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. Additive technology in the production of lithium-ion battery components

   The aim of the dissertation is to summarize the current state of knowledge in the use of 3D printing for the creation of lithium-ion battery components (separator, active materials, electrodes). Subsequently, a deeper study of such structures and components in terms of electrochemical measurements and characterization using microscopic methods. Part of the work will be the design of the necessary equipment.

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

2. Advanced circuit- and architecture-level solutions for true low-voltage analog-to-digital converters for energy harvesting and biomedical applications

   The aim of this work is to provide a research of advanced and optimized circuit- and architecture-level solutions for true low-voltage high power efficient analog-to-digital converters for energy harvesting and biomedical applications. 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 low-voltage convertor should be the main result.

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

3. Degradation of perovskite solar cells

   Perovskite solar cells are nowadays one of the fastest developing solar cells in terms of efficiency. Within a few years, they have been able to overcome the efficiency of commonly available silicon cells and thus become very promising. However, a significant challenge for mastering this technology and its stabilization is the effort to minimize various degradation processes. This work aims to investigate the aging of perovskite solar cells under different temperature and atmospheric conditions and the physical description of these mechanisms. An analysis of both the structure and electrical properties of the cell will be performed. A possible description of the solution, reduction, and slowing down of several selected degradation processes is also expected as an output.

   Tutor: Papež Nikola, Ing., Ph.D.

4. Degradation of solar cells and modules

   The thesis will deal with the influence of the environment on the degradation of solar modules, focusing on the comparison of the installation position, installation topology, type of PV installation, cell material, and the way of operation of individual PV installations. The aim of the work is to develop a model relationship that expresses these influences.

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

5. Design and optimisation of algorithms in digital circuis utilizing in space research

   The dissertation would deal with the design and optimization of special algorithms and structures in FPGA / ASIC digital circuits utilize in space research. The design and optimization of algorithms should focus on radiation and temperature robustness when used in extreme conditions.

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

6. 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.

7. Dielectric spectroscopy of materials with high permittivity

   High permittivity materials are needed for new applications, eg in next generation integrated circuits (32 nm) or in capacitors. In the manufacture of capacitors, materials with high permittivity are desirable to achieve a higher energy density in the capacitor, and thus to reduce the dimensions. Today, great attention is paid to this area of research, eg CCTO materials, etc.

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

8. Electrical analysis of battery modules.

   The thesis is devoted to the research of degradation processes in batteries using noise spectroscopy. The aim of the dissertation is to analyze degradation processes in batteries using noise spectroscopy and to propose measures for their monitoring and minimization.

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

9. Electrical polarization of fibrous structure polymers

   This work deals with the possibility of polarization of fibrous structure polymers based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the produced material contains more than 70% air. PVDF requires an electric field of 400 to 500 MV/m to transform the α phase to the β phase when polarized by the conventional method, where the sample then exhibits piezoelectric properties. For thin films, this polarization process is ongoing in an oil bath where the electrodes are deposited only on small area in the middle of the sample to avoid electrical discharges at the edges. This polarization is already complicated. The material must have a high dielectric strength to prevent destructive electrical breakdown through the material. Therefore, there are other methods of polarizing PVDF where the oil bath is heated so that a lower electric field can be applied. Or corona polarization is used, which is advantageous for polarizing samples without electrical contacts. PVDF fibrous structures prepared using electrospinning process should be piezoelectric from the production itself. This thesis will discuss the possibility of polarizing PVDF fibrous structures that do not exhibit piezoelectric response and therefore need to be polarized.

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

10. 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.

11. Fluctuation of charge transport in air/vacuum channel transistors

    The aim of the work is to describe and study the fluctuation mechanisms of free electron emission fluctuations in vacuum channel transistors, which should help in the development of vacuum nanoelectronics. The transistors will be prepared in collaboration with the Institute of scientific instrumentation of the CAS.

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

12. 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.

13. Characterization of lithium battery condition by noise spectroscopy

    The aim of the work is to propose a methodology for estimating battery lifetime by studying current fluctuations during charging and discharging of lithium batteries/cells. The methodology should use the latest artificial intelligence methods.

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

14. Interaction of polymeric and biological materials

    Goal of this doctoral thesis is the exploration of interaction of pure polymeric materials, for example polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polymers with additives, with biological materials on a cellular level. Among the mainly studied interactions are directed growth of osteoblasts on polymeric structure and disinfecting abilities of the studied polymers under the catalytic influence of ultraviolet radiation.

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

15. Negative Electrode Materials for Sodium-ion Batteries

    The dissertation thesis deals with research and development in branch of sodium-ion batteries. The work is focused on the development of negative electrode (anode) materials for sodium-ion batteries. The main goal of the thesis is the synthetization and electrochemical characterization of negative electrode material based on sodium-titanate (NaxTiyOz).

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

16. New circuit principles for low-voltage low-power analog circuits design

    Utilizing new circuit principles for low-voltage low-power analog circuit design. These circuits serve mainly in biomedical area. Theoretical design and experimental evaluations using program Cadence with technology 0.18 um from TSMC. The verified design of a current conveyor should be the main result.

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

17. Novel decoding method for asynchronous delta sigma modulators

    Conventional decoding schemes for asynchronous delta sigma modulators (ADSMs) limit input dynamic range of modulators, and always requires a high speed sampling clock. Improve a decoding scheme for asynchronous delta sigma modulators. Implement the ADSMs including novel decoding scheme by designing critical sub-modules on transistor level and verify the overall top-level ADSMs performance as a whole with Cadence simulation environment.

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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2022 to 15.05.2022)

1. A modern circuit solutions for special applications

   Investigate the possibilities of using new types of circuits for special applications, especially for space industry equipment. Focus on suppressing cosmic rays. Design a CubeSat that will be able to test your method in a real environment. Analyze the results and modify the method to be applicable to other launches.

   Tutor: Háze Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Advanced methods of data processing from microelectronic inertial systems

   The student will get acquainted with the current issues of data processing from microelectronic inertial systems. The research will lead to the design of new microelectronic circuits usable in these telemetry systems. The main goal will be the optimization of processed data and the possibility of their analysis by low-power systems.

   Tutor: Šteffan Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Biodegradable bone implants

   Research of biodegradable bone implants based on sintered iron-based materials with the addition of selected additives. Preparation and study of corrosion mechanisms

   Tutor: Sedlaříková Marie, doc. Ing., CSc.

4. Biodegradable bone implants

   Research of biodegradable bone implants based on sintered iron-based materials with the addition of selected additives. Preparation and study of corrosion mechanisms

   Tutor: Sedlaříková Marie, doc. Ing., CSc.

5. Design of new lowpover microsystems for Smart City

   In the course of the research the student will become familiar with the current issue of smart city. The research will lead to the design and development of methods that can be used to design new microelectronics structures for smart city. The basic goal will be low power design of select components.

   Tutor: Šteffan Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Diagnostic method of solar cells and modules

   By usage of stochastic method (noise diagnostic and accustic emision) detect defects of solar cells and modules.

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

7. Evaluation of degradation processes and limit states in materials by acoustic emission method

   The aim of the work will be the research of degradation processes and limit states by the method of acoustic emission on materials with the possibility of assessing the quality of the technological process. To verify the results of the acoustic emission method, it will be necessary to perform a number of laboratory tests for the largest and most objective assessment of the investigated AE method, as a tool for assessing degradation processes and limit states in materials. During the basic research, it will be necessary to perform a number of laboratory measurements intervening in various disciplines, in the solution of which it will be necessary to use an interdisciplinary approach. The obtained results and knowledge from basic research will be fully usable for applied research.

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

8. Characterization of lithium-ion batteries using machine learning and artificial intelligence

   The aim of the dissertation is a deeper study of the characterization of lithium-ion batteries in terms of their state of further use for second-life electricity storage. In practice, it is necessary to use a large amount of measured data, which must be evaluated for further work. Algorithms for machine learning and artificial intelligence appear here as a suitable apparatus for subsequent processing and future prediction of the behavior of such accumulators. The aim of this work is to summarize the current state of knowledge in this area and then incorporate, based on a series of measurements, ML and AI for the future intelligent characterization of li-ion batteries.

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

9. Mathematical & Physical simulations of interactions of electrons with a gas for design and realization of a new ionization detector for ESEM.

   Deep understanding of the electron interaction with gas is essential for optimalization of ionization detectors in ESEM. The goal of the thesis is the creation of an accurate quantitative model, that will be used for prediction of the behavior and therefore optimalization of a new ionization detector with high signal-to-noise ratio for ESEM.

   Tutor: Neděla Vilém, doc. Ing. et Ing., Ph.D., DSc.

10. New aprotic electrolytes for advanced energy storage

    The work deals with the study of the composition of new electrolytes for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. Another part of the work will be the research of electrolytes for lithium-sulphur batteries. This will be mainly on electrochemical properties such as ionic and electrical conductivity and potential window. The work is linked to the TAČR project with this topic.

    Tutor: Čech Ondřej, Ing., Ph.D.

11. New electrode materials for post-lithium ion batteries

    The topic will be the preparation and study of new composite materials based on carbon-metal structures and their use as an electrode material for electrochemical power sources.

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

12. Numerical simulations of interactions of charged particles with water and solid state matter for quantitative description of the emission of signal electrons to the gas environment in VP-ESEM.

    The goal of the thesis is to characterize the scattering mechanisms in water and in solid state matter, including the emission of signal electrons to the gas environment in ESEM. This will be achieved with the help of numerical simulations made with the available simulation software. The radioation damage of the sample will be determined based on the simulations results. Procedures for minimizing the radiation damage will be defined. The simulation results will also lead to a new design or to optimalization of the current detection systems in SEM and VP-ESEM. The results will be verified experimentally.

    Tutor: Neděla Vilém, doc. Ing. et Ing., Ph.D., DSc.

13. Prediction of battery power storage error states using a digital twin

    The aim of the dissertation is a deeper study of the issue of digital twins in the field of battery power storage. In practice, it is possible to apply a digital twin for intelligent prediction of complex systems in terms of their behavior. In this way, their incorrect behavior can be detected and the cause of the fault can be intelligently analyzed. However, the key element is to "teach" the digital twin these faults, which is realized using data from real measurements or simulation by ROM models. The aim of this work is to summarize the current state of knowledge of the application of the digital twin in the field of stationary electricity storage. Subsequent creation of a digital twin real electricity storage with li-ion batteries, its detailed characterization in terms of error states and subsequent implementation of these states when involving machine learning.

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

14. SiC and GaN power structures

    The large bandwidth of the SiC and GaN semiconductor materials is associated with a large breakdown voltage of their structures. This makes it viable to optimize the dimensions and achieve very low resistance in ON-state as well as very low parasitic capacitances. It is thus possible to achieve very low conductivity and commutation losses. Other significant advantages include more efficient bi-directional performance, temperature independent switching and reduced cooling requirements. This facilitates broad applications area in power conversion systems such as traction, automotive, pulsed power, plasma devices, circuit protection and much other medium-voltage power devices. Gate drive characteristics are similar to other unipolar devices such as MOSFETs and IGBTs, however driven at a much higher frequency and with significantly shorter switch ON/OFF times they require new approaches in the design of control circuits, including galvanic isolation of large voltages directly on the chip or in the housing of the component. For many applications, the possibility of liquid cooling is also advantageous.

    Tutor: Boušek Jaroslav, prof. Ing., CSc.

15. Use of the acoustic emission method for the evaluation of degradation processes in materials

    The aim of this work will be to clarify the possibility of using the acoustic emission method for qualitative assessment of degradation processes and limit states in materials. Selected materials will be subjected to various variants of degradation effects (eg corrosion, UV radiation) and it will be explored how the AE method can be used to assess the interaction on the basic properties of the material and also the possibility of examining degradation processes and limit states only AE method. Part of the research will also be devoted to the evaluation of the layers created on the materials through the researched scientific methods. During the basic research, it will be necessary to perform a number of laboratory measurements intervening in various disciplines, in the solution of which it will be necessary to use an interdisciplinary approach. The obtained results and knowledge from basic research will be fully usable for applied research.

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