The project is based on a combination of experimental development and industrial research provided by a consortium consisting of two members (NUM solution s.r.o. and Institute of Scientific Instruments of the CAS, v. v. i.). The subject of the project is the research, development and integration of a new compact extendable mass spectrometer with a unique differential pumping system and an integrated signal electron ionization detector (HSID), which will be compatible with environmental scanning electron microscopes (ESEM) and conventional scanning electron microscopes (SEM) of all manufacturers.

The grant deals with basic research of electron-gas interactions for observation of highly sensitive wet immuno-labelled plant cells at low electron beam energies. This will enable the realization of new concept of correlative fluorescence microscopy and advanced low-energy environmental scanning electron microscopy (LEESEM) for studies of immunostained plasma membrane protein complexes in the tobacco cells. A new strategy for complex simulations of electron interactions with a precisely defined working gas mixture in dynamically changed conditions of temperature, pressure, flow rate (ANSYS Fluent) including emission of signal electrons from the sample (GEANT4) will be implemented using improved Monte Carlo software. New detection systems will be designed to validate the simulation results. These will enable a higher resolution and field of view of LEESEM. Using the Thermodynamically Optimized Low Temperature Method, microstructural modifications of samples during observations in LEESEM will be minimized, which is crucial for the correlation of images of both methods.

The aim of the project is to acquire the knowledge and realization potential for the development and research of the control SW / SOLVER for optimizing the conditions in the sample chamber and a new cooled holder with integrated high efficiency ionization detector. These products and the R&D area belong to the high-tech sector, which requires a high degree of innovation and the products must be highly competitive for their success, which will be achieved by the implementation of this project.

Strategy of the further development of SYNPO, a.s. is to gain a competitive advantage in the market in the area of sophisticated development of casting systems by cooperation with the academic partner and to expand own production of prefilled casting systems for electrotechnical industry. Four new prefilled casting systems will be developed (3 for indoor, 1 for outdoor use) with hardeners complying with authorization REACH, one prospectively based on ecological resin EnviPOXY. R&D will focus on optimization of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of systems and of procedure of casting. Production technical documentation, application and safety data sheet will be created for each system. Systems will be continuously prepared to production, the last by the end of the project.

Ice is a scantily explored reaction medium that catalyzes a large number of processes and reactions; some of these, such as bromine explosion and the related ozone layer depletion, have a major impact on the natural environment. Ice in nature hosts many compounds; however, neither their location on ice nor the chemical identity have been sufficiently explained thus far, despite being of essential importance for the compounds' (photo)reactivity. In this project we will examine the compounds' behaviour via optical spectroscopies and environmental electron microscopy. We intend to contribute to the understanding of factors that cause the degradation of proteins in freezing and lyophilization, change the acidity of sea ice surface, and alter the structure of compounds during vitrification for cryo-microscopy. We will monitor the chemical compounds in various ice phases and follow their dynamics. The information thus obtained is needed for the parameterization of atmospheric chemistry models, design of pharmaceutical stabilization, or prediction of the behaviour of cometary ices.

Based on knowledge in the field of physics of electron-gas interactions and simulations of these phenomena, our MC software for ESEM will be adapted to a higher speed and accuracy of simulations, especially thanks to an optimised algorithm and the possibility to direct integration of precise gas flow data. The data will be counted using the enhanced mathematical model for ANSYS Fluent software, realized in the project. Simulation results will be tested in the design of a new differentially pumped part of the ESEM objective and high-efficiency detection systems. New designs will be targeted towards increasing ESEM resolution and recording the secondary electron signal emitted under low beam energy and low beam current, high scanning speeds and gas pressure. Project outcomes support basic research of the co-applicant focused on the morphological characterisation of susceptible wet samples in their native state with high resolution and study of their changes in dynamic in situ experiments.

The Centre unifies all the key academic and industrial players in Czechia dealing with R&D and technology transfer in electron microscopy and lithography, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, laser and fiber technologies, optical and quantum metrology, ultraprecise optical manufacturing and sophisticated optical systems. Such a complementary synergy upgrades decades of partners’ experience and bilateral fruitful collaboration to a level where associated Czech research and industry approach worldwide leaders, create new positions and significantly increase added value of industrial production.

Highly sensitive high-tech scintillation and scintillation-ionization signal electron detectors for raster and environmental scanning electron microscopes will be investigated by mathematical-physical modelling and Monte Carlo simulations and tested and developed by sharing cutting-edge technology and know-how. The results of the project, characterised by technological excellence and high added value, build on experience and effective academic-company collaboration and are destined for the global market.

The project addresses simulations of interactions of primary and signal electrons with the gas molecules in the low-energy environmental scanning electron microscope and a theoretical and experimental study of the consequences for signal detection. The physical phenomena involved will be simulated using a custom Monte Carlo program which will be developed for work with the pressure gradient of the pumped gas. The program will be tested in the design of an original “low scattering” differentially pumped chamber, and of a scintillation detector of secondary electrons, both for low-energy ESEM. On the bases of Monte Carlo simulations of interactions of electrons with the solid matter and team’s know hove the limits for detection of backscattered electrons with the energy lower than 2 keV will be studied. Basic research results of native or live biological samples will be enhanced by combination of low energy ESEM, light-optical confocal microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance and correlation of their data.

This project comes from six interconnect activities which support scientific excellence of department Electron optics ÚPT AV ČR and ÚETE FEKT VUT in Brno and create conditions for education of target group in the range of hundreds persons realized in theenvironment of international scientific cooperation with five top foreign scientific workplaces and with support of six important national and international companies.

The project deals with a topical and very important problem, the study of influence of electrostatic and magnetic field on amplification and energy-selective detection of SEs in the high pressure conditions of VP-SEM. The theoretical part of the submitted project is focused to study and simulations of the electron gas interactions, the signal generation, the ion generation and their density as well as a the study of recombination processes with the help of extension of the EOD program based on the MonteCarlo algorithm. The practical part of this project is focused on realization of the unique true secondary and backscattered electron detector, where the secondary electrons are multiplied by the influence of the magnetic field in the high pressure conditions and deflected by the electrostatic field towards detection electrode located around the specimen. The BSEs are detected by the new CRY018 single crystal placed above the specimen.

The project aims to develop technology for the production of electrochemickal sensors whose working electrode is modified by DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer which contain fluorine, boron or other aelements. Such sensors are currently not available on market. The project aims also to develop applications of these sensors. Two specialized devices for DLC layer will be developed in project.

The application of laser processes in solar cells manufacturing is one way to increase the cell efficiency and helps to decrease the processing times as well. The laser processes are largely suitable for selective layer structuring, dicing, scribing anddrilling. This project deals with research the laser treatment of silicon substrate and its optimization for industrial purposes. The project is focused on transfer the R&D knowledge into the design and construction of multi-purpose device prototype forlaser processes in the industrial scale.

The project deals with the detection of true SEs with suppressed influence of undesirable BSEs, which is one of the pending issues in the ESEM. The detection principle is based on the deflection of the SEs by an electrostatic field applied by separationgrid around the specimen and by a retarding grid towards the detection electrode positioned in the plain of the specimen. A suitable configuration of the electrostatic fields also allows an efficient suppression of the SEs, which arise as the products ofthe impact between the BSEs and molecules of gases. The result of the detection system function will be evaluated by measuring the contribution of backscattered electrons in the detected signal showing image contrasts. The attention will also be focusedon the study of biological specimens and voltage contrast of semiconductor specimens with this detection system.

The objective of thew project will be a new method and high-tech technology of smart extreme differential pressure sensors and function specimen of a smart sensor for sensing of extreme difference of the pressures for digitally controlled compensated andcorrected measurements of two different pressures stimulating measuring differential sensor with optional galvanic or wireless connection and its integration into the field of distributed sensors for computer processing and monitoring measured data in Internet.

To develop detection, analytical and imaging techniques for use in other scientific fields for the study of living and non-living nature samples
Apply deep and machine learning procedures and methods and, in a broader sense, artificial intelligence to these techniques
To connect teams working on quantum technology research, especially in the areas of quantum metrology, sensors and communication, and thus create preconditions for wider development of quantum technologies in the Czech Republic
To support the application of artificial intelligence methods and mathematical modeling of processes in industrial practice, social phenomena and biology
To look for new principles of sensors - converters of physical quantities and to strive for their use in practice, both in industry and in science, in a number of fields science
To address the philosophical, social and legal aspects of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence and subsequently quantum technologies
To actively spread awareness of modern technologies and their potential among the professional and lay public with an emphasis on youth

To develop detection, analytical and imaging techniques for use in other scientific fields for the study of living and non-living nature samples
Apply deep and machine learning procedures and methods and, in a broader sense, artificial intelligence to these techniques
To connect teams working on quantum technology research, especially in the areas of quantum metrology, sensors and communication, and thus create preconditions for wider development of quantum technologies in the Czech Republic
To support the application of artificial intelligence methods and mathematical modeling of processes in industrial practice, social phenomena and biology
To look for new principles of sensors - converters of physical quantities and to strive for their use in practice, both in industry and in science, in a number of fields science
To address the philosophical, social and legal aspects of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence and subsequently quantum technologies
To actively spread awareness of modern technologies and their potential among the professional and lay public with an emphasis on youth

Interdisciplinary study of cities and their social, cultural and ecological transformation and challenges
Development of innovative diagnostic methods of material and of construction lifespan
Establishment of a national hub of European infrastructure for research and protection of cultural heritage
Application of Medipix CERN technology in diagnostics of heritage objects and art pieces
Foundation of a joint institute dedicated to urban studies within the Academy of Science and university sector

To make the use of low temperature physics for biology and space research
To develop advanced non-invasive diagnostics procedures for human and veterinary medicine and biology
To apply electron, ion, and light beams to nanodiagnostics and creation of structures
To develop advanced measurement methods and metrology for research and industry
To develop special technologies for extremely precise and technically advanced applications

To make the use of low temperature physics for biology and space research
To develop advanced non-invasive diagnostics procedures for human and veterinary medicine and biology
To apply electron, ion, and light beams to nanodiagnostics and creation of structures
To develop advanced measurement methods and metrology for research and industry
To develop special technologies for extremely precise and technically advanced applications

To develop new procedures in mathematical modeling of complex processes
To develop algorithms for analysis of multidimensional signals and statistical data
To research into and push forward the frontiers of computer capabilities
To discover dependencies and causal relationships in time series