Understanding of defects and impurities in ZnO; synthesis, doping, and band gap engineering

The project deals with understanding of fundamental physical properties of ZnO motivated to be a promising material when considering new challenges of efficient energy saving/production, further developing/securing the communication highways, developing s ensor interfaces (for example to the human body) for utilizing the information, etc. Specifically we are suggesting to undertake a fundamental study targeting better understanding of defects and impurities in ZnO and ZnO-based nanostructures focusing prim arily on experimental approach using as a platform our present position in the field enhanced recently by a newly installed ZnO metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) facility. The work is conducted in close collaboration with leading internation al research partners and the conditions for a successful outcome of the project are regarded as excellent. The project is suggested for 4 years and involves 2 PhD students (3 years each), 1 postdoc (2 years). The first PhD student will work on the subproj ect - Fundamental studies of intrinsic defects, defect complexes, and impurities in ZnO. The second PhD student and the postdoc are engaged in the subprojects on - Synthesis and investigation of ZnO/MgZnO multi quantum wells and Understanding of physics a nd technology of ZnO nanowires - overlapping their activities specifically when studying quantum dots combining multi quantum well and nanowiring technologies. Particular emphasis will be made to recruit females. Overall, our ambition is to be a leading g roup at the international level regarding ZnO-based nanotechnology development providing a stimulating research environment to promote training/education of students and international exchange of scientists.