Strengthening the SOLid-state research capacities in Zagreb by the introduction of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance method

The main goal of the project is the introduction of solid state nuclear magnetic resonance method (ssNMR) at Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (PDFS), which proved to be one of the key methods for the microscopic investigations of strongly correlated electron systems, high temperature superconductors, quantum magnets, con ducting polymers, carbon nanotubes, and many other problems of condensed matter physics. We plan the acquisition of an ssNMR spectrometer suitable for measurements of broad spectral lines in strongly correlated systems, measurements at low temperatures, and in variable magnetic fields. Also, zero-field measurements of nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), that give very important information about local charge distribution, can be conducted by the use of this spectrometer.

Within the project framework physicists from Zagreb will visit European NMR centres and conduct a part of their research there. Some young researchers will also be sent to NMR workshops and/or extended visits to the ssNMR laboratories in Europe in order to acquire the first experimental and theoretical insight into the method.  

The development of a new experimental method requires not only the purchase of the equipment, but also further training of scientists and personnel for the new method, and its exploitation in the current research in PDFS and other institutions in Croatia. We propose in this project the exchange of know-how and experience with leading European ssNMR centres through a number of bilateral scientific exchange visits between PDFS and selected European centres of excellence. Through this project, we shall generate the conditions to encourage the return of young experienced researchers who are currently abroad, and their positioning in the country.We will organize two workshops in Croatia with a goal of spreading  the use of NMR in solid state research and materials science in the region.

Project participants

European partners on SOLeNeMaR project:

Professors Henri Alloul and Philippe Mendels from Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay (LPS)

Dr. Mladen Horvatić and Dr. Steffen Krämer from Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory (GHMFL)

Dr. Janez Dolinšek from Jožef Štefan Institute (JSI), Ljubljana

Dr. Hans Joachim Grafe from Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung (IFW), Dresden

Physicsist from PDFS:

experiment:

prof. dr. sc. Miroslav Požek

prof. dr. sc. Antonije Dulčić

dr. sc. Dalibor Paar

dr. sc. Mihael S. Grbić , junior researcher

dipl. ing. Marko Bosiočić, junior researcher

theory:

prof. dr. Slaven Barišić

prof. dr. sc. Denis Sunko

prof. dr. sc. Hrvoje Buljan

dr. sc. Ivan Kupčić, sc. adv.

(+ junior researcher)

Croatian partners:

dr. sc. Ana Smontara (Institute of physics)

dr. sc. Boris Rakvin (“Ruđer Bošković” institute)

prof. dr. sc. Ante Bilušić (University of Split)

Goals of SOLeNeMaR project

• acquisition and installation of equipment for ssNMR
• increase of the human potential
• strengthen the existing cooperation with some of the European NMR centres of excellence
• organisation of two workshop and a series of seminars for the industry
• increased visibility of PDFS (in public, amogn the scientific community, in industry)

Final goal:

A strong ssNMR group and Physics department as a whole ready to participate in future FP7 collaboration projects

Basic information on SOLeNeMaR project

7th Framework Programme – capacities

SUBJECT 4: Research potential of Convergent Regions

Call: Coordination and support action  REGPOT-2008-1

Project acronym: SOLeNeMaR

Project title: Strengthening the SOLid-state research capacities in Zagreb by the introduction of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance method

Coordinator: Faculty of science University of Zagreb, Department of physics

Coordinator short name: PDFS

Coordinator in charge: Miroslav Požek

Duration: 03/2009-02/2012

Total budget: 844 245 €