Projects

International

SUPERQUMAP – Supravodivé nanozariadenia a kvantové materiály pre koherentnú manipuláciu
SUPERCONDUCTING NANODEVICES AND QUANTUM MATERIALS FOR COHERENT MANIPULATION
Program: COST
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: We propose a collaborative approach joiningtogether efforts and groups all over Europe, structured around three pathways, (i) the synthesis andcharacterization of quantum materials with novel topological properties, (ii) the fabrication of sensors anddevices exploiting novel superconducting functionalities and (iii) the generation and coherent manipulation ofsuperconducting states that can create new opportunities in the superconducting quantum electronics. Usingan open and inclusive approach that joins expertise and capabilities all over Europe, this project will structurecollaborative efforts aiming at disruptive achievements in the field of superconductivity. The results willimpact far beyond the development of new quantum solutions for computation, and include sectors such ashealth and energy.
Duration: 6.10.2022 – 5.10.2026
EMP – Europská Mikrokelvinová Platforma
European Microkelvin Platform
Program: Horizon 2020
Project leader: RNDr. Skyba Peter, DrSc.
Project webpage: https://emplatform.eu/
Duration: 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2023
Mikrokontaktová a tunelová spektroskopia topologických izolátorov SnTe a Ge polovodičov
Point-contact and tunnel spectroscopy of the topological insulator SnTe and Ge semiconductor
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Annotation: Quantum materials with a nontrivial topology of the electronic band structure are in recent years in the forefront of intensive theoretical and experimental studies. This is due not only to their unusual physical properties, but also due to possible applications in the new generation of electronics, in particular in quantum computers and spintronic elements. The key characteristic of these materials is the specific topology of the electronic structure, which defines non-trivial properties of their normal and superconducting state. At present, the efforts of the scientific community are focused on the ability to detect the peculiarities of surface states of these materials in transport measurements.It is believed that nonconventional superconductivity in topological materials (insulators) is realized in surface states. Under the influence of these investigations, a search was initiated and a surface superconducting state was detected in doped elemental semiconductors, which are widespread and technologically attractive. Thus, superconductivity was detected in a semiconductor Si, which has a high critical temperature of up to 10 K, which gives new perspectives in further research and new applications of classical semiconductors.For an efficient search for new compounds with predicted parameters, an understanding of the superconductivity mechanism that is implemented in these compounds is required. It is clear that this requires a thorough study of the characteristic physical properties of topological materials, using various experimental methods, among which tunneling and point-contact spectroscopy occupy one of the key places. Thus, in the joint project it is planned to study comprehensively the physical properties of the proposed objects – semiconductor Ge and the topological isolator SnTe to clarify the nature of their superconducting state. It is planned to conduct surface-sensitive point-contact measurements, where the features of surface states will affect the transport of charge carriers. Properties of surface states make topological materials particularly promising for quantum electronic applications. To find out the nature of the superconducting state, it is necessary to establish a pairing mechanism, which is usually associated with the interaction of two electrons, for example, due to such quasiparticles as phonons in ordinary superconductors. Thus, obtaining information on electron-quasiparticle interaction in the formation of superconducting pairs is very important for understanding the nature of superconductivity. From this point of view, the point-contact spectroscopy is a direct experimental method for obtaining the spectral function of the electron-boson (quasiparticle) interaction, which is responsible for the formation of superconducting pairs.Similar experiments were carried out by Ukrainian and Slovak teams for many types of superconductors. Therefore, taking into account this considerable experience in the project, it is planned to investigate the surface superconducting state in some promising representatives of semiconductors and topological insulators.
Duration: 1.4.2020 – 31.12.2022
STM štúdium grafénom pokrytých nanoštruktúr
Investigation of graphene covered superconducting nanostructures by scanning tunneling microscopy
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Annotation: The proposed project represents a continuation of our previous collaboration, which we started in the framework of our common APVV SK-Hu-2013-0039 project „Elaboration and characterization of graphene layers with controlled nanoscale rippling” in 2015. In this project, we have studied the physical properties of tin/graphene hybrid nanostructures applying low temperature STM microscopy and spectroscopy. We have shown, that the graphene cover layer acts as a passivating layer and protects the tin nanoparticles from oxidation. Our low temperature STM results prove that superconductivity is induced in grapheme both, when directly directly supported by tin nanoparticles or suspended among them. These results have been published in our common paper in a prestigious journal Carbon [A. Pálinkás, et al., Carbon 124 (2017) 611-617].
Duration: 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2022
Mikrokontaktová spektroskopia supravodičov na báze železa
Point-contact and tunneling spectroscopy of emergent iron-based superconductors
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Point-contact and low temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy of the most prospective iron pnictide and chalcogenide superconductors is planned to obtain information about the typical boson excitations and anisotropy of the superconducting gap, multi-zone and interface effects to identify characteristics features of superconducting state in these compounds and a deeper understanding their nature.
Duration: 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019
Spektroskopické, transportné a termodynamické vlastnosti silno korelovaných elektrónových systémov s konkurenčnými parametrami usporiadania
Spectroscopic, transport and thermodynamic properties of strongly-correlated electronic systems with competing orders
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: RNDr. Vargaeštoková Zuzana, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2015 – 31.12.2017
CONICET – Spektroskopické vlastnosti silno korelovaných elektrónových systémov s konkurenčnými usporiadaniami
Spectroscopic properties of strongly correlated systems with competing order
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: RNDr. Vargaeštoková Zuzana, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2014
Microkelvin – Európska mikrokelvinová spolupráca
European Microkelvin Collaboration
Program: FP7
Project leader: RNDr. Skyba Peter, DrSc.
Project webpage: www.microkelvin.eu
Duration: 1.4.2009 – 31.3.2013
REBCO studies – Štúdium prípravy RE-Ba-Cu-O monokryštálov. Vzťahy medzi magnetizmom a supravodivosťou.
Study on single crystal growth in RE-Ba-Cu-O system. Interplay between magnetism and superconductivity.
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Annotation: Study of fundamental superconducting properties of RBCO superconductors. Experimental study of the anisotropy and electron pairing symmetry in these systems.
Duration: 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2009

National

Necentrosymetrické supravodiče
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kačmarčík Jozef, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027
Štúdium netriviálnej supravodivosti vybraných materiálov.
Research of non-trivial superconductivity on selected materials.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kačmarčík Jozef, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2020 – 31.12.2023
ECODISC – Elektrónové korelácie v neusporiadaných supravodičoch
Electron correlations in disordered superconductors
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Annotation: Project aims at understanding of the effect of disorder on superconductivity in systems which are close to Superconductor-Insulator Transition as well as in thin films of hydrides. The thin films of MoN, MoC, TiN of various thickness and stoichiometry and on different substrates as well as polycrystalline and nanostructured boron-doped diamond will be prepared. Some of these systems reveal fermionic and some bosonic effects insuperconducting state. By means of conductance measurements from DC to optical frequency range as well as by means of the scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at very low temperatures and in high magnetic field we will address the question of what kind of superconductivity is established in strongly disorderd systems where already quasiparticles out of superconducting state reveal renormalized density of states around the Fermi energy. We want also to understand the appearence of superconductivity in thin films of hydrides. We will explore the effect of disorder changing upon hydrogen content, thickness of film, substrate, microstructure and applied pressure on superconductivity in YHx, TiHx, VHx hydrides and their oxyhydrides.
Duration: 1.7.2019 – 30.6.2023
MIKROKELVIN – Kvantové materiály pri ultra-nízkych teplotách – MIKROKELVIN
Quantum matters at very low temperatures – MICROKELVIN
Program: Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Výskum a inovácie
Project leader: RNDr. Skyba Peter, DrSc.
Duration: 1.1.2020 – 30.6.2023
FRUSTKOM – Frustrované kovové magnetické systémy
Frustrated metallic magnetic systems
Program: SRDA
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Gabáni Slavomír, PhD.
Annotation: The up to now experimental and theoretical studies of frustrated magnetic systems (FMS) has been concentrated mainly on dielectric systems. Such systems can be found in 2D and 3D lattices based on equilateral triangles, and in dielectrics the interaction between their spins can be relatively well defined and described. In metallic FMS (M-FMS), which have been much less studied, an important role plays the long-range indirect exchange interaction between the spins mediated by conduction electrons (the RKKY interaction). To the small number of up to now studied M-FMS belong also some rare earth metallic borides having a fcc (e.g.HoB12, ErB12) or Shastry-Sutherland (e.g.TmB4, HoB4, ErB4) structure. This project aims are to investigate experimentally the impact of high pressure (hydrostatic and uniaxial), the influence of alloying and the anisotropy on the magnetic, transport and thermal properties of M -FMS, which has not been studied yet. A pioneering work will be above all the direct observation of magnetic structures of individual phase diagram regions of these M-FMS by spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy. Investigated will be also the dynamics of magnetic structures (the influence of the rate of change of the magnetic field on these structures) and the study of magnetic excitations (by neutron diffraction methods) in selected tetraborides and dodecaborides.The challenging experimental studies, for which both high quality samples and suitable methods are already available, will be supported by the theoretical interpretation of received results, and by the theoretical elaboration.
Project webpage: http://extremeconditions.saske.sk/projects/
Duration: 1.8.2018 – 31.12.2022
QuTeMaD – Kvantové technológie. materiály a zariadenia
Quantum Technologies, Materials and Devices
Program: SRDA
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Within the project we will focus on development of particular devices based on superconductors orsuperconducting circuits working up to quantum limit. One of the main goal of the project is a practical amplifierwhich bring real and considerable improvement over the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifiers. Ouraim is to go beyond the state-of-the-art and fabricate subquantum-limited parametric amplifier, a key element forquantum information processing with microwaves. In order to achieve this aim we will investigate novel quantummaterials which can improve properties of quantum devices. Therefore, the fundamental research of newtopological materials including topological insulators and superconductors will thus be a logical and integral partof our project.
Duration: 1.7.2017 – 31.12.2020
Komplementárne štúdium supravodivosti vybraných materiálov
Complementary study of superconductivity of selected materials
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kačmarčík Jozef, PhD.
Annotation: Since the discovery of the two-gap superconductivity in MgB2 almost 15 years ago, a continuous search for other examples of this special feature is maintained. Another interesting issue of these days in condensed matter physics is investigation of materials with competing orders, where for example superconductivity coexists or compete with magnetic ordering or charge density waves. Within the project we will focus on study of several representatives of these groups – we will confirm or disconfirm presence of two energy gaps in LaRu4As12 and Bi2Pd, we will explore competing orders in CuxTiSe2 and CeCoIn5 and we will address spatially constrained superconductivity in granular doped diamond. Clarification of their superconducting mechanism could shed some light on other superconducting materials. We will also work on development of new experimental methods – implementation of a resistive calorimeter and mastering and further enhancement of local magnetometry using Scanning Hall-probe microscope.
Duration: 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2019
PSI – Prechod supravodič – izolant
Superconductor – insulator transition
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Annotation: The project aims at understanding the problem of how superconductor transforms to insulator at increaseddisorder. The questions of what is the force driving the superconducting transition temperature to lower values inultrathin superconducting films and what is the mechanism of the quantum phase transition betweensuperconducting and insulating states will be addressed experimentally as well as theoretically. Thesuperconducting films of various content with thicknesses down to few atomic layers as well as thenanostructures and resonators on their basis will be prepared. Transport, microwave and optical properties ofthese objects will be investigated. By means of the subkelvin scanning tunnelling microscope the spectral mapsof the quasiparticle density of states at ultralow temperatures and in high magnetic fields will be measured. Wewill explore possibilities to prepare sensitive photon detectors and amplifiers based on ultrathin disorderedsuperconducting films for the spectroscopy in physics, chemistry and biology.Dynamics of the surface states in another macroscopic quantum object, the superfluid 3He which is thetopological insulator at ultra low temperatures, will be investigated experimentally as well as theoretically. Theobjective is to elucidate the dynamics of surface bound excitations in superfluid 3He by means of mechanicalresonators and resolve if the excitations can be identified with the long searched Majorana fermions.By experiment the recent question if samarium hexaboride is a topological insulator will be addressed.
Duration: 1.7.2015 – 30.6.2019
Supravodiče s nekonvenčným párovaním
Superconductors with non-conventional pairing
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kačmarčík Jozef, PhD.
Annotation: Since the discovery of high-Tc superconductors a vivid interest is focused on the non-conventional electron pairing mechanisms that could lead to high superconducting critical temperature. Within the proposed project we will study systems where superconductivity comes to play in positive or negative sense with other concurrent order – charge density wave, mainly in dichalcogenides of transition metals. After another surprising discovery – the superconductivity in MgB2 a renewed attention was focused on other non-conventional types of otherwise classical phonon mediated pairing. Within the project we will study other superconducting borides. Clarification of their superconducting mechanism could shed some light on other superconducting clathrates, where a metal ion is trapped in the cage of some other element. We will also work on development of new experimental methods – a compact cooling stage using adiabatic demagnetization and implementation of local magnetometry in 3He cryostat.
Duration: 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2015
CFNT MVEP – Centrum fyziky nízkych teplôt a materiálového výskumu v extrémnych podmienkach
Centre of Low Temperature Physics And Material Research at Extreme Conditions
Program: Centrá excelentnosti SAV
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Centre of Low Temperature Physics and Material Research at Extreme Conditions Kosice, CLTP-MREC, represents a concept of cutting-edge experimental research institution focused on low temperature physics and material research under extreme conditions. By the extreme conditions apart from low temperatures meant are also high as well as extremely small magnetic fields, extremely high pressures and temperatures, and also reduced dimensions – preparation of nanomaterials and investigations of properties on a nanoscopic scale. Main goal of the project has been to mobilize a common research of constituting organisations and to target it to the area of materials and technologies with a high application potential and technological transfer. The world competitive physics and material science demands the up-to-date research infrastructure. CLTP-MREC has already now in disposal top level instruments and techniques obtained within the framework of the European structural funds, Framework Programmes and other grant schemes but as the most important added value the Centre deems its capability to develop own unique scientific methods, instruments and technologies. The Centre belongs to a dozen world laboratories able to perform experiments in microkelvin range but it disposes also other unique techniques for processing and characterization of materials in high magnetic fields, and at high pressures and temperatures. In this proposal we will concentrate on development of another top level instruments and technologies as well on a synergetic collaboration of our laboratories which represent an important base of the material R&D in Košice.
Project webpage: http://ofnt.saske.sk
Duration: 1.7.2011 – 30.6.2015
Progresívne materiály s konkurenčnými parametrami usporiadania
Progressive materials with competing order parameters.
Program: SRDA
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Phase transitions between different ground states of the material can be induced by altering the balance of competing interactions by changes in composition, pressure, or external applied magnetic field. Interplay between competing orders can lead to new materials with unexpected properties. For example it may stand behind the high temperature superconductivity. Within the project we will focus on fundamental studies in three classes of superconducting materials where the above mentioned competing orders can be put in a play: pnictides, superconductors based on doped semiconductors and dichalcogenides.The project represents a physical realization of the unique experimental basis of the Centre of Cryophysics and Cryonanoelectronics Košice-Bratislava built as a Centre of Excellence of the Slovak R&D agency during last years and supported by the Framework Programme and other projects.
Duration: 1.7.2012 – 30.6.2015
Extrem II – Extrem II – Dobudovanie Centra pokročilých fyzikálnych štúdii materiálov v extrémnych podmienkach
Extrem II – Center of advanced physical studies for materials in extreme conditions
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: RNDr. Skyba Peter, DrSc.
Duration: 28.8.2010 – 31.1.2014
EDUFYCE – Edukačné fyzikálne centrum ÚEF SAV
Program: Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Vzdelávanie
Project leader: RNDr. Zentková Mária, CSc.
Project webpage: edufyce.saske.sk
Duration: 1.9.2010 – 30.8.2013
Magnetizmus a supravodivosť. Experimentálne štúdium v extrémnych podmienkach.
Magnetism and superconductivity. Experimental study at extreme conditions.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kačmarčík Jozef, PhD.
Annotation: At low temperatures, when thermal fluctuations are suppressed, condensed matter transforms to magnetically ordered or superconducting state. Magnetism and superconductivity are antagonist phenomena, yet there exist some examples of ferromagnetic superconductors. Indeed, interplay of superconductivity and magnetism stands among the most attractive up-to-date research topics. In the proposed project we intend to study selected magnetic and superconducting materials in extreme experimental conditions: very low temperatures, high magnetic fields, under high pressures and with space resolution down to atomic scale in order to clarify their fundamental physical properties.Partially we will focus on implementation and improvement of new experimental techniques and methods. Namely it is implementation of relaxation calorimetry at milikelvin temperatures, construction of high-pressure cell up to 100 kbar for measurements under pressure and implementation of local magnetization measurements using miniature Hall probes.
Duration: 1.1.2010 – 31.12.2012
Hodina vedy
The hour of sciences
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Project webpage: www.hodinavedy.sk
Duration: 1.7.2008 – 31.7.2011
CKK – Centrum kryofyziky a kryonanoelektroniky
Centre of Cryophysics and Cryonanoelectronics
Program: SRDA
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Project webpage: ofnt.saske.sk
Duration: 1.7.2008 – 30.6.2011
EXTREM I – Extrem – Centrum pokročilých fyzikálnych štúdií materiálov v extrémnych podmienkach
Extrem – Center of advanced physical studies for materials in extreme conditions
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: RNDr. Skyba Peter, DrSc.
Duration: 19.5.2009 – 30.4.2011
Štúdium silne korelovaných elektrónových systémov pri nízkych teplotách
Study of strongly correlated electron systems at low temperatures
Program: VEGA
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Flachbart Karol, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The project is focused to open problems in the field of strongly correlated electron systems. Attention is paid to the experimental study of selected superconductors, to the interplay between the RKKY-type exchange, dipole-dipole and crystalline electric field interactions in fcc-based magnetic materials, to the influence of doping on the ground state properties of the heavy fermion semiconductor SmB6, and to the semiconductor – metal transition of this material under high pressure and high magnetic field.Attention is paid also to the development and construction of new experimental facilities and new experimental methods.
Project webpage:
Duration: 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009