Institute of Materials Science

Major research activities:
 - Nanotechnologies: thin films and surface engineering (physics and applications), application of ion and plasma methods for formation of nanostructures, nanomaterials, micro and nanodevices.
 - Optical document security: microoptical elements, interference filters, development of new materials and structures

The Institute is equipped with up-to-day scientific technological and analytical equipment. It makes possible to carry out research in the fields of solid-state physics, surface analysis, microelectronics, materials science and chemical analysis. It includes : ISO 5 class clean room; Traditional technologies of thin film deposition like vacuum evaporation (electron beam, thermal), magnetron deposition, plasma spray, RF plasma enhanced CVD as well as DC ion beam synthesis; Dry etching capabilities including reactive ion etching, direct ion beam etching, deep reactive ion etching (ICP plasma device); E-beam lithography, Microlithography equipment such as mask alignment and UV exposure systems can be applied for formation of different microstructures; Laser interference lithography; Femtosecond laser microfabrication system; Laser interferometry, electronic speckle pattern interferometry combined with the microtensile equipment for studies of mechanical properties of thin films and  microstructures; Surface analysis techniques including XRD, SEM, AFM, ESCA, X-ray fluorescence, spectroscopic  and laser ellipsometry, UV, visible and FTIR spectroscopy; Raman scattering; Electrical characterization including four probes measurements, I-U, C-V measurements, impedance spectroscopy; Mechanical properties analysis including Rockwell testing, microhardness  as well as computer controlled scratch testing; Microtensile testing of thin films and multilayers; Femtosecond pump- probe laser spectroscopy system; Biosensing system employing leaky wave mode.

The Institute is a part of Open Access Centre and is in close cooperation with National Innovation and Business Centre that is responsible for technology transfer and innovation activities. The Institute offers high tech services and technological solutions for the Universities research communities  as well as SMEs customers.