor phase technique that may be used to deposit thin films onto a substrate even on a very sharp tips. So far, there is no well-studied field-emission structure with a ZnO coating that is able to provide stable current of electrons using cold field emission. Generally, field emission structures are not only important not for free electron sources but they are used for sensors and for other nanoelectronics applications. Determination and evaluation of proper parameters of the ZnO layer is supposed to be done by analysis of the total emission current and by description of the charge current transport within the junction.

    Tutor: Sobola Dinara, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

11. Fluctuation of charge transport in organic electrochemical transistors used as gas sensor

    An organic electrochemical transistor is a typical example of the use of an ionic liquid in an electronic device. In this device, both the electronic and ionic charge transport characteristics influence the behavior of the transistor. Similar to the classic field-effect transistor (FET), the drain-source channel and gate electrode are connected through a liquid or solid electrolyte without an insulation layer. The reasearch will be done with cooperation with University of West Bohemia in Pilsen.

    Tutor: Sedlák Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

12. Model of degradation in ceramic insulating layers

    The study is focused on the degradation of ceramic materials used for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC).These materials show reasonable parameters´ changes in time and under electric field. The MLCC life time model based on the physical processes in insulating ceramic materials should be proposed.

    Tutor: Sedláková Vlasta, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

13. New electrode materials for Li-ion and post-lithium ion batteries

    The work is focused on the study of advanced electrode materials for positive electrodes of Li-ion and post-lithium ion batteries. Materials based on carbon-metal structures and high-entropy oxides will be studied in order to achieve the highest possible electrochemical activity and cycling stability.

    Tutor: Kazda Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

14. Observation of events on battery electrodes using atomic force microscopy

    AFM (atomic force microscopy) is one of the suitable techniques for observing electrode surfaces in their natural environment. The aim of this project is to develop a methodology that will make it possible to use this microscope technique to observe the processes that are taking place in different types of battery systems in different operating modes. The outcome of the project will to verify the existing knowledge of the processes taking place in the batteries and to obtain new knowledge about these processes.

    Tutor: Bača Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

15. Operational amplifiers design techniques with extremely low voltage supply

    New design techniques for operational amplifiers with extremely low voltage supply. The voltage supply target is in range of 0.5-0.3V with power consumption in range of nanowatts. The function of the proposed structures will be described and simulated by using 0.18 µm CMOS technology from TSMC. The verified design of this operational amplifier should be the main result.

    Tutor: Khateb Fabian, prof. Ing. et Ing., Ph.D. et Ph.D.

16. Optical and dielectrical properties of photovoltaci modules encapsulating material

    Research of the optical , mechanical and dielectric properties of existing and alternative encapsulation materials used in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules.

    Tutor: Vaněk Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

17. Radiation characteristics of thermal plasmas

    Radiation energy transfer influences significantly physical processes occuring in the plasma, it plays important role in many devices in plasma processing devices. Electric arc plasmas are utilized in number of industrial applications, e.g. in plasma metallurgy, waste treatment, plasma cutting, welding or spraying. The goal of the work is to solve the equation of radiation transfer by means of various approximate methods , to compare the obtained results of radiation energy and radiation flux for selected kinds of plasmas, to discuss availability of different approximate methods.

    Tutor: Bartlová Milada, doc. RNDr., Ph.D.

18. Synthesis and properties of multiphase Bi-Fe-O thin films

    The objective of this study is influence of preparation parameters on structural properties of Bi-Fe-O system. Phase variation depends on method and chosen parameters of thin films formation. Pulse laser deposition of Bi-Fe-O films from BiFeO3 target (with higher chemical and phase purity) is supposed to be used for preparation of the films. This technology allows obtaining high-quality heterostructures and excluding the presence of impurities. Currently, there is no complete information about the nature of the phase formation of Bi-Fe-O compounds. Materials on the basis of Bi-Fe-O are important for design of sensors, memory devices other applications of nanotechnology. Control of phase purity of Bi-Fe-O thin films is supposed to be studied in correlation with magnetic and electrical properties.

    Tutor: Sobola Dinara, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

19. Utilization of Fenton reaction for catalytic decomposition of water contaminants

    Goal of this doctoral thesis is the exploration of Fenton reaction and interaction of ferrous oxides and FeC on molecular level with water contaminants, like methyl orange, methyl blue, rhodamine etc. A membrane from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or other similar polymeric material with required properties is used for fixation in order to keep the catalytic material in one place and to allow for an easier recycling. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the disinfecting properties of catalytic filter is also important.

    Tutor: Kaspar Pavel, Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2023 to 30.04.2023)

1. Assessment of degradation processes and limit states in materials used for the production of 3D printed parts

   The thesis will deal with the issue of degradation processes and limit states for products made with 3D printing technology. The research will be focused on the assessment of the influence of the external environment (light, temperature, humidity), which participates in the origin and course of degradation processes in the material. During the investigation of the given topic, a number of experimental measurements will be carried out in order to assess the changes in the mechanical and electrical properties of the investigated materials. During the measurement, a non-destructive method of acoustic emission will also be used, in which its optimal use in the given research will be determined. The result of the scientific work will be a set of findings that will contribute to subsequent application use in a wide range of industrial applications. For partial outputs from experiments, simulations can be used with a certain set limitation.

   Tutor: Binar Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Construction of electronic devices for the space industry, focusing on analyzes of radiation resistance and electromagnetic compatibility

   The work deals with new methods of the electronic instruments construction for the space industry with regard to radiation and EMC resistance. The work would deal with software resistance in the design of the instrument.

   Tutor: Háze Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Novel structures of tunable analog circuits using SOI technology

   The aim of this work is to get acquainted with the properties of modern SOI technologies and the resulting possibilities of tuning parameters of analog circuits used in AD converters. The research output will be new analog circuit structures designed on the transistor level and their verification by advanced analysis comprising the local and global process variations.

   Tutor: Kledrowetz Vilém, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Signal processing at quantum nonlinear optics.

   The aim of the work is to consider the theoretical aspects of optimal signal detection and optimization of signal processing algorithms.

   Tutor: Sobola Dinara, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

5. Study of cathode electrode materials for low cobalt Li-ion batteries

   In the field of high-voltage materials for Li-ion batteries, high-cobalt electrode materials are currently widely used as cathodes due to their excellent stability and high energy density. At the same time, efforts are being made to limit the use of cobalt due to its scarcity, toxicity and the environmental impact of mining. Therefore, the aim of this work is to synthesize new cathode materials with low cobalt content by a low-temperature spray-dry method followed by high-temperature calcination. We plan to support the long-term durability by using doping of the cathode structures with cations of selected metals, and we want to ensure good performance response by nanostructured nature of the synthesized particles and/or their surface treatment. The prepared samples will be comprehensively characterized in terms of morphology, structure, electrochemical properties by ex-situ and in-situ methods, which will not only demonstrate the unique properties but also provide information about the structural change during their lifetime.

   Tutor: Chladil Ladislav, Ing., Ph.D.

6. Study of material properties for Li-ion and post-Li-ion batteries using advanced imaging methods

   The PhD thesis is focused on the study of materials for Li-ion and post-Li-ion batteries, both in the form of the materials themselves and the study of the internal structures of the battery cells using SEM and AFM in a chamber microscope. As part of the PhD thesis, the student will co-design new SEM devices to enable these advanced analyses of Li-ion and post-Li-ion batteries. The PhD thesis will be carried out in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific as part of the National Centres of Competence project and the student will be supported by a time commitment to this project.

   Tutor: Kazda Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.