• The Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors is engaged in solving physical problems and practical applications in the field of science-intensive technologies, systems, nanomaterials, creating new devices, apparatus and equipment.
• The strongest scientific team among Kharkiv universities, and 5th among all Ukrainian ones according to the Google Scholar rating.
• 8 educational and research laboratories that study leading areas of modern materials science.
The main areas of our scientific activity are:
Comprehensive studies of the structure and properties of nano-sized bodies by X-ray, electron-optical methods; Study of the mechanisms of formation, structure and physical properties of thin films and compositions based on them, in particular new objects, such as fullerite, quasicrystals, superlattices, nanocrystals; Creation of soft magnetic film materials used for the production of magnetic heads and other electromagnetic devices; Development of film magnetoresistive sensor elements used for detecting and measuring magnetic fields; Research of strong magnetic fields generated by highly anisotropic permanent magnets, as well as sensors based on nanostructured films with giant magnetoresistance (GMR) for measuring these fields; Physics of thin films, phase and structural transformations in nanoscale film compositions; Development of technologies for obtaining ultrathin coatings and multilayer film systems for wide practical use; X-ray optics and microscopy; Thermal and radiation stability of X-ray optical elements and systems; Development of new materials for use as implants in medicine.
EU-Ukraine Cooperation on Nuclear Education and Research Capacity Building
“EU-UA Nuclear Research and Education Capacity Building” (NURECAB)
NURECAB is a 24-month CSA project linked to the implementation of the Euratom Work Programme 2023-2025 and focuses on education, training, capacity building and networking to strengthen nuclear education and research in Ukraine and the EU.
The project has the following objectives:
– Improving the quality of the education and training program for nuclear energy specialists in Ukraine,
– Bridging the gap between the education and training program in the nuclear energy sector of Ukraine and the needs of the nuclear sector,
– Engaging young people in nuclear research and development,
– Strengthening cooperation between research organizations and academic circles of Ukraine and the EU with the aim of expanding their participation in the Euratom Research and Training Program,
– Enhancing the competences and expanding the communication tools of the Euratom NCP in Ukraine,
– Raising awareness of the Euratom program among Ukrainian stakeholders.
Бенефіціари проєкту з України
- Національний науковий центр “Харківський фізико-технчний інститут”
- Українське Ядерне Товариство
- АТ “НАЕК “Енергоатом”
- Харківський національний університет імені В. Н. Каразіна
- Національний технічний університет України “Київський політехнічний інститут імені Ігоря Сікорського”
- Національний університет «Одеська політехніка»
- Київський національний університет імені Тараса Шевченка
- Національний технічний університет «Харківський політехнічний iнститут»
Детальніше: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101173510
Scientific Projects of the Department, Initiated in 2024.
The research is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Applied Research.
Layered Crystal-Quasicrystal Systems for Protection Against Radiation-Thermal Effects in Nuclear/Fusion Energy (Research and Improvement)
Supervisor: Head of the Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, Doctor of Sciences, Professor Serhii Volodymyrovych Malykhin.
The project aims to address a significant global scientific problem within the priority areas of science development in Ukraine. It focuses on the application of new functionally active smart structures for nuclear and fusion energy needs to enhance safety and prolong the operational life of energy block components. The project includes laboratory-practical testing of quasicrystalline film systems under radiation-thermal conditions simulating transitional processes in the ITER fusion reactor and nuclear reactor radiation. Various systems with tungsten and titanium-zirconium-nickel quasicrystals or their approximants will be examined. These materials, characterized by high hardness, wear resistance, and low thermal conductivity, are promising for use as protective barriers on steel surfaces, elements of divertors, or turbine blades. Comprehensive experimental studies of physical phenomena, kinetic process parameters, and structural-strain changes in film systems exposed to hydrogen plasma and reactor radiation will be conducted.
Applied Research.
Transformation Processes of Uranium Compounds in Lava-Like Fuel-Containing Materials of the Chernobyl NPP
Supervisor: Leading Researcher of the Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, Doctor of Sciences, Professor Ihor Fedorovych Mykhailov.
The project focuses on identifying the decomposition conditions of uranium compounds present in the lava-like fuel-containing materials of the Chernobyl NPP within the “Shelter” object. These compounds exist as inclusions in an amorphous protective matrix, formed due to interactions between uranium oxides and moist air over thirty-seven years in the Shelter. Uranium compounds with light elements have an indefinite transformation period, continuously posing environmental risks. To mitigate this, structural stabilization through the removal of light element molecules (H2O, CO2, NH3) is necessary. This can be achieved by thermal treatment and reactions with compounds of other elements (silicon, magnesium, etc.) under the control of remote material analysis methods. Traditional X-ray diffraction (XRD) does not provide sufficient control. This project will implement the authors’ developments based on the Compton effect, which exhibits high sensitivity to light elements. Decomposition and phase formation of uranium compounds will be investigated using Compton scattering and XRD methods.
Applied Research.
X-ray Diagnostics of Changes in Chemical Activity of Atoms in Soft Human Tissues at Early Stages of Pathogenesis
Supervisor: Senior Researcher of the Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, Doctor of Sciences Anton Ihorovych Mykhailov.
The project aims to utilize novel, non-traditional X-ray analysis methods to diagnose early-stage pathogenesis in human tissues caused by mechanical, thermal, chemical, and radiation factors. Given the mass impact on Ukrainian citizens during military actions, the risk of increased oncological diseases is significant. Primary indicators of pathogenic transformations are changes in atomic chemical activity, triggering biological reactions in tissues. Preliminary research revealed significant shifts in atomic electronegativity, affecting compound formation. An X-ray method for determining atomic electronegativity based on coherent and incoherent scattering intensity ratios has been developed and internationally recognized. This project aims to establish quantitative criteria for changes in chemical activity due to gunshot wounds and other external influences, investigate correlations between chemical activity changes and pathological phases, develop an express diagnostic method for early tissue pathology detection, and create a prototype X-ray device for in vivo diagnostics.
Research Topics and Projects of the Department (2020-2024):
Physical Principles of Forming Functional Coatings and Nanoscale Systems for Medicine, Electronics, and Spintronics. Fundamental Research.
Supervisor: Oleksandr Yuriiovych Sypatov, Senior Researcher, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
Scientific outcomes include:
- Data on phase composition, structure, substructure, and stress state of nano-objects.
- Data on electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of nano-objects.
- Data on static and dynamic magnetic properties of nanocomposites.
- Information on temperature effects on quantum states of carriers and their impact on electrical characteristics of conductive nanostructures. New functional coatings and nanoscale systems (thin films, superlattices, quantum wells, quantum dots, nanostructured ferrosondes, and biocompatible coatings) for medicine, electronics, and spintronics have been developed.
Development and Investigation of Multicomponent Layered Systems and Quasicrystalline Films TiZrNi. Fundamental Research.
Supervisor: Valerii Volodymyrovych Kondratenko, Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
The research established challenges in reliably detecting Compton scattering intensities in thin multilayer systems (Mo/Si, Mg/Si, Mg2Si/Si) with thicknesses below 4 μm. Enhanced methods involving WC/Si coatings allowed improved detection due to greater absorption and reduced scattering background. A sharp increase in Compton scattering beyond 8˚ grazing angles was observed.
Physics of Interaction Between Chalcogenide-Based Semiconductor and Quasicrystalline Film Systems with High-Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation and Radiation Effects. Fundamental Research.
Supervisor: Serhii Volodymyrovych Malykhin, Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
The research provided new insights into changes in structure, substructure, stress states, surface morphology, and physical properties of promising functional metallic materials under cyclic radiation and thermal loads typical for ITER. Physical principles for creating resilient materials for nuclear and fusion energy were developed, including protective elements for microwave devices and memory and photosensitive elements.
Early Diagnosis of Pathological Changes in Human Tissues Using X-ray Fluorescence, Diffraction, and Quantum Scattering Spectra. Applied Research.
Supervisor: Anton Ihorovych Mykhailov, Doctor of Technical Sciences.
This project studied chemical element distribution and changes in chemical activity in pathology zones, developed a method to measure Z_eff dependencies based on scattering angles, and explored in vivo diagnostic capabilities. Databases of Z_eff dependencies were created for early diagnostics.
State Order DZ/115-2021 (April 22, 2021).
Development of Technology for Producing Quasicrystalline Coatings in the Ti-Zr-Ni System with Special Physical Properties.
Supervisor: Serhii Volodymyrovych Malykhin, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
Technological parameters for synthesizing Ti-Zr-Ni coatings were defined, including magnetron deposition and annealing requirements for various structural phases. Research results led to publications, patent applications, and a technological manual for coating production.
Nanostructured Materials as Functional Dual-Purpose Elements for Medicine, Electronics, and Spintronics. Fundamental Research.
Supervisor: Oleksandr Yuriiovych Sypatov, Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
Scientific results include:
- Data on phase composition, structure, and stress states of nano-objects.
- Physical property data (electrical, optical, magnetic).
- Optimal deposition parameters for biocompatible bilayer coatings. Publications, conference theses, patents, and dissertations have resulted from this work.
