The main direction of the research performed at our department lies in studies
of the structure and electronic properties of materials. Structure and
microscopic electronic properties of thin films, magnetic multilayers and
intermetallic compounds with f- and d-electrons are investigated
by methods using scattering of X-rays, synchrotron radiation and neutron
beams. Bulk material properties, especially the magnetic behaviour, transport,
thermodynamic and cohesive properties, phase transitions and diffusion
processes are investigated over a broad range of temperatures, external
pressures and magnetic fields. Modern materials like nanocrystalline powders,
two-dimensional surface structures, liquid crystals and carbon composites are
studied in co-operation with other laboratories. Theoretical studies of
quantum coherence in semiconductor alloys excited by femtosecond pulses,
mesoscopic theory of wear and physics of granular systems complete our fields
of interest, together with computing materials science focused on the electron
structure of intermetallic compounds, modern oxides and borocarbides of
rare-earth and transition metals."
V. Valvoda