Michael Foltýn

Plasmonics of Non-noble Metals

Lector: Vlastimil Křápek, Michal Horák

Institution: Brno University of Technology, CEITEC VUT

Field: Advanced Materials and Nanosciences

 

About the project

The field of plasmonics studies electron gas oscillations excited by electromagnetic waves incoming at the interface of a metal and a dielectric, such as gold or silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles emit light due to these electron oscillations, acting as tiny antennas. However, the said metals are expensive and their use is limited to infrared and visible spectra. My project aims to find cheaper alternative materials suitable for plasmonic applications also in the UV range.

 

Why science?

I enjoy trying to "peek under the hood" of how things around us work. It’s an incredible feeling when, for example, you see individual atoms on a sample and realize how brilliantly everything in the world is designed. Science also gives you the chance to meet amazing people and opens your horizons immensely. Unfortunately, science has its downsides too, for example the frequent need to write publications and proposals, which steals time you could spend on more exciting research in the lab.

 

What do I like most about Brno

Brno is valuable to me for its history and, I'd say, its unique mentality. It’s just the right size—you often run into familiar faces on the streets, making it feel like home, yet it offers immense opportunities in education, shopping, and cultural events. It’s also precious as a hub of innovation and technology. In the end, I believe every city reflects its people, and that’s where Brno's true value lies: in its human potential and the relationships among its residents.