Contact person: doc. RNDr. Jiří Pechoušek, Ph.D.

The main focus of the team is the use of Mössbauer spectroscopy in material research. These activities include mainly the characterization of steels, the study of their phase composition and microstructure, in the form of measurements for both basic and applied research as well as experimental research in a cooperation with industrial companies.

The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy is the basic method with a possible non-destructive approach, focusing on retained austenite, and also on other partial phases. It is possible to measure both entire machine parts, their surfaces as well as cuts and trimmings normally prepared for metallographic analyses. It is possible to perform depth selection by layers (i) 10-100 µm, (ii) 1-10 µm and (iii) 0-300 nm in the surface analyses. We perform most measurements in the area of thicknesses up to 10 µm. Analyzes can be performed both at room temperature in non-destructive (surface) mode, at low temperatures up to 5 K, and high temperatures depending on the parameters of the sample in the form of powders, foils or layers.

Group members deal with the development of Mössbauer spectrometers and their accessories, the introduction of new techniques and the measurement methodology optimization. In general, it is the development of ionizing radiation detectors, the construction and development of additional devices for Mössbauer spectroscopy (e.g. Austenitemeter, www.austenitemeter.com).

Frequently performed analyzes also include the characterization of iron-containing pharmaceuticals.

Experimental research includes the development and production of measuring devices, parts and methodologies for industrial applications and laboratory research, especially using the virtual instrumentation technique (the LabVIEW programming environment) and its application in different measurement and testing areas.

In the area of material research, the group also deals with the following topics:

• synthesis and analysis of carbon and Fe-C composite structures growing on ferrite and austenite microstructures,
• preparation and characterization of metal thin films - deposition, properties, stabilization,
• piezoelectric generators based on microstructured polymer layers and their modifications.

Analytical methods

• Mössbauer spectroscopy: transmission (TMS), low temperature transmission (LTMS), conversion X-ray (CXMS), conversion electron (CEMS), backscattering gamma-ray (BGMS), low temperature in-field (IFMS).
• Low temperature cryostats (LTMS) in the range from 5 K to 350 K.
• In-field low temperature cryostat (IFMS) up to 5 T and from 2 K to room temperature.
• High temperature measurements up to 500 °C.
• Results comparison with XRD methods, optical microscopy, SEM implementation.