Launching New Scientific Endeavors at DPPT and CEPLANT in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, the Department of Plasma Physics and Technology and CEPLANT are opening a new chapter in research. With several new projects in both fundamental plasma science and applied materials technology, the coming years promises exciting advances in diagnostics, coatings, and next-generation applications.
Fundamental research
As part of fundamental research, this is a GAČR project led by Dr. Zdeněk Bonaventura from the Plasma Diagnostics and Modeling research group. Project "Investigation of processes occurring in non-equilibrium plasma on interfaces between two phases with different permittivity and conductivity" will be carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. It will run until the end of 2028. The project focuses on nitrogen fixation using transient streamer-spark plasmas at liquid–gas interfaces as a sustainable alternative to industrial fertilizers. Combining advanced diagnostics and numerical modeling, it will uncover key processes in highly non-equilibrium plasma–liquid interactions.
Another newly approved GAČR fundamental research project is "From Speculation to Mechanism: Deciphering the True Potential of Poly(Heptazine Imide)" Assoc. Prof. Tomáš Homola from the Plasma Nanotechnologies and Bioappliactions research group. The collaborating partners are the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, and the Brno University of Technology. The project will also continue until the end of 2028. The project investigates the fundamental mechanisms behind the photocatalytic behavior of poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), a visible-light-active carbon nitride material. Using advanced synthesis, plasma modification, and microfluidic systems, it will reveal how structure, charge transport, and surface reactivity interact to enable sustainable applications in photocatalysis and chemical synthesis.
Applied research
Within the framework of applied research, both project proposals submitted by our department to the OP TAK Application Deep Tech call were successful. The first is the project "Advanced Optimization of FRP Composite Materials Using Plasma Technologies" implemented within the consortium PREFA KOMPOZITY, a.s., Výzkumný stav stavebních hmot, a.s., BOGGES, spol. s.r.o. and Masaryk University. The principal investigator on the MUNI side is Dr. Dana Skácelová from the Plasma Nanotechnologies and Bioapplications research grop. The project will run until June 2028. The research focuses on combining advanced numerical modeling, material composition optimization, and surface treatment of fiber reinforcement using cold atmospheric plasma to develop a new generation of FRP composites. These composites will offer higher impact toughness, resistance to cyclic loading, and improved ballistic properties, enabling their use in the security industry, construction, and transportation.
The second new project is "Development of Advanced Optical Mirrors and Beam Splitters for High‑Energy Ultrashort Laser Pulses" carried out in collaboration with Meopta - optika, s.r.o., TTS, s.r.o. and the Institue of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences.The principal investigator on the MUNI side is Prof. Ivan Ohlídal, the head of the Optics for Thin Films and Solid Surfaces research group. The project focuses on the development of advanced optical mirrors and beam splitters for ultrashort, high-energy laser pulses. It aims to design, optimize, and experimentally validate dielectric and metallic coating systems for high-reflectivity mirrors and beam splitters across a broad wavelength range, pushing the limits of durability under extreme laser intensities. The project will run until December 2027.
As part of the ongoing NCK MATCA, three new sub-projects will be launched from 1 January 2026 at the Deposition of Thin Films and Nanostructures research group. One of them is the project "Development of Next-Generation Universal AlCrTiSiN Coatings" led by Assoc. Prof. Jaroslav Hnilica. It will be carried out in collaboration with the companies Platit a.s. and Plasma Solve s.r.o. The project will run until the end of 2028 and it focuses on developing a universal high-performance coating for demanding machining applications, from micro-tools to heavy-duty cutting. It will compare two next-generation AlCrTiSiN coatings deposited by advanced magnetron sputtering techniques (FMS and HiPIMS) to identify the optimal balance of wear resistance, oxidation stability, toughness, and cost efficiency.
Another project to be implemented is "Development of a Functional Electrochromic Device Based on WO3 with Solid State Electrolyte with Optimized Transmittance and Switching Speed Operating with Hydrogen or Lithium Ions" led by Prof. Petr Vašina. The project will be carried out in collaboration with HVM PLASMA, spol.s r.o. and the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences.he project will run until the end of 2028 and aims to develop a functional electrochromic device with a 2 × 2 cm active area, delivering maximum optical contrast between bleached and colored states with minimal switching time. Using magnetron sputtering for all layers, the research will optimize lithium and hydrogen ion-based systems for automotive applications, while evaluating their stability, industrial compatibility, and environmental impact to identify the most promising route for commercialization.
The final new project to be launched within NCK MATCA is the project "Optimization of magnetron discharge and spatial study of deposition plasma for efficient deposition processes" led by Dr. Peter Klein and carried out in collaboration with SHM, s.r.o. This project will also run until the end of 2008. The first goal of the project is to study the influence of process parameters – such as substrate holder loading (full and partial), number of rotation axes (1, 2, 3), carousel configuration (6, 7, and 14 positions), and cathode type (Cr, Ti, Zr, etc.) – on plasma properties and layer formation during magnetron sputtering. The second goal is to develop a PVD coating for precision machining with extended tool life and other requirements (low roughness, machining speed, and material), based on chromium and titanium nitrides combined with other elements (e.g., Al, Si), prepared by magnetron sputtering according to the results of the first goal.
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