| Topic title |
Possible scientific supervisors |
Source of funding |
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Development of white organic electroluminescent devices
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vyr. m. d. dr. Dmytro Volyniuk |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The main objective of this study is white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) with enhanced efficiencies and stabilities. The new materials and device structures are aimed to be developed and used as components of WOLEDs for enhancements of their efficiency and stability. The main task of this study is to establish a clear relationship between emissive properties of new materials and output parameters of WOLEDs.
The work plan (main tasks) of the study will be as follows:
1. Investigations of photophysical, electrooptical, charge-transporting properties of novel organic materials;
2. Development of novel white-emitting systems as OLED emitters;
3. Searching for new approaches for enhancement of WOLED efficiencies: fabrication, characterization and optimization of electroluminescent devices.
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The formation of chromium oxide composite coatings by plasma spraying
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prof. dr. Liutauras Marcinauskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Chromium oxide coatings, due to its unique properties, are widely used in technical, medical, energetic and electronic applications. However, the application of Cr2O3 coatings for tribological systems is limited by the insufficient adhesion to the substrate, poor fracture toughness, high friction coefficients and low wear resistance at high temperatures. The coatings of Cr2O3 composites (Cr2O3-ZrO2, Cr2O3-TiO2, etc.) deposited by the plasma spraying has higher wear resistance, lower friction coefficient and are more plastic. The use of various materials (SiC, TiC, TiO2, ZrO2, graphite etc.) additions to the Cr2O3 matrix provides formation of self-lubricant composite coatings. The adhesion strength of Crl2O3 composite coating increases with the formation of metallic interlayers. However the investigations related to the influence of origin and thickness of the inter-layer on various types of Cr2O3 composite (COC) coatings are insufficient. The researches of tribological properties of the COC coatings at non-lubricated conditions are fragmentary.
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| Integration of 3D Printing for the Development of Multicomponent, Biological Tissue-Equivalent Materials Used in Artificial Intelligence Model Testing and Synthetic Images Creation |
doc. dr. Jurgita Laurikaitienė |
state-funded |
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Formation and investigation of ferroelectric hafnium oxide-based thin films doped with transition metals
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doc. dr. Vytautas Stankus |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Over the last years, a wide range of multiferroic materials and structures have been assessed for technological applications. Within these efforts, the challenge was the compatibility of these materials with silicon-based technologies. Most of the traditional perovskite ferroelectrics are incompatible with the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In addition, ferroelectric properties of perovskites oxides often deteriorate with reduced film thickness that makes a composite structure impractical at the nanoscale. Recently, ferroelectricity has been discovered in doped hafnia (HfO2) films, which may help to address the abovementioned challenges. The HfO2-based ferroelectric thin films are also promising as a ferroelectric component in multiferroic heterostructures for the high-density memory applications, which is based on reducing of single elements cells up to nanoscale.
Despite the abundance of many studies, there remain many unanswered technological and scientific questions related to the microstructure of these layers, degradation, reaction with substrate materials, etc. Worldwide research has shown that the ferroelectric and magnetoelectric properties of these layers depend on the synthesis method, conditions and dopands, which increase the distortion of the crystal lattice and, at the same time, the ferroelectric properties.
The work will involve the synthesis of HfO2 layers by reactive magnetron sputtering, adding transition metal impurities (Ti, Fe, Ni, Co) and the investigation of the dependence of the multiferroic properties of the layers on them.
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Enhancing of photoelectrochemical water splitting efficiency employing self-assembled plasmonic nanomaterials
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prof. dr. Tomas Tamulevičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The European Union (including Lithuania) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and become climate-neutral by 2050, that is, an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the objective at the heart of the European Green Deal, renewable (emission-free) electricity must be coupled with photoelectrochemical technologies that convert naturally abundant H2O, CO2, and N2 molecules into synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks. Photoelectrochemical water splitting utilizing solar energy and earth-abundant semiconductors is one of the most widely researched areas for hydrogen production. Recent advancements in photoelectrochemical technologies include optically active “plasmonic” metal nanoparticles, which have emerged as a promising approach to facilitate light-driven chemical conversions under far milder conditions than thermal catalysis. This work aims to create heterostructures from self-assembled plasmonic nanostructures and semiconductor materials and characterize their photoelectrochemical properties and the efficiency of hydrogen generation. The objectives of the work are devoted to the development of nanoparticle self-assembly and transfer methods into controlled configuration heterostructure arrangements preserving the initial spatial distribution and associated optical resonances. Select the synthesis conditions for nanoparticles formed by different approaches to form nanoparticles and characterize their properties. To investigate the relation between the plasmonic and photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles and the photoelectrochemical efficiency of water splitting. Finally, to select the most efficient combination of semiconductor material and plasmonic nanoparticles for the photoelectrode.
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Gradient Metasurfaces for Ultrafast Laser Beam Shaping
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vyresn. m. d. dr. Mindaugas Juodėnas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Ultrafast lasers have revolutionized various scientific and industrial fields, enabling unprecedented precision and control in material processing, imaging, and spectroscopy. Traditional beam shaping tools used in these systems, such as lenses, diffraction gratings, and holograms often suffer from bulkiness, cumbersome alignment, and lack of complex features. Metasurfaces, two-dimensional arrays of subwavelength nanostructures, have recently emerged as a promising avenue to unlock new possibilities for shaping light beams. Drawing inspiration from transmit- and reflect-arrays and leveraging modern nanofabrication, they can tailor the wavefront of visible and infrared light with high efficiency and flexibility. Moreover, a single metasurface can encode multiple optical functionalities, significantly reducing the size and alignment requirements for complete systems. Despite recent advancements in metaoptics, there have been no comprehensive investigations into the design, fabrication, and application of metasurfaces specifically tailored for ultrafast laser beam shaping. The main objective of this PhD project is therefore to harness the unique properties of metasurfaces and achieve unparalleled control over the spatial and temporal characteristics of ultrafast laser pulses. A successful PhD candidate will pioneer the development of such metaoptics via the following: • Novel metasurface designs will be developed and tailored for ultrafast laser pulses. • Fabrication techniques ensuring practicality and reasonable damage threshold will be developed. • Comprehensive characterization methods to evaluate the performance of metasurfaces in the ultrafast regime will be established. • Practical applications of metasurfaces in ultrafast photonics will be demonstrated, such as in precision material processing, advanced imaging, and spectroscopy.
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Ultra-sensitive SERS substrates for trace-level detection of polutants
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doc. dr. Asta Tamulevičienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This project aims to develop ultra-sensitive SERS substrates for trace-level detection of pollutants exploiting self-assembled plasmonic nanoparticle arrays. During the research, plasmonic nanoparticles (Au, Ag) will be formed and analyzed, evaluating their structure evolution dependence on synthesis conditions and optical properties. Employing theoretical calculations, the influence of plasmonic lattice and plasmonic nanoparticle multimer on the local field enhancement over typical Raman excitation wavelengths will be determined. The self-assembled nanoparticle SERS substrates will be tailored and verified for pollutants sensing.
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Formation and investigation of thin-film catalytic structures.
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prof. dr. Giedrius Laukaitis |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The mechanism of bacterial adhesion to solid surfaces is a complex process affected by multiple factors. The most important property of the bacterial adhesion mechanism is influenced by the physicochemical interaction of the bacterial cells. The bacterial adhesion is determined by surface topography and roughness, free surface energy, including Van der Valse and electrostatic forces or acid-alkaline interactions, the potential arising in the phase boundary, hydrophobicity, and surface charge. Surface derivatives, much smaller than bacterial cells, have been found to inhibit binding, reducing the interaction between bacterial cells and solids. Using nanoparticles (metal and metal oxide) as antibacterial surfaces is a viable way. Most metallic or metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag, Fe3O4, TiO2, CuO, ZnO, etc.) have bactericidal properties through the generation of reactive oxygen species. However, some of them are effective due to nanostructures and surface potential. Nano-particles formed on ceramic surfaces can disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane and its potential and activate the production of oxygen-free radicals acting as nanocatalysts. The project will investigate: a) the formation of thin ceramic films by physical vapor deposition methods, selecting optimal forming technologies; b) the influence of technological parameters on the catalytic and antibacterial properties of the thin films; and c) the physicochemical investigation of the formed thin films. The project aims to investigate the physical, chemical, and other characteristics of antimicrobial thin films and, based on the research, cause the practical use of such systems.
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| Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: from ceramics to thin films |
doc. dr. Brigita Abakevičienė |
state-funded |
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Micro- and nanotextured functional glass surfaces
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vyresn. m. d. dr. Dalius Jucius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Glass is a solid amorphous material widely used due to its optical transparency as well as its thermal and chemical resistance. Optical lenses, mirrors, touch screens, and devices of integrated optics are made of glass. During operation, glass surfaces often become dirty, and when in contact with a warm and humid environment, they tend to fog up. As a result, the optical transmittance of glass decreases and image distortions appear. To increase the operational efficiency and longevity of devices, antifogging, self-cleaning, and antireflective glass surfaces are created, the functionalization of which is performed by changing the surface morphology and chemical composition. Such surface modification can significantly improve the optical properties, but the final result greatly depends on the type and chemical composition of the functionalized glass. There is still a lack of systematic studies that analyze the influence of various factors. The purpose of this work is the functionalization and peculiarity analysis of various types of glass surfaces in order to reduce surface reflections and change the wettability of the glass, thus ensuring self-cleaning and antifogging behaviour of the surfaces, and accelerating the melting of the formed ice. The planned research will lead to the creation of advanced antifouling glass surfaces for optical applications.
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Formation and investigation of multiferroic aluminum-scandium nitride thin films doped with transition metals
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doc. dr. Vytautas Stankus |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Over the last years, a wide range of multiferroic materials and structures have been assessed for technological applications. Within these efforts, the challenge was the compatibility of these materials with silicon-based technologies. Most of the traditional perovskite ferroelectrics are incompatible with the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In addition, ferroelectric properties of perovskites oxides often deteriorate with reduced film thickness that makes a composite structure impractical at the nanoscale. Recently, ferroelectricity has been discovered in wurtzite aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) films, which may help to address the abovementioned challenges. The AlScN based ferroelectric thin films are also promising as a ferroelectric component in multiferroic heterostructures for the high-density memory applications, which is based on reducing of single elements cells up to nanoscale.
Despite the abundance of many studies, there remain many unanswered technological and scientific questions related to the microstructure of these layers, degradation, reaction with substrate materials, etc. Worldwide research has shown that the ferroelectric and magnetoelectric properties of these layers depend on the synthesis method, conditions and dopands, which increase the distortion of the crystal lattice and, at the same time, the ferroelectric properties.
The work will involve the synthesis of AlScN layers by reactive magnetron sputtering, adding transition metal impurities (Zr, Nb, Ni, Co) and the investigation of the dependence of the multiferroic properties of the layers on them.
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| Dynamics and kinetics of nanocomposite sturtures formation during thin films deposition and growth |
prof. habil. dr. Arvaidas Galdikas |
state-funded |
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Synthesis and application of new electroactive materials for organic light emitting diodes
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prof. dr. Saulius Grigalevičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Recent advances in organic optoelectronics, particularly in efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLED), have called for new electro-active organic materials as well as for new device technologies. Small OLED-based displays already generate hundreds of millions of dollars. Larger OLED displays will penetrate the television market in the not-too-distant future. Nowadays white displays play important role in lightening. Further advances of these devices substantially rely on development and studying of high-performance organic charge-transport and host materials, theoretical understanding of charge and energy transport in the organic systems and their well-balanced application in phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) devices. The aim of this project is to synthesize several groups of polymeric, dendrimeric or branched wide band gap derivatives, which would serve as thermally stable host materials or TADF emitters for organic light emitting diodes. In order to optimize efficiencies of the devices, several groups of new hole transporting materials, which are used as additional charge injecting/ transporting layers, will be also synthesized in the frame of this project.
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Development and Application of New Materials for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
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vyresn. m. d. dr. Artiom Magomedov |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This PhD project focuses on the optimization of lab-scale perovskite solar cell (PSC) fabrication, the integration of novel materials (alternatives to C60) for enhanced stability and efficiency, and advanced analysis of losses at the electron transport layer/perovskite interface. Conducted in a state-of-the-art laboratory, the work combines process development, materials testing, and feedback-driven characterization to drive innovation in PSC technology.
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Studies of organic electroactive materials for optoelectronic devices
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doc. dr. Rasa Keruckienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This research focuses on advancing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by developing novel, metal-free fluorescent emitters with extended emission lifetimes, aiming to overcome limitations in efficiency and material lifespan that currently constrain OLED technology. Leveraging organic semiconductors for their lightweight and flexible properties, the project will synthesize new donor-acceptor compounds and examine their optoelectronic behavior using theoretical and experimental methods. These materials will be tested in OLEDs, oxygen sensors, and photodetectors, with findings published in leading scientific journals and presented at international conferences. Additionally, the PhD candidate will have opportunities for long-term internships at partner research institutions in Germany, Poland, France, Latvia, and the UK.
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Investigation of organic semiconductors as hole-transporters for optoelectronics
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dr. Oleksandr Bezvikonnyi |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The area of photovoltaics has been rapidly improving recently as there has been significant progress in the development of efficient hole transport materials. Further advances in the technology of perovskite solar cells (PSC) rely on the presentation of novel efficient organic hole-transporters that do not need doping as an alternative to the conventional Spiro-OMeTAD. The stability of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and PSCs is expected to be improved by the utilization of novel hole-transporters helping in the commercialization of the device applications.
The objective of the PhD study is the characterization of the photophysical, charge transport (TOF and CELIV techniques), stability properties of the new series of organic semiconductors for efficient hole carrier transport and the utilization of the materials in efficient organic light emitting diodes and/or perovskite solar cells.
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Synthesis and investigation of organic emitters with long lived emission
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vyresn. m. d. dr. Jūratė Simokaitienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Oxygen-sensitive materials that can exist in the triplet state when excited are valuable in numerous applications, including medicine, biotechnology, environmental analysis, and the food industry. The aim of this project is to synthesize new oxygen-sensitive derivatives and to investigate the photophysical properties of the resulting compounds.
Successful implementation of the project will lead to the development of new and efficient multifunctional materials, the application of which may lead to the production of efficient oxygen sensors.
The results will be presented at international conferences and published in journals indexed in the Web of Science database.
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| Development and research of polymeric composites for protection against high energy mixed radiation |
prof. dr. Diana Adlienė |
state-funded |
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Synthesis and investigation of red and near-infrared organic emitters for advanced optoelectronic devices
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vyresn. m. d. dr. Viktorija Andrulevičienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Red and near-infrared (NIR) organic emitters offer significant potential in optoelectronic applications like organic light emitting diode displays, biomedical sensors, and optical data transmission systems. These emitters are especially valuable due to their ability to efficiently generate light in the red and NIR regions, which are crucial for devices requiring low energy consumption and extended operational lifetimes. During the research, new compounds with an extended conjugated pi-electron system, as well as donor and acceptor groups will be synthesized and studied. Stable red and NIR organic radicals will also be developed for next-generation technologies.
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Self-Assembled Nanostructures for Plasmonic Sensors
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prof. dr. Tomas Tamulevičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The interaction of light with resonant structures enables non-contact measurements, which can be used to detect minuscule changes in the contacting medium related to contaminants, or specific binding events on surfaces. Periodical photonic structures can be formed employing self-assembly from colloidal solutions on dedicated surfaces with appropriate size traps. This method is suitable for originating periodic structures from monodisperse nanoparticles. Such 2D photonic structures, or metasurfaces, demonstrate high-quality resonances in the extinction spectrum related to the plasmonic lattices or otherwise surface lattice resonances. The position of the resonance is very sensitive for the contacting medium as it changes the effective refractive index in the structure - an optical sensor. This work aims to develop a specific binding detection platform based on self-assembled plasmonic nanoparticle arrays. The research will help to optimize the plasmonic nanoparticle densities and geometries within the array and its compatibility for refractometric sensing via visible spectroscopy. Then, the application of the nanoparticle chips for the detection of model and real-life pollutant samples will follow. The topic of the PhD is related to the Doctoral Networks - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions call project application that is currently being prepared.
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Synthesis and properties of spinel-structured MFe2O4 thin films
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doc. dr. Aleksandras Iljinas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Spinel ferrites have the general formula MFe2O4, where M (Mg, Ni, Co, Zn, etc.) is a divalent ion and occupies octahedral or tetrahedral sites, and Fe is a trivalent ion and occupies octahedral sites. Spinel ferrites are widely used in various fields such as gas sensor, electrode materials, microwave technology, and catalysis reactions. These applications are closely related to unique physical and chemical properties. The scientific research aims to study spinel ferrites with the general formula MFe2O4, where M (Ni, Co, Zn) is the crystalline structure of oxides that have magnetic properties, and how they change with the introduction of impurities of other materials. Spinel-structured oxide layers will be grown by vacuum reactive physical deposition "layer by layer" and simultaneous deposition method on trays at temperatures of 400-700oC. For this purpose, the original equipment constructed in the KTU Department of Physics laboratory will be used, allowing the synthesis of multilayer structures with high stoichiometry.
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Extraction of Noble Metal Nanoparticles by Recycling Hydrogen Fuel Cells
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doc. dr. Benas Gabrielis Urbonavičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The proposed research focuses on the development of sustainable and efficient methods for extracting noble metal nanoparticles from spent hydrogen fuel cells, addressing critical challenges in resource scarcity and waste management. Noble metals like platinum and palladium are essential for the catalytic processes in fuel cells, but their high cost and limited availability pose significant barriers to the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy technologies. Recycling these valuable materials from decommissioned fuel cells offers a promising solution, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. This study aims to innovate eco-friendly extraction techniques, optimize recovery rates, and ensure the reusability of recovered nanoparticles. The expected outcomes include a scalable process that reduces environmental impact, mitigates economic barriers, and supports the sustainable growth of clean energy technologies.
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Direct synthesis of the graphene on dielectric surface, their study and application for sensors
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vyr. m. d. dr. Šarūnas Meškinis |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Graphene is a 2D nanocarbon material consisting of the carbon atomic hexagons monolayer. It is at the top of the significant interest due to the giant electron and hole mobility, charge carrier multiplication, flexibility, optical transparency, chemical inertness, and other outstanding properties. One of the possible applications of graphene is the use of graphene in Schottky contacts instead of metal. Due to its very high mobilities, graphene can be used as a channel layer in field effect transistors and transistor-based biosensors. Till now, graphene was usually synthesized by chemical vapor deposition of the graphene on catalytic Cu, Ni, and Co foils. Afterward, the prolonged process of the graphene transfer onto the targeted semiconductor or dielectric substrates was used. It is a complex and time-consuming procedure. Control of the graphene/semiconductor contact and graphene nanolayer properties are complicated in such a case. In the present study, graphene will be directly synthesized on the dielectric surface by plasma-assisted processes. The influence of the synthesis conditions on graphene structure will be investigated. The graphene structure's effects on the sensors' characteristics will be studied. The relation between the properties of the synthesized graphene layer and the characteristics of the graphene-based field effect transistor sensors will be studied.
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Development and research of titanium-based composite materials
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doc. dr. Rasa Kandrotaitė-Janutienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The objective of the project is a development of new technological approaches to obtain anti-friction dispersion-hardened by nanoparticles materials based on titanium and other metals and non-metals – alloys with high heat resistance, strength and durability for use in aircraft and rocket technology. For the production of composite materials, such processes as the effect of a high-voltage electric discharge on the initial powder, and the sintering of the powder by the spark plasma method will be used. The mechanical and physical properties and structure of new composite materials will be studied by changing the technological parameters of the process. The development of these materials will allow the production of aerospace components, friction and anti-friction composites, dispersion-hardened with nanoparticles, with increased thermostability, strength and wear resistance, while maintaining plasticity.
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Development of sustainable photopolymers from renewable raw materials for optical 3D printing technologies
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prof. dr. Jolita Ostrauskaitė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
With the recent intensive development and deployment of high-technologies such as microelectronics, optoelectronics, nanotechnology, or biotechnology, the need for flexible production of precise and small parts produced from sustainable polymers has been growing rapidly. Optical 3D printing technologies are perfect for this. In these technologies, replacing petroleum-derived materials with those derived from renewable materials, particularly suitable for the production of reprocessable, reusable and recyclable polymers, would provide ecological and economic benefits. The aim of this work is to develop new sustainable photopolymers from renewable raw materials that would be suitable for optical 3D printing. During the work, photosensitive resins of various plant-derived monomers will be developed, their composition and photopolymerization conditions will be optimized, the structure and properties, as well as reprocessability, reusability and recyclability of the obtained photopolymers will be investigated. Selected combinations of plant-derived materials will be tested in optical 3D printing devices and offered for commercialization. During doctoral studies, internships are planned in the laboratories of other European universities. The research results will be published in scientific journals indexed in the Web of Science database, presented at international conferences or patented, and presented to the general public.
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Development and investigation of sustainable textile structures with enhanced functionality
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prof. dr. Daiva Mikučionienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Textile industry and science currently focus on the development, research and production of sustainable textiles with specialized functionality. Principles of circular economy and advanced textile production technologies, design methods and new functional fibers are used to develop functional textile products. Spatial textile structures significantly expand the boundaries of functionality, allow obtaining the final shape of the product, thus significantly saving raw materials and reducing the amount of waste. Spatial textile structures have the possibility to combine different fibers, textile and non-textile threads, weaves. However, such a complex structure complicates the modeling and design processes, and there are many unsolved issues of modeling and intercombination of individual properties as well as their prediction.
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| Development and investigation of sustainable fibrous composites from plant waste |
prof. dr. Rimvydas Milašius |
state-funded |
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Ultra short pulse laser treated paper microfluidic platform for detection of contaminants
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prof. dr. Tomas Tamulevičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Micro/neoplastic and Per- and polyfluoroalkylated compounds, the so-called “forever chemicals”, pollution in aquatic ecosystems, including drinking water, has become crucial for human and environmental health. This study aims to develop cheap and reliable microfluidic devices for the sensitive detection of pollutants in liquids using laser-structured porous membranes. The objective of the research is to evaluate porous paper membranes and laser microprocessing effect for effective control of the analyte flow. To develop nanomaterials suitable for colorimetric detection and visualization of specific binding with the pollutants. Finally, to develop a paper-based microfluidic device for pollutant detection in liquid analytes. It is expected to develop and characterize a colorimetric microfluidic sensor that can be applied to the detection of various pollutants. The topic of the PhD is related to the Doctoral Networks - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions call project application that is currently being prepared.
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Development of a 3D ZnO tetrapod network platform for neuromorphic electronics and gas sensors
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vyr. m. d. dr. Simas Račkauskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
ZnO nanostructures such as ZnO tetrapods (ZnO-T) have attracted much attention in the scientific world due to their unique properties and wide applications in electronics, but integration into functional materials remains a problem. ZnO-T has the ability to self-assemble into networks that can be used for the development of neuromorphic electronics (NE) and sensors. NE is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to developing electronic systems that match the structure and function of the human brain. Its components often include artificial synapses and neurons assembled into complex systems, similar to biological neural networks, which allow efficient processing of complex data patterns, NE uses much less energy compared to classical electronics, and its parallel processing principles are more suitable for the development of artificial intelligence and robotics. Various NE platforms are currently being tested. ZnO tetrapods, with applications in electronics due to their unique semiconducting properties, open opportunities for exploring environmentally responsive NE. This work will focus on the development of a self-organizing 3D ZnO tetrapod network-based platform for printable neuromorphic computers and sensors. Using our developed ZnO tetrapod fabrication and assembly technology, an innovative coating method that facilitates assembly into 3D geometries, resulting in a system similar to biological neural networks, will be explored. The results of the work will promote progress in the field of NE, provide insights into material-light interactions to tailor synapse functions, develop self-assembly methods for efficient production, which can be applied in different industries. Optimizing ZnO tetrapod networks is expected to promote more efficient and adaptable electronics manufacturing, especially in the field of artificial intelligence systems.
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Investigation and Simulation of Warp Crimp in Jacquard Woven Fabrics
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doc. dr. Eglė Kumpikaitė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
During the creation of jacquard fabrics, one of the most important problems is the appropriate selection of the composition and structure of the fabric pattern. The weavability and behavior of the fabric during weaving depends on the choice of these jacquard fabric indicators. Choosing the wrong pattern composition and/or weaves with very different warp crimps for a jacquard fabric can cause some groups of warp threads to overstretch and others to loosen. Therefore, the weavability of such a fabric can be bad. For the optimal jacquard fabric composition and structure, the warp thread crimp should be the same across the entire width of the fabric.
The aim is to create a new methodology for choosing the composition and structural solution of jacquard fabrics and a prototype of jacquard fabric with optimal weaving properties and to test it under real conditions of use.
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Low-temperature plasma nitrided scales for linear displacement encoders
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vyr. m. d. dr. Viktoras Grigaliūnas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
In this project, we are planning to develop the technology of a corrosion-resistant linear encoder steel scale applicable for work in harsh environments. This is very relevant for the company JSC ‘Precizika Metrology’ (https://www.precizika.com/) that has implemented a new technique, ie, the raster linear scales are fabricated on a polished stainless steel tape by irradiation of the picosecond laser beam. Laser-fabricated ripples provide diffuse light reflection and high contrast compared to well-reflecting gaps between elements, ensuring the precision and reliability of the linear encoder measurements. The laser can create very fine ripples on the steel surface with a period of hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers, but the problem is that the laser radiation partially damages the protective chromium oxide layer of stainless steel, which is very important for corrosion resistance. Accurate and reliable measurements are often required in harsh environments such as the marine, chemical, and food processing industries, and in such environments certain corrosion phenomena can appear, especially where the laser beam damages the protective chromium oxide layer of stainless steel.
In this project, we plan to solve this problem by developing corrosion-resistant scales using a low-temperature plasma nitriding technique. The nitrogen plasma will be generated by a novel radio - frequency inductively coupled plasma beam source. We will explore the advantage of this method when nitrogen is ionized in the reactor and the process is performed at a relatively low temperature as compared to other methods (e.g. gas nitriding), thus minimizing the effects of thermal expansion. The project will investigate and analyse the surface structure, morphology, and optical properties of nitrided raster steel scales, evaluate long-term corrosion resistance, and influence of plasma nitriding on the parameters of the primary electrical signals of photoelectric encoders.
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