prof. Ing. Pavel Ripka, CSc.

Diagnostic methods for buildings and civil structures are of increasing importance. An example is diagnostics of structural integrity of brides and monitoring of the fault currents in pipelines, building structures and power networks. This area includes: Development of new methods for contactless measurement methods of physical variables such as temperature, humidity and stress for on-site diagnostics of building components, structures and materials. Development of contactless sensor nodes using energy hervesting. Magnetic and capacitive imaging techniques for building constructions. Measurement, modeling and development of elimination and suppression strategies for fault currents in building contructions. Measurement and modeling of DC currents in pipelines and power grids. After initial study period the topic will be focused and targeted according to the interest and capabilities of the student. http://measure.feld.cvut.cz/ripka

Development of low-noise magnetometers and gradiometers for space research, navigation and geopysical prospection. http://measure.feld.cvut.cz/ripka

Existing integrated fluxgates have sensitive direction in the substrate plane. This is taken as a rule of nature dictated by large demagnetization of the core layer in the direction perpendicular to it. This means that external field in this direction is drastically attenuated and cannot be sensed. The aim is to develop novel sensors based on nanowire arrays and monodisperse nanoparticles which could break the demagnetization rule and open the path to singe-chip 3-axial fluxgate sensor. To achieve this, the technology of nanowire production should be improved. The sensor geometry will be optimized using FEM simulations. Sensors will be fabricated by electroplating and 3D printing.

Novel magnetic position and speed sensors for robotics and industrial applications. Magnetic tracking systems for augmented reality, security and drilling industry.

Some magnetic soils contain nanoparticles with strong frequency dependence of susceptibility. Detection of metal objects in such soils is extremely difficult. The aim is to develop measurement and signal processing methods allowing detection and discrimination or anti-personnel mines with minimum metal content in such soils. The problem includes theoretical description of magnetic viscosity of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, verification on model and comparison to frequency dependencies of susceptibility measured both in the laboratory and in the field. Detection frames are used to check persons and their luggage at the entrance to protected areas. New measurement and signal processing methods should be found to increase their feedthrough rate and detectivity. New algorithms should be developer for fusion of magnetic sensors (DC and AC, passive and active), optical cameras, thermal cameras, microwave and ultrasound sensors. After initial study period the topic will be focused and targeted according to the interest and capabilities of the student. http://measure.feld.cvut.cz/ripka