As part of the FYKOS “Letní stáže” programme, talented secondary-school students joined the MGML to work on research-oriented projects in condensed matter physics. Under the supervision of experienced researchers from the Department of Condensed Matter Physics, the students were introduced to state-of-the-art experimental techniques and laboratory workflows. One project focused on precise crystal mounting for X-ray diffraction experiments, combining automation and materials science. Using a robotic pipetting system and a high-precision six-axis robot (Meca500), the student systematically tested different adhesives and evaluated their performance in terms of alignment accuracy and mechanical stability under various stress conditions, including thermal cycling and mechanical perturbations. This work demonstrated how modern instrumentation can significantly improve reproducibility and precision in sample preparation.
A second project guided the student through the full cycle of experimental solid-state research—from crystal growth to advanced characterization. The student prepared single crystals and investigated their structural, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties using techniques such as magnetometry and low-temperature calorimetry, with access to high magnetic fields reaching up to 20 Tesla. By analysing the measured data, the project explored fundamental magnetic behaviour and addressed questions related to exotic quantum states, including the possible presence of a quantum spin liquid. Together, these internships highlight the role of MGML as an open-access research infrastructure that not only supports cutting-edge science but also actively engages and trains the next generation of physicists through direct participation in real research environments.
