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. A new method for monitoring of animal vital signs

   Conduct a research on existing methods of monitoring and diagnosing of animal vital signs, focusing mainly on dogs and cats. Design a new method/system for monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, pulse or blood glucose. The entire system must be autonomous in terms of power supply and very miniature so that it can be introduced under the animal's skin. Communication must be ensured wirelessly with the host system. Design the system as an integrated circuit, design a layout, have it manufactured and perform practical measurements to verify the assignment.

   Tutor: Háze Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. AI-driven experiment: design of an autonomous system for intelligent measurement and analysis of voltage and current fluctuations in sensors

   The aim of this dissertation is the development of an intelligent autonomous system that uses artificial intelligence methods for the design, control and evaluation of noise measurements in sensor structures. The work combines low-frequency noise spectroscopy with modern machine learning and active learning techniques , thus enabling the design of experiments with maximum information gain. The system will be able to analyze the output noise signals, formulate hypotheses about noise mechanisms, optimize measurement parameters and independently control further experimental steps. The result is an intelligent measurement platform - the basis for future autonomous laboratories focused on advanced sensor characterization. Objectives - Design and implement AI methods for identifying noise components and correlating them with physical phenomena in sensors. - Develop a system for active design of experiments - selecting measurement conditions based on predictive models (e.g. Bayesian optimization). - Verify the system's functionality on real noise data in different sensor structures (e.g. OECT, electrochemical sensors). - Evaluate the benefit of AI control over the classical approach to experimental design.

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

3. 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.

4. Application of Acoustic Emission for Monitoring the Integrity and Stability of Pedicle Screws in Orthopedic Implants

   Pedicle screws are a critical component of spinal fixation systems, providing mechanical stability and support in the treatment of degenerative, traumatic, and oncological conditions of the spine. The clinical success of these implants strongly depends on their primary and long-term stability. One of the major complications is the loosening of the screws within the bone tissue, which can lead to implant failure and the need for revision surgery. The aim of this doctoral thesis is to investigate and develop a methodology for the use of acoustic emission (AE) as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the early detection of micromovements, microcracks, and other degradation processes at the bone-screw interface. The study focuses on laboratory simulations of mechanical loading on pedicle screws implanted in both synthetic and biological bone models, analysis of the generated AE signals, and their correlation with changes in mechanical stability. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of intelligent implants or sensor-based systems capable of real-time monitoring of screw fixation conditions. The proposed methodology has the potential to significantly enhance the safety and reliability of spinal implants and enable a more personalized approach to post-operative care for patients with pedicle screw fixation.

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

5. 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.

6. Electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries

   The dissertation will focus on the research and development in the field of electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The aim of the dissertation is to synthesize and electrochemically characterize the electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries based on sodium, nickel and manganese compounds.

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

7. Electron Beam Lithography for Nanofabrication

   The topic of this dissertation focuses on electron beam lithography as a key technology for the fabrication of high-resolution nanostructures. It explores its use in the creation of nanoelectronic devices such as quantum dots, nano-optical elements and plasmonic structures with functional properties. The aim is to push the boundaries of nanofabrication towards optical nanocomponents and expand its application potential. The PhD topic will be supervised at the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (i.e. training facility of BUT) and will be supported by a project od the Czech Grant Agency under reg. n. 25-19981L.

   Tutor: Knápek Alexandr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Experimental methods for implementing graphene contacts to finite bandgap semiconductors

   The topic of the dissertation deals with lithographic methods for the implementation of graphene contacts to semiconductors with finite bandgap width. It focuses on the optimization of nanofabrication processes, characterization of the electronic and optical properties of the resulting structures and their potential use in nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications. The aim is to contribute to the development of reliable and scalable technologies linking graphene to semiconductor materials for next generation devices. The PhD topic will be supervised at the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (i.e. training facility of BUT) and will be supported by a project od the Czech Grant Agency under reg. n. 25-19981L.

   Tutor: Knápek Alexandr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Modern Design Approaches for Radiation-Hardened Digital Integrated Circuits in Harsh Environments

   This dissertation focuses on the research and implementation of modern approaches to the design of digital integrated circuits intended for operation in high-radiation environments. The aim of the work is to explore current challenges and limitations in the design of electronic systems for space missions and to propose innovative solutions that enhance reliability, radiation tolerance, energy efficiency, and integration density. Throughout the dissertation, existing design methodologies for space-grade integrated circuits will be analyzed, and key areas requiring innovation will be identified. Based on this analysis, new techniques and algorithms will be proposed and implemented to address these challenges and advance the state of the art in radiation-hardened circuit design for space applications.

   Tutor: Fujcik Lukáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

10. New approaches in the characterization of charge transport in electrochemical transistors

    The thesis is focused on the study of new unorthodox approaches, based also on machine learning, to evaluate physical measurements of transport characteristics in electrochemical transistors based on ionic liquid as well as in graphene transistors. In addition to the conventional characterization, the fluctuation of charge carrier transport will be emphasized. The organic samples are prepared at ZČU in Pilsen, where the thesis is going to be based on a long-term cooperation between the departments. Graphene samples are prepared at UFYZ. The student working on this topic is going to be involved in fundamental and applied research projects running at UFYZ with appropriate financial remuneration, in the amount of 1.25 times the minimum wage.

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

11. 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. These materials will be studied using newly developed techniques to monitor the processes occurring at the electrodes during cycling.

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

12. 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. This is a topic that will be addressed in the framework of cooperation with Taiwanese partners.

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