Human and Social Development
Research and Development

Junior researchers (Masters and PhD students, Postdoctoral researchers)

The National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) is asked to do following research: (i) to induce magnetic and multiferroic behavior into nonmagnetic materials; (ii) to characterize ceramic high-TC films and pellets and study their vortex structure; (iii) to do research of prototype solid oxide fuel cell stack components; (iv) to investigate cantilever based novel experimental approaches.
However, equipment, which is at disposal of the NICPB cannot ensure adequate quality of the research work to be done. Therefore, a high-resolution AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) of less than 25 mm diameter into the PPMS^® (Physical Property Measurement System) of Quantum Design will be purchased and installed. This unique microscope combined with the PPMS^® which has been already obtained by using the EU funds, provides the researcher with required tools.

The goal is to improve research infrastructure for materials’ research and to extend training opportunities for students and junior researchers in experimental techniques for materials research.

The project envisages the following activities: (i) procurement of the AFM/MFM equipment; (ii) selection of the applicants for AFM/MFM training; (iii) preparation of the facility according to requirements and installation of the system; and (iv) user trainings on AFM/MFM.

• Unique and contemporary PPMS-AFM is installed
• Three Estonian junior researchers have obtained training and operator skills to work with PPMS-AFM