Vacuum Systems-Microanalysis Ltd.VSL, has realised the enormous analytical potential for understanding composition of all material around us, solid as well as life material, in 21st century.The foresight of its founders has zoomed on continuous development of Surface Analysis instrumentation, SA. They were using their uninterrupted experience, experience in design and application of surface analysis equipment, mainly but not exclusively XPS, for use in the laboratory as well as utilising the monochromatic X-ray beam generated by the Synchrotron radiation. In VSL we believe in multi-strand approach to the use of the equipment and correct interpretation of the system's generated results, based on understanding the results generation by SA instruments. The equipment and its use is complex not least because of its constant development in all directions. For that reason we believe in the parallel use of all SA equipment, starting from the 'oldest' designs to the latest systems. This enriches our business as outlined by; 1. offers of upgrade and service the older instruments, most suitable for use by scientists new to the technique. 2. Being in forefront of the conceptual design of the system as a whole 3. as well as tackling the new development of its parts, essential for achieving improved instrument's parameters. VSL is continuously improving the technique's parameters, important to the researchers, and widening its use. VSL is sensitive to specific needs of any new users and new fields of application including biological or environmental samples. It uses the new information to push forward the SA technology. |
Dr Jiri George Krizek, MD
George has received his first degree from Charles University, Czechoslovakia, in 1968 and his PhD from Durham University, England in 1974. In 1978 he accepted an offer from Leybold -Hareaus GmbH, its , Analytical group, Germany, as Product Development Manager with the responsibility for development of Leybold key instruments for combined surface analysis LHS10, LHS11,LHS12, as well as the component products such as multichannel detectors , X-ray and uv sources UVS 10 , X-ray mono-chromators RM10, Electron spectrometers EA11, EA12, including the adaptation of the XPS for use at US at Wisconsin Synchrotron Facility, instruments for gas analysis UPG200, spectrometers systems, etc. His work substantially improved the market share of LH in this field. In 1987 he accepted the offer from VG-Scientific, England, one of the leading manufacturers of scientific equipment in the field of surface analysis, to work as the technical manager and then as the ESCA Development Manager to develop VG ESCASCOPE, the first ever commercial combination of an X-ray Photoemission Electron Spectrometer with a Photoemission Microscope for which he obtained as a co-author the R&D 100 Award. The other activities in his capacity were a comprehensive management and development of the key products for the VG-ESCALAB 210, the analyser for the VG MicroLab 510, TOFSIMS 410 mass spectrometer, X-ray Monochromators and Multidetector Systems. In 1992 he was a consultant to VG ISOTECH on the development of Magnetic sector SIMS-MICRO SIMS 3. Later, in the same year, he with his wife started business Partnership, Vacuum Systems Engineering, VSE, where they utilised their scientific, technological and cultural knowledge of the Vacuum, Surface Analysis industry, SA surveying their field in the Eastern Europe, which was just opening, building up a two track business of import-export and in design of SA instrumentation. Their versatility was recognised by UK FCO by contracting them to survey their field of expertise first in Czechoslovakia and in 1995 in Russia. Owing to his experience he is aware of the different and sometimes conflicting requirements of each of the modes of operation of XPS/UPS/high temperature cell including systems and operating in different environments. The list of the systems he has designed and is still in use: |
Dr Hana Eliska KrizekHana has received her first degree from Charles University, Czechoslovakia, in 1968, her PhD from Durham University, England in 1974.She gained her experience in science and business working in both environments. Following a year at Geology department of Durham University, responsible for their instrumentation, she moved to the industrial research for Tube Investment Research laboratories, Hinxton Hall near Cambridge for couple of years, covering wide range of projects, followed by a management position in the X-ray Astronomy Group of Leicester University with a responsibility for computer designated to receiving data broadcast from the space station 24/7. In 1977, after the birth of their second child she accepted a position of programmer of mathematical programs for teaching at then Leicester Polytechnics, now De Montfort University. Between 1979 and 1987 the family relocated to Cologne, Germany, where she founded a consultancy addressing customers' problems, using her knowledge of applied physics. Her consultancy let into a formation of VSE partnership in 1992, with her husband George back in UK. The partnership's program included import and export, consultancy and market and industry research of the sector using their joint expertise in the freed Czechoslovakia, privatisation of Czech vacuum company with a view to build a joint venture, including gradual move back to the design of SA instrumentation, their main expertise. In 1993 UK FCO recognised the VSE Partnership's versatility and contracted them to survey their field of expertise first in Czechoslovakia and in 1995 in Russia. In 1994 the Partnership incorporated to Vacuum Systems Limited and their concentration shifted, on customer's request, to their accumulated expertise in Surface Analysis Instrumentation. Hana concentrated on the business side of VSL, rising well over £2.8mil to support their R&D side of the business, winning several R&D grants, including SMART and SPUR for a business build with no starting capital or inward investment. Her support covers all the development covers the systems listed in George's CV. |
Mr Jan KrizekJan had gained a BSc in Mathematics at Leicester University in 1999.From 1999-2001 has worked in the Web design industry for a company in Chatham, which relocated to Maidstone, England. From 2001 - till presently Jan has worked at Vacuum Systems Ltd. Jan has been involved in the design and development all the way to production of the electronics that is located between the Spectrometer and the computer interface of the user. Taking on designs of design consultants and making improvements in reliability, reproducibility of results and driving up the return on cost has been the hallmark of Jan's work in Electronic design at Vacuum Systems Ltd. Jan's skills include proficiency in the design of High frequency electronics, High Voltage electronics, Vacuum Compatible electronics and Cost Optimization of Production as well as Mathematical Modeling of design parameters. In addition Jan has good basic grasp in bookeeping, and legal maters, which he has gained over his time at VSL, which has been usefull during negotiations with external bodies. |