Join the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences and gain hands-on experience in laser-based material processing and microfabrication.
Interested in how a laser pulse can be used to transfer and print microscopic amounts of functional material?
Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a versatile laser-processing technique that enables the controlled transfer of small quantities of material from a donor substrate onto a receiving surface. The method can be applied to nanoparticles, thin films, 2D materials, and other functional materials, offering opportunities for precise, contact-free printing and microfabrication.
During this internship, you will participate in experimental work focused on the laser-induced transfer of 2D materials and nanomaterials. You will help us investigate how experimental parameters such as laser energy, number of pulses, donor material properties, and donor–receiver configuration influence morphology, quality, and reproducibility of transferred structures.
The internship is designed as a practical introduction to laser microprocessing and experimental nanomaterials research. You will work alongside experienced researchers and gradually become familiar with laser experiments, optical alignment, microscopy, sample preparation, and scientific data analysis.
What will the internship involve?
- LIFT Experiments: Participate in laser-induced forward transfer experiments using pulsed laser systems.
- Experimental Setup: Assist with sample positioning, optical alignment, and adjustment of the experimental geometry under supervision.
- Parameter Optimization: Investigate the influence of laser energy, number of pulses, donor–receiver distance, and other processing parameters on the transfer process.
- Microscopy and Characterization: Examine transferred structures using optical microscopy and other available surface-characterization techniques.
- Image and Data Analysis: Process microscopy images, measure transferred areas and structures, and compare results obtained under different experimental conditions.
- Experimental Optimization: Help identify processing conditions that improve transfer quality, reproducibility, and spatial precision.
- Scientific Work: Participate in literature research, documentation of experiments, and discussion of results with the research team.
The exact experimental tasks will be adapted to the current research activities, the student’s background, and progress during the internship.
What we’re looking for:
- Field of Study: Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Engineering, or a related field.
- Level of Study: Bachelor’s or Master’s student.
- Technical Skills: Basic laboratory experience is an advantage but is not required. Previous experience with lasers, microscopy, or LIFT is not necessary.
- Data Skills: Basic ability to work with experimental data; experience with Excel, Origin, Python, ImageJ, or similar tools is a plus.
- Soft Skills: Reliability, careful experimental work, curiosity, precision, and willingness to learn.
What we offer:
- Duration: Initial internship of 2 months, 16 hours per week.
- Possible continuation: Possibility of extending the collaboration for an additional 2 months at the beginning of 2027, with the potential for further extension depending on mutual interest, available projects, and student performance.
- Flexible working hours compatible with university studies.
- Hands-on experience with pulsed lasers, laser microprocessing, optical setups, and microscopy.
- Participation in real experimental research rather than purely theoretical or demonstration work.
- Professional mentoring and guidance from experienced researchers.
- Access to modern laboratory infrastructure and scientific equipment.
- Experience with scientific image processing, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
- Insight into academic research, international collaborations, scientific projects, and research careers.
- Possibility to develop the work further toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, depending on mutual interest and available research topics.
Interested in lasers, microfabrication, and nanomaterials? Join us and explore how functional materials can be transferred and printed with the precision of a laser pulse.