Degree and Student Projects
We regularly offer thesis work as well as shorter projects. The projects span a broad range from fundamental to applied topics and provide an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the research being conducted within the division. While the majority of our work is experimental using various smaller and bigger laboratory set-ups at the Ångström Laboratory, we occasionally also offer projects with a stronger focus on simulations.
All projects are based at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala, within the Division of Materials Physics, and can start during either the autumn or spring semesters. Students should be enrolled in a programme at Uppsala University. A list of currently available projects can be found below.
Atomic-scale imaging of topological quantum materials via electron ptychography
Topological quantum materials and magnetic systems exhibit unusual electronic behaviour such as spin-polarized currents and surface conduction that can persist without energy loss. Understanding these effects requires access to information at the atomic scale, beyond the limits of conventional microscopy. Electron ptychography is a powerful computational imaging technique that reconstructs high-resolution information from diffraction data, opening new possibilities to explore these materials.
Project goals and learning outcomes
- Work with real 4D-STEM datasets and perform electron ptychography reconstructions
- Develop and apply computational workflows for phase retrieval and image reconstruction
- Gain insight into advanced transmission electron microscopy concepts and modern imaging methods
- Explore the structure and symmetry of topological and magnetic materials
- Build experience in scientific programming (Python/Matlab) and data analysis
This project is suitable for Master’s students in physics or materials science and corresponds to 15–45 credits. The scope can be adapted to both shorter project courses and full master thesis projects.
For more information please contact: Tuan Tran
Single-Atom Catalysts in Graphene for Hydrogen Separation
Hydrogen is an important clean energy carrier, but separating it efficiently from other gases is still a major challenge. In this project, we explore a new idea based on atomically thin graphene membranes modified with individual metal atoms, which may allow hydrogen to pass selectively while blocking other gases. The project combines nanoscience, advanced materials, and sustainable energy technology.
Project goals and learning outcomes
- Learn about graphene, atomically thin membranes, and why they are interesting for energy-related applications
- Gain insight into how defects and single atoms can be used to modify materials properties at the nanoscale
- Take part in sample preparation and characterization of nanomaterials
- Learn how advanced electron microscopy can be used to study materials at very high resolution
- Contribute to a research project connected to hydrogen separation and future clean-energy technology
This project is suitable for Master’s students and can be adapted to 15–45 credits, depending on scope and background. It is suitable both as a shorter project course and as a thesis project.
For more information please contact: Tuan Tran
Fast detection of hydrogen using neutron reflectivity
For a sustainable society energy storage is one of the key challenges that needs to be addressed. One possibility in this context is hydrogen storage in metal hydrides, where high volumetric densities and good kinetics can be achieved. In reality it turns out that grain boundaries and surfaces have an enormous importance for the performance. We study this effect by loading ultrathin single crystalline vanadium films sandwiched between other metals with hydrogen and study them with neutron reflectivity.
Project goals and learning outcomes
The goal of this project is to evaluate existing neutron reflectivity data on vanadium hydrides. To enhance the signal, we make use of quantum resonators. You will process and visualise the data as well as fit them to physical models. The work on the neutron data will be complemented by sample growth with magnetron sputtering and characterisation with x-ray reflectivity and microscopy.
- Develop skills relevant to characterisation of thin films
- Learn how to evaluate neutron and x-ray reflectivity measurements
- Apply fundamental quantum mechanics
- Learn film deposition by magnetron sputtering
- Write a report summarizing the results and conclusions of the work
Desired qualifications
- Basic knowledge in quantum mechanics
- Basic knowledge in surface science
This project is suitable for Bachelor’s or Master’s students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.
For more information please contact: Max Wolff
Self organisation of magnetic particles in thin films
Project goals and learning outcomes
The goal of this project is to evaluate existing neutron reflectivity data on magnetic particle thin film meta materials. Particles are deposited in a polymer matrix, deposited on a substrate and characterised by neutron reflectivity. You will process and visualise the data as well as fit them to physical models. The work on the neutron data will be complemented by magnetometry measurements as well as x-ray diffraction, SAXS and microscopy.
- Develop skills relevant to characterisation of thin films
- Learn how to evaluate neutron and x-ray scattering measurements
- Work with magnetic meta materials
- Learn magnetic particle characterisation
- Write a report summarizing the results and conclusions of the work
Desired qualifications
- Basic knowledge in magnetism
- Basic knowledge in surface science
This project is suitable for Bachelor’s or Master’s students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.
For more information please contact: Max Wolff
Self-assembly of 2D-nanocrystals
Large area, well ordered 2D crystals of nanoparticles are important for the fabrication of “sandwich”-devices in opto-electronics, thermo-electrics, catalysis, and magnetic storage technology. The Langmuir-Blodgett method, where particles are self-assembled at an air/liquid interface and then transferred to a substrate is a promising method for producing these. Tuning the self-assembly process at this interface is key to preparing long-range ordered crystals. This can be done via particle-size, surfactant shells, electric and magnetic interactions. The full description of this process remains an open question.
Project goals and learning outcomes
The goal of this project is to investigate the self-assembly process of nanoparticles at an air/liquid interface. Particles of different sizes, coatings or utilizing magnetic fields and magnetic particles may be explored. You will prepare films via the Langmuir-Blodgett method and characterize these films with X-ray scattering methods and microscopy.
- Develop skills relevant to characterizing thin films
- Learn how to prepare 2D-nanocrystals via Langmuir film deposition
- Explore different approaches of tuning the self-assembly process
- Learn about self-assembly of nanoparticles into 2D-crystals
- Write a report summarizing the results and conclusions of the work
Desired qualifications
- Basic knowledge in self-assembly of colloids
- Basic knowledge in surface-characterization techniques
This project is suitable for Bachelor’s or Master’s students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.
For more information please contact: Filip Mehler
Experimental investigation of energy losses of energetic ions in matter
Accurate knowledge of how energetic charged particles lose energy in matter is crucial for understanding materials modification in extreme environments, developing precise characterization tools for materials using techniques such as ion beam analysis, and tailoring material properties through ion irradiation, implantation, and sputtering, all of which are widely used in both research and industry. Additionally, understanding energy loss per unit length for energetic protons is essential for accurately delivering doses in proton therapy, a critical tool in cancer treatment. In this project, you will experimentally and systematically investigate how energetic ions deposit energy in various materials. The unique set of particle accelerators and experimental setups at the Tandem Laboratory will be used for this purpose. Particular attention will be given to using light ions in different polymer and carbon-based materials, and you will compare your results with recent theoretical predictions.
Project goals and learning outcomes
- Understand the fundamentals of ion-matter interactions
- Develop skills with vacuum systems and particle accelerators
- Use energic ion beams for detailed materials characterization
- Enhance data analysis skills
This project is suitable for Bachelor’s and Master’s students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.
For more information please contact: Eduardo Pitthan Filho
Modifications of plasma-facing materials for fusion research
In future fusion reactors, modifications of Plasma Facing Materials (PFM) by interaction with the plasma are key processes that will limit performance, durability, and safety of these devices. Aiming to improve the understanding and predictability of materials modifications and its potential effects in future devices, laboratory-scale studies to investigate the formation and modification of PFM under reactor-relevant conditions will be performed here. In this project, you will use the unique national infrastructure Tandem Laboratory to experimentally investigate the formation and modification of relevant materials for fusion research using a set of ion beam techniques to obtain a detailed characterization of composition and atomic distribution.
Project goals and learning outcomes
- Develop skills with vacuum systems and thin film growth by sputter deposition
- Learn about fusion energy and materials research
- Use energic ion beams for detailed materials characterization
- Learn about materials modification and atomic transport processes
This project is suitable for Bachelor's and Master's students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.
For more information please contact: Eduardo Pitthan Filho
Contact
- Programme Professor
- Daniel Primetzhofer
- Head of Division
- Gabriella Andersson
- Visiting address: Ångström Laboratory, Regementsvägen 10, Uppsala, House 4, floor 1 and House 6, floor 1.