Identification number: LZP-2025/1-0149
Type: Latvian Council of Science Fundamental and Applied Research project
Duration: 01.01.2026. - 31.12.2028.
Project Leader: Dr. Boriss Poļakovs, Institute of Solid State Physics University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Total funding: 300 000 EUR
Project summary:
The goal of this fundamental project is to investigate laser-induced welding of metal nanowires and nanoplates using a unique in situ SEM setup with optical fiber and nanomanipulators. The study will focus on different material systems (Ag, Cu, Cu-Ag, Cu-Au, Cu-Pt), contact geometries, and substrate effects on welding quality, as well as liquid metal microdroplets interaction with metal nanostructures. Electrical conductivity and melting will be measured on individual nanostructures. A combination of experiments and FEM simulations will provide insight into plasmon resonance-driven melting and welding at the nanoscale. The results will contribute to the development of reliable interconnects for next-generation nanotechnologies.
The team consists of 2 leading researchers, 2 researchers and 2 students (1.7 full-time equivalents per year, FTE/y), including two students (1 FTE/y total). The total budget for the full project duration of 36 months is 300 000 EUR.