Advanced Instrumentation and Methods for Materials Characterization – Jozef Kaiser

• Development of novel approaches and instrumentation in materials characterization following todays demands, i.e. combination of micro- and nano-structural studies, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Computed Tomography (μCT, nanoCT).

Our main objectives are mainly focused on providing insights into current scientific trends and future demands as well as to perform development (R&D) activities within a broad range of topics which include transport (aerospace, automotive), power generation industry, biomaterials and electronics. Worldwide, there is a growing demand for both high-quality multidisciplinary research performance as well as scientific results of excellent quality, reaching the industrial level. In this regard, the research capabilities of the group have been already demonstrated in fundamental research and also through the strong cooperation with a variety of industrial partners in applied research. Thus, we are continuously focused on performing onwards in both national and international multidisciplinary contexts with excellent results.

X-ray micro and nano computed tomography 

The laboratory is engaged in research and development of tomographic methods and their applications in various scientific and engineering fields. It deals with the development of μCT technology in cooperation with the world's leading manufacturers of CT. The laboratory is accredited according to ISO 17025 and conducts contractual and grant-oriented research with the industrial sector, in which this technology is widely used. The portfolio of modern CT systems enables the analysis of a wide range of parts and assemblies for many applications. It is possible to achieve a resolution from hundreds of microns to hundreds of nanometres and to analyse different shapes, sizes and materials.

Main research fields:

Industry: 

• Non-destructive testing of final and developing products
• Characterisation of internal structure of materials (Porosity/Inclusion Analysis)
• Inspection of dimensions, geometric tolerances, shapes of a component and its position in assembly
• Characterization and analysis of fibre reinforced materials, foam structures and soldered joints
• Injection mould correction
• Optimization of additive manufacturing
• Testing of components in working condition (temperature, pressure)

Scientific research

• Biology (3D reconstruction of rodent organ and quantification of differences, contrasting protocols for soft tissue)
• Tissue engineering (3D characterization of internal structure of new materials) 
• Geology (mapping of pores/inclusions distribution and morphology)
• Archaeology (study of unique ancient objects)
• CT metrology (determination of spatial resolution  and CT measurement uncertainties, new reference objects development)
• Software development for CT devices (tomographic reconstruction and artefact reduction methods )
• Advanced imaging techniques (development of phase contrast imaging, dual-energy CT and correlation with 2D analytical techniques)
• CT data processing (noise reduction, CT image segmentation, artificial  intelligence and deep learning)

Laser Spectroscopy

The Laboratory of Laser Spectroscopy focuses namely on the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and related reference (based on inductively coupled plasma or X-ray fluorescence) and complementary techniques (Raman spectroscopy). The Laboratory strives to progress the field of LIBS in basic and applied research and excellence therein through the development of state-of-the-art instrumentation and analytical methodology. Thus, the Laboratory fosters the transfer of technology to industry and daily use.

Main research fields 

Biology:

• clinical and non-clinical research (detection of NP-tags and metallomes; elemental imaging of soft and hard tissues);
• environmental diagnostics (detection of contaminants and evaluation of their toxicity and impact on living organisms).

Industry:

• plastic industry (detection of toxic metals; e.g., Cd, Hg, Pb and Cr(VI));
• foundry and metallurgy (detection of C, S, P; prediction of material properties);
• automotive (characterization of thin surface coatings, selective detection of elements in materials layers);
• mining (rock identification, quantification of trace elements).
• Data mining, machine learning and chemometrics;
• Plasma diagnostics.