CONSOLIDATED REPORT
Objectives of the CEPHEUS project
The research activity
of the Centre has an interdisciplinary approach and concerns the comprehensive
characterisation of matters: crystal structure, elements content, their distribution,
and electronic structure.
§ To establish the leading Centre
of Photon, Electron and Ion Advanced
Methods for Natural Science in Poland.
§ To lead to better understanding of
processes, mechanisms, phenomena and events leading to technological hazards
with the aim of better quantifying risk level and improving data integration at the European level.
§ Integration of the Centre with the
European Research Area through exchanging the scientists, twinning with
selected European large facilities, networking with laboratories leading in the
field of characterisation of matter and
hazardous materials detecting.
§ Contribution to integration of the
Polish laboratories working in the field of characterisation of matter and
technological hazards monitoring.
§ Forming a bridge between advanced
laboratories of the United Europe and the former Soviet Union countries.
§ To attract the young generation of
scientists to the advanced methods for natural science which support the
methodologies and improve the tools for assessment of consequences of hazards.
The main objectives of
the Centre activity were:
All this was aimed at showing the universality of the advanced methods of characterisation of matter for solving the basic problems in technologies applied to fulfil the human needs and has a continuous character of process that will bring a profit in a long-term scale.
Results and achievements
The
measures to achieve the listed objectives were gathered with six work packages.
The deliverables according to the
particular work packages are listed below.
WP1 Intensification of
co-operation with European Centres applying photon, electron and ion based
methods as analytical tools in natural science
This work package dealing with international exchange of scientists provided the employees of the Centre with an access to measurement equipment and methods that are not available at the Centre (e.g. sources of synchrotron radiation and neutrons, high resolution electron microscopy and very advanced samples preparation methods, etc.) and which are vital to progress in the research carried out in the Centre. This package allowed also to be familiar with new ideas and new methods that are currently being developed (e.g., free electron laser, plasma sources of radiation), and gave a possibility of carrying out and planning new joint research projects with members of international research community in response to emerging new needs and challenges. Altogether the scientists from the CEPHEUS Centre realised 106 short visits to the European research institutes.
We got the possibility of considerable strengthening the existing ties with the large scale facilities having synchrotron radiation sources at the DESY in Hamburg, BEESY in Berlin, Germany, ESRF in Grenoble, France and the MAXLAB in Lund, in Sweden, which were considered to be important for development of X-ray physics, in general, and new advanced methods for sample characterisation, in particular. During these visits the researchers from the Centre performed experiments using an unique equipment at large facilities. In total 21 projects were performed at synchrotrons (13 scientific projects were realised at the DESY Hamburg, one in the BESSY Berlin, Germany, 3 at the MAXLAB, Lund, Sweden and 4 at the ESRF Grenoble, France). The first results of performed experiments have been published in 16 Annual Reports of large facilities.
Without meeting the scientists working on similar subjects and discussing the results obtained in various places the progress in the science is impossible. Therefore, the scientists from the Centre participated in the European highly specialised meetings. Such meetings created possibility not only to get overview of achievements in the particular fields and to present own results but also to meet scientists in person. The personal contacts were very important to discuss the possibility to perform short visits as well as to invite researchers to visit to the Centre. Due to the CEPHEUS project the scientists from the Centre took part in 2 large congresses (6 persons), 7 international conferences (18 persons), 8 highly specialized workshops (9) and 1 symposium and 1 seminar. They presented there 71 contributions with the acknowledgements of the CEPHEUS grant. The knowledge of existing experimental equipment gained there and cooperation with the European institutions earlier developed in the Centre, resulted in visiting, during three years of the Centre’s activity, to the 23 different European scientific institutions. To improve the knowledge and qualifications of the scientists from the CEPHEUS Centre the 23 foreign scientists from the 18 European scientific institutions visited to the Centre. During these visits there were discussed the possibilities of using modern spectroscopic and diffraction methods as analytical tools for studies of natural, biomedical and modern technology materials, and the forming research groups for further studies, discussing and preparing obtained results for common publications and coordinating further co-operation.
Additionally to the planned in the
separated work packages meetings the highly focused mini-workshops dedicated to
young researchers and devoted only to Quantitative High Resolution Transmission
Electron Microscopy was organised in 2004. This event added mostly to improving
the quality of education and increasing the level of confidence of the results
of analysis. During training sessions the
participants had opportunity to digitize and to process the TEM images
under optimal conditions due to the high quality scanners, computers and
networking infrastructure collected in the Centre as a durable equipment of the
CEPHEUS project. The experimental remote computing technique (created for the
workshop) was used to permit all the participants to make images processing
separately on the central server. This successful informatics experiment gave
the potential technical possibilities for organisation of the virtual training
courses in the future.
Finally, as the results of all international activities carried out using three common European projects were prepared and submitted in the frame of the European Science Foundation call and VI European Community programmes. Namely:
Call: 69; ESF FONE Programme; title: Magnetic Composites for Future Nanoscale Electronics; Acronym: MACOFUNANEL; coordinator from the Centre- Krystyna Jablonska-Lawniczak; coordinator - Andrzej Twardowski, Institute of Experimental Physics, Warsaw University, Poland – already approved for realization.
Call: FP-6036190-1; FP6 MC RTN, HRM; title: Nanoscale system Magneto-optics by X-rays; Acronym: PinchGaN; coordinator from the Centre- Krystyna Jablonska-Lawniczak; coordinator - Prof. Elisabeth Holub-Krappe, Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin,Germany
Call: FP6-2004-NMP-TI-4; STREP; title: Process integrated material characterization of
GaN-based devices; Acronym:
NANOMAGIX; coordinator from the Centre- Krystyna Jablonska-Lawniczak;
coordinator - . Tilo
Baumbach, Fraunhofer Einrichtung EADQ Dresden, Germany
Therefore, all the planned
deliverables were reached successfully.
Namely:
D 1.1 Improving the knowledge and qualifications of
the scientists of the Centre.
D 1.2 Improvement in the organisation of work in the
Centre.
D 1.3 Increased linkage between the Centre and several European Centres.
D 1.4 Increase of usefulness of the x-ray based
methods as analytical tools for pollution
monitoring and finger print of chemical states of elements in
environment.
D 1.5 Training the young scientists in
experimental techniques for characterisation of natural samples.
D 1.6
Enhanced participation of the Centre in programs of the VI Framework
Programme.
WP 2
Conference on Experimental and
Computing Methods in High Resolution Diffraction Applied for Structure
Characterization of Modern Materials, HREDAMM
Zakopane, Poland, 13-17 June 2004
Purpose:
One of the missions of the Centre of Photon, Electron and Ion Advanced Methods for Natural Science “CEPHEUS” was to spread and increase the knowledge of modern techniques for examination of new materials as well as to perform the research to increase the level of confidence in analysis. These mission was a purpose for the HREDAMM Conference organisation.
Results:
The Conference program provided an opportunity for scientists to meet together for an efficient scientific exchange on the topic related to different high resolution diffraction methods used for studies of modern materials. The conference addressed all aspects of high resolution diffraction. The topics of meeting included advanced experimental diffraction methods and computer data analysis for characterisation of modern materials as well the progress and new achievements in high resolution diffraction (X-ray, electrons and neutrons).
Application of these methods for characterization of modern materials were widely presented among the invited, oral and poster contributions. The HREDAMM conference, in our opinion, stimulated the exchange of ideas between the scientists working in the field of materials characterisation by using diffraction tools. Selected papers after refereeing procedure were published, in 401 volume of the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2005
Participants:
During 4 days’ meeting 30 lectures were performed by the invited specialists from all over the world, including 15 lecturers from the best European research centers, invited within the European Community Program Centre of Excellence “CEPHEUS”. The topics covered new trends in high-resolution diffraction, computing methods, application to various types of materials like: bulk crystals, nanocrystals, quasicrystals, thin films and heterostructures.
In the conference participated 60 participants from: Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Belarus, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, the USA, Switzerland, Korea.
The
following deliverables and results for the WP-2 package were planned:
D 2.1 Increasing the scope of
knowledge of the Centre’s employees about of high resolution diffraction method
D 2.2 Creating
the networking between the Centre and the Polish and European research
institutions working in the field of high resolution diffraction
D 2.3 Publishing the Proceedings
D 2.4
Establishing new contacts between scientists
D 2.5 Promoting formation of groups for preparation of the projects
within the Framework VI European Community Programme
All of them were fully achieved.
WP 3 Smposium on Application of Linear and Area
Detectors for X-ray and Neutron Diffraction and Spectroscopy, E-MRS Fall
Meeting
Warszawa, 6-10 September 2004
Purpose:
The meeting was planned as a forum where the
material scientists and detector scientists could meet and discuss what
materials science would do for detector development and how the progress in
detectors technology influenced on materials science. The opportunity was given
for users, of detectors, to meet those working on physics of detection process,
the detectors producers and the authors of software. Exchanging ideas within
this broad community was thought to be fruitful for future studies in materials
science, where the use of position sensitive detectors is permanently growing.
Participants:
The
following deliverables and results for the WP-3 package were planned:
D 3.1 Increased scope of knowledge of the Centre’s
employees of modern X-ray detectors.
D 3.2 Establishing new contacts between
scientists involved in the research on detectors and their application in
natural science and modern technology.
D
3.3 Increased networking between the Centres supplied with modern analytical
tools and potential users of these equipments.
D. 3.4 Publishing the Symposium
Proceedings, which will be served as a text book for analytical methods
All of them were
fully achieved.
WP 4 Workshop on Advanced Method for Interpretation
of TEM, X-Ray and SIMS Measurement in Nano- and Atomic Scale
Warsaw,
Poland, 1-3 June 2005
Purpose:
The topics included the following issues:
q Selected revue of new approaches to computer methods for data analysis;
q Theoretical and practical presentation of modern method of experimental data acquisition and processing;
q Presentation and comparison of possibility and limitation of different experimental techniques used for structure characterization in nano and atomic scale;
q Computer methods of structure modeling applied to interpretation of
experimental measurements;
Progress in physics and technology requires quantitative information about internal structure in nanometer and atomic scales of modern materials.
New measurement methods like synchrotron radiation (XRSR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) offer information owing to advanced computer aid processing of raw experimental data. Even correctly performed experiment and data processing with all states of art procedure and tricks usually do not give simple reply to questions about internal structure. The quantitative interpretation of data needs a strong physical background of experiment and understanding of its key parameters, knowledge of instrument limitation, etc. It is important to identify the possible sources of artifacts and their impact on results. Nowadays, the simulation based on the realistic model of the investigated object and the experiment is necessary to correct the interpretation of data.
The way from the raw data to physical quantities can be divided into two main steps:
- visualization, storage, systematization, calibration and deconvolution of data,
- quantitative comparing of theoretical models of object and experiment simulation with “real word” results.
Results:
During the Workshop the invited speakers presented
new and the most effective methodology of chosen experimental techniques, such
as X-Ray, SIMS, and TEM/HRTEM areas, appropriate for characterisation of
nanostructures like: quantum structures, integrated devices, nanocrystalline
materials.
A part of the
Workshop concerned the presentation of the methods creating a realistic
computer model of investigated sample and its application to data
interpretation. Such a model can be generated by means of the molecular
dynamics where the probable configuration of defect cores and interface at
atomic level exist. However, in larger scale the continuum approach, applying
the finite element methods, is better adopted to model of the probable stress
state and chemical gradients in investigated sample.
Tutorial plenary lectures were addressed to
researchers and Ph.D students having the basic knowledge of each of the
experimental methods (SIMS, X-Ray, TEM). Additionally, time was reserved for
discussion and computer exercises in small groups (3-8 persons).
Participants:
72 participants were attended the Workshop, 10 invited speakers (among 18) were supported by the Centre. The booklet with all lectures, which was spread among participants was published as the Workshop Proceedings.
The following deliverables and results for the
WP-3 package were planned:
D 4.1 Extending the knowledge of
image, diffraction pattern and SIMS profile interpretation.
D 4. 2 Establishing new contacts between scientists participating in the Workshop.
D
4.3 Increased networking between the Centres supplied with modern electron
microscope and other techniques and potential users of these methods.
D 4.4 Publishing the Workshop Proceedings
All of them were fully achieved.
WP5 Training of young scientists and PhD students in the advanced methods
for characterisation of matter
The main purpose of the package was to train young scientists in the modest experimental techniques applicable for characterisation of samples in natural science. The Centre is reasonably well equipped with the facilities for materials research and, the scientific staff of the Centre has a great experience and deep knowledge of operating these facilities. Training of PhD students and young scientists, from the other fields of research, in the experimental techniques used in the Centre offers, in many cases, the quick and simple solution of theirs scientific problems. Therefore, according to the plan, practices of three young scientists from the European Universities and two from the Polish universities were provided by the Centre. During one month’s training in X-ray diffraction measurements of semiconductors they learned how to operate with the high-resolution and powder diffractometers, they performed own measurements and made interpretation with the help of our scientists. Some work on interpretation of first results from the studies of interaction of short pulse of Vacuum Ultra Violet radiation produced by FEL, with matter also were performed together with visiting students. Seven PhD students from the CEPHEUS Centre visited to high-experienced European institutions for 8 one month;s practices. Discussions and tutorial practical exercises gave them the opportunity to increase the knowledge of modern techniques used for characterization of new materials as well of theoretical studies and analysis of data with high level of confidence, they also had possibility to collect some data for doctor thesis. Two of them have already received their doctor’s degree. During the three years of the Centre’s activity 5 new PhD students started their doctor thesis at the Centre and three post-graduated students started with preparation of their master’s thesis.
The
following deliverables and results for the WP-5 package were planned:
D 5.1. Contribution to capacity building
through attracting young researchers.
D 5.2 Establishing new contacts between scientists involved in studies of natural
and modern technology samples.
D 5.3 Increased
networking between the Centres supplied with modern analytical tools and
potential users of these methods.
As can be seen all of them were fully achieved.
WP6 On-line
Internet service
The creation of the Centre’s web server was the
first step of the WP6 activity. To realise this task the modern software and
hardware were bought and the platform for Centre’s server (http://info.ifpan.edu.pl/cepheus/
or http://info.ifpan.edu.pl/cepheus/) was established on the basis of IP PAS Internet
node.
In accordance with the project’s objectives on
the web pages the following topics were published:
The topics from 1 to 4 were presented the
general information about the Centre. There were presented main objectives,
short descriptions of the scientific interest, and activity of the people
involved in the project. The topic 5 “Current
events and activity” was the enter point for information about
current activity of all Centre’s work packages. In the frame of the WP1
activity the reports of visits from and to the Centre were published. For
visits to the Centre information consisted of visitor’s name, her/his
affiliation, title linked with a summary of given lectures, and reports on
activity during the stay. For visits to the foreign centres visitor’s name,
subject of visit with report, and link to a visited place were published. The
similar information was placed in the case of the visits, which took place
within the WP5 activity.
For conference (WP2), seminar (WP3) and
workshop (WP4) the actual information like first and second announcements,
programs, lists of invited speakers, were propagated with the use of the web
pages. The special attention was paid to realization of the WP4 and the
“International Mini-Workshop on Practical Aspects of Quantitative Analysis of
HRTEM Images”. In both workshops the exercises with the use of computers
network played the important role.
In the frame of the WP6 the appropriate
software were installed and tested. These resulted in, at least 8, programs for
analysis and interpretation of X-ray and electron microscopy experimental data
available on computers connected to local area network. These programs and other
scientific data stored on the server were and are available for young
scientists visiting the Centre. The access to the computer programs was
restricted to local area network to protect operating system of the server from
hacking and viruses. It is worth underlining that thanks to this, the Canter’s
server has worked continuously without breakdown.
The special care was focused on visual
impression of web pages. The Centre’s banner, logos of the conference,
symposium, and workshops were designed. To extend the information, expressed by
the words, a photo gallery was presented in the Internet. The photos
illustrated important events like conference, lectures, excursions, get
together parties.
The
following deliverables and results for the WP-6 package were planned:
D 6.1 Creation of the Centre internet server.
D 6.2 Establishing
Web pages and database useful in the work with advanced analytical methods.
D 6.3 Increased networking between the Centres supplied with modern
electron microscope and other advanced equipments and potential users of these
methods.
D 6.4 Publishing conference and workshops
proceedings.
D.6.5 Maintaining a platform for exchange of
knowledge and experience among scientists applying the modern analytical
methods in natural science.
All of the
planned deliverables were achieved.
Problems encountered
There were
not serious problems encountered in the execution of planned work.
Conclusions
Participating in the EU project we gained a lot of new experience. The Centre was equipped with new computers and software, which enabled us to establish the leading Centre of Photon, Electron and Ion Advanced Methods for Natural Science in Poland. The Centre now can offer other scientific institutions the modern methods for characterisation of matter and training in application of these methods. In 2006 the workshop focussed on analysis of x-ray absorption spectra, for 50-70 researches from Polish scientific institutions will be organized. Therefore, all organising experience gained during the Centre’s activity will earn a profit in our future work. The science performed during the Centre’s activity led to better understanding of processes, mechanisms and phenomena occurring during interaction of x-ray and particles with matter which resulted in increasing of level of confidence of performed analysis. This supported the methodologies of new materials production and improved the tools for assessment of consequences of hazards introduced by new technologies.
Exchanging the scientists, twinning with the selected European large facilities, networking with the laboratories leading in the field of characterisation of matter and hazardous materials detecting, ensured better integration of the Centre with the European Research Area. This integration has already profited in submission of three projects of common investigations (one already approved for realization). The scientific meetings organised by the Centre with the participation of the best, in given field, European scientists and the scientists from Poland contributed to integration of the Polish laboratories working in the field of characterisation of matter and technological hazards monitoring. Participation of the scientists from the east countries in organised meetings helped with forming a bridge between the advanced laboratories of the United Europe and the former Soviet Union countries. All of the activities performed by the Centre turned out in attracting the young generation of scientists to the advanced methods for natural science. During the three years of the Centre’s activity 5 new PhD students started their doctor’s thesis at the Centre and three post-graduated students started with preparation of their master’s thesis. Therefore, we can state that all missions of the Centre were successfully fulfilled.