Brno Ph.D. Talent competition in 2023 has announced its winners. In the physics field, two doctoral students were awarded. Both are from the Department of Physical Electronics: František Zelenák and Kryštof Mrózek. Previously we have introduced František Zelenák. It is now a turn for Kryštof Mrózek. His computer simulations for new satellite propulsion systems destined for the very low orbit will be vital for practical testing and the future of new propulsion systems.
Since 2009, Brno city has supported young talented scientists in their careers. This year, 25 scientists from four Brno universities received the Brno Ph.D. Talent award. In the following three years, all awardees will receive a stipend of 330 000 CZK.
Since the existence of Brno Ph.D. Talent project, the doctoral students from the Department of Physical Electronics have been successful several times already: Pavel Souček, Tomáš Svoboda, Adam Obrusník, Matej Fekete, Štěpánka Kelarová and Július Vida. František Zelenák and Kryštof Mrózek, therefore, increase the prestige of DPE research and contribute to the good name of the doctoral study program Plasma Physics
Let us introduce Kryštof Mrózek:
Can you tell our readers about yourself? Where are you from?
I was born in Chrudim (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrudim). I attended the Electrotechnical high school in Pardubice. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and walking. My current goal is to finish my Ph.D. and figure out what I want to do next. I do not look further than that.
What is your field of study? How did you end up studying at the DPE?
Since my master's, I have studied Plasma physics at the Department of Physical Electronics. Before that, I had finished a bachelor's degree in Nanotechnology. Looking back, I started to study physics by coincidence. After graduating high school, I applied to IT study programs. To have another option, I also applied to study physics. When the time to make a final decision came, I realized that IT was not interesting for me anymore. So, I gave physics a chance :)
What does the Brno Ph.D. Talent award mean to you?
To be recognized by Brno Ph.D. Talent scholarship means having more time for research. I also have the opportunity to be more creative. More time for research gives me a chance to choose the focus of my work.
What is your project about? What is your job?
My project, under the guidance of my supervisor dr. Adam Obrusník deals with the development of a low-pressure plasma source. We aim to apply this new plasma source as Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP). It is a type of electric propulsion system that could be used as a propulsion system for satellites on low orbits. At these very low orbits, satellites are slowed down by residual atmosphere. Our propulsion system will collect the residual atmosphere and use it as a propulsion force to compensate for the deceleration.
Our colleagues at BUT are developing the low-pressure source prototype. My job is to create a computer model that will predict the behavior of our laboratory prototype. We will validate the model by several diagnostic techniques, such as measuring extracted current or optical emission spectroscopy. We will then further broaden the validated model for orbital conditions. The goal is to determine if this new propulsion system will generate enough force to compensate for the deceleration on low orbits.
The Heart of Europe workshop is a traditional gathering of scientists dealing with thin films. The center of Europe is presented by the Technical University of Vienna, Masaryk University in Brno, and Comenius University in Bratislava.
At the beginning of April, the Day with ERC, an event for junior researchers took place. The aim of the discussion meeting for junior scientists is networking. Dr. Jakub Kelar from the Department of Plasma Physics and Technology was nominated as a representative from the Faculty of Science.
