BrainMap

Mr. GABRIEL SOCOL

CSI

Head of Laser Department - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://publons.com/researcher/2816503/gabriel-socol/

Curriculum Vitae (09/08/2021)

Expertise & keywords

Investigation of phase change in stacked chalcogenide thin films for multistate memory cells Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0498 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/multibit

Abstract:

Chalcogenide phase change materials are the most promising candidates for the next generation of non-volatile memories. The increasing need for storage capacity can be addressed using an innovative approach of recording multiple logical states in a single memory by stacking several different chalcogenide layers. In order to better understand the processes which take place in multiple states transitions and to further increase the number of states, we need to know the structure of the materials in those states and the relations between the structure and the electrical and optical properties. Single layer phase change memory materials based on GeTe, GaSb and SnSe and stacked structures of GeTe/SnSe, SnSe/GaSb and GeTe/GaSb will be prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Structural changes during phase transitions will be revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) and X-ray reflectometry (XRR). Modifications of optical properties will be analyzed using in-situ thermal ellipsometry measurements. Electrical resistivity variation as a function of temperature will also be studied. Modeling of the phase change mechanism will be performed using Cellular Automata (CA) and the insights from the model will be experimentally implemented to optimize the number and stability of intermediary states. This investigation will open the way for innovative materials discovery suitable for designing denser, faster, cheaper and greener memories.

Synthesis of compositional libraries thin films by combinatorial laser approach for screening of molecular-targeted agents in melanoma Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1790 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/TE_2015/PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1790/index.html

Abstract:

Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is caused by the transformation of melanocytes that suffered genetic alterations, thus leading to abnormal proliferation and dissemination. Malignant melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor that can be cured if discovered at an early stage, however once spread to lymph nodes or other organs, the median survival of patients drops below 9 months, and only 15% lived for more than 3 years. All major therapies have failed to increase patients’ survival rates because tumor cells were suggested to contain a drug-resistant subpopulation behaving as a “moving target”. Recent researches in the field suggested that combination therapy is the answer to treat highly resistant melanomas.

The goal of this project proposal is the synthesis of innovative combinatorial coatings consisting in signaling path inhibitors and epigenetic modulators by advanced laser techniques. Screening opportunity windows for synergistic co-targeting of melanoma cells will be achieved by fabricating a compositional diagram of four factors chosen from the classes of BRAF and HDAC inhibitors. Moreover, inhibitors-loaded Graphene-Family Nanomaterials will be used, due to their high potential for drug delivery and possible external activation. Several deposition experiments, physical-chemical analyses as well as biological tests will be performed to find a surface region with optimized composition-properties for combined therapy.

Controlled external activation of drug release from smart polymeric systems Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1590 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/TE_2015/PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1590/

Abstract:

The aim of our research is the identification of innovative technologies for drug delivery applications based on smart polymeric systems. The drug release from polymeric matrices is externally controlled by means of magnetic and electrical signals. Externally triggered on-demand drug release from such smart polymeric systems can significantly improve the efficiency of the drug therapy since it enables the delivery of the drug to a precise location at a precise concentration and for a precise duration. In this pursuit, we propose three synthesis approaches: i) submicron polymeric particles containing magnetic nanoparticles ii) submicron particles based on electroactive polymers and, iii) the combination of previous two solutions, magnetic nanoparticles embedded in electroactive-based polymeric particles. The originality of the last two approaches is the use of polymeric blends and (block) copolymers based on electroactive and appropriate biodegradable polymers or monomers as matrix for submicronic particles. The synthesis of magnetic and electrical-field-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles will enhance the drug delivery effectiveness as a response to the external fields because it combines both mechanisms of release. Our smart polymeric systems will be tested in form of gels/suspensions or coatings of nanoparticles.

In situ real time analysis of liquid steel composition by LIBS and mass spectrometry of aerosols and gases evacuated during vacuum degassing process Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1439 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); ADREM INDUSTRIES SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://gap.inflpr.ro/PCCA226

Abstract:

The Romanian metallurgical industry is a major employer and exporter, having an important contribution to our GDP. In recent years, due to external competition and adverse economic conditions, the production and number of jobs have decreased, affecting many communities. There is a stringent need to find innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce cost to maintain competitiveness. The Romanian company ADREM Industries, part of the ADREM Industries Holding, developed a new vacuum degassing (VD) process of steel based on dry vacuum pumps. This innovative process could be performed at higher pressures (5-10 mbar versus 0.67 mbar previously) and significantly reduces the energy costs. It has been successfully implemented by several Romanian companies. Moreover, the system has been exported in many countries (see Annex 1), a testimony to its efficiency and reliability. Further improvements of the ADREM VD process based on technological research as described in this project could greatly enhance the understanding of the underlying science of the process and further reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint, and pollution, making the steel production more competitive, saving jobs and promoting export sales.

The refining of liquid steel composition in separate ladles is referred to as secondary metallurgy. To control composition, current practice is to remove a sample of molten material from the ladle for elemental analysis. Usually, multiple analyses are performed during refining. There are two major problems with this method. First, by sampling the material off-line, the process comes to a halt while the sample is analyzed. Secondly, if alloying materials were added and the melt was not sufficiently mixed, the composition may be inhomogeneous and changes made on the basis of the analysis of one particular sample may not bring the processed steel into specification. These issues lead to excessive melting time, quality control problems, wasted feedstock, increased energy use and emissions, and product that may need to be re-melted or discarded. The goal of this project is to solve these problems by implementing the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) together with mass spectrometry (MS) techniques for real time and in-situ analysis of steel composition. A novel approach to be addressed in this project is Calibration-Free LIBS method, which does not require the use of calibration curves or matrix-matched standards. Previous LIBS-based analyzing systems of the composition of liquid steel implemented on an industrial scale in Austria have been abandoned due to the peculiarities of the steel bath. During melting, the formation of a rather thick slag layer on top of molten steel prevents the continuous acquisition of data. In addition, the high vaporization rate of atoms from the molten steel coats the used optic elements with a thin metallic layer, rapidly degrading their performance. Thirdly, the random and sudden movements of the liquid steel surface affect the focalization of the laser beam producing the plasma. To surmount these technological barriers this consortium proposes the installation of the LIBS and MS setup on the vacuum exhaust of a laboratory furnace employing the ADREM VD process. The LIBS will analyze the aerosols extracted from the furnace while the MS system will analyze the gases. These results will be correlated with ex-situ analytical results obtained in laboratory conditions by ICP-OES, RBS, and EDAX to infer the liquid steel composition.

Being able to control the steel composition in situ and in real time will further reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emission during the VD process, allow for automatic control and greatly improve the quality of the refined steel. Also, based on the analytical results we expect to optimize the process in terms of vacuum requirements, duration, and control, which will result in increased sales of ADREM VD installations nationally and internationally.

Fabrication of osteoinductive orthopedic implants with gradual 3D hierarchical structure Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0898 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); TEHNOMED IMPEX CO S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/Contracts/Contracts.html

Abstract:

The project “Fabrication of osteoinductive orthopedic implants with gradual 3D hierarchical structure” proposes a novel approach for the ossteointegration of permanent metallic prostheses. The originality of the project consists in the development of implants with 3D hierarchical porous structure characterized by increased surface roughness and wettability, covered with soluble thin multilayer of biocatalytic composites. The resulting structures have the advantage of combining the benefits of deposited biomaterials and the mechanical strength of the metallic collector. The aim of our research is the manufacturing of permanent implants with biofunctional surface which are able to trigger certain healing phases typical for injured bone tissues. The implant fabricated as result of our research will induce complex chronological biological reactions which in the first stage will initiate a vasogenic and angiogenic response succeeded then by the migration and differentiation of osteoblasts and mesenchymal cells and accomplished with the formation of new bone tissue. Thus, the surface structure of the implant with appropriate topology and roughness will serve as framework for osteoconductivity, while further coating with biocomposites acts, in addition to osteoconductivity, as delivery vehicles for cytokines, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, insulin-like growth factors and transforming growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, etc. The proposed 3D structures for osteoinduction will mimic bone morphology, structure and function in order to improve the integration into surrounding tissue.

All-amorphous-oxide transparent and mechanically flexible thin film transistor grown by pulsed laser deposition Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0467 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/contracte%20noi/site%20ID%20467/header.html

Abstract:

Flexible or transparent electronics are among the most intriguing potential applications for transparent conducting oxides (TCO). Oxide-based thin film transistors (TFT) are used in displays as switching components in the active-matrix over a large area and can be deposited at room temperature on plastic substrates. The best TCO for TFT are amorphous indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc indium tin oxide (ZITO) or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), which have the added benefit on using less In than ITO. The major basic materials science questions with these oxides are:

1) what are the best compositions (In/(In+Zn) or In/(In+Zn+Ga) values, type and concentration of dopants) and thicknesses of IGZO, ZITO and IZO layers for displays or TFTs applications;

2) what are the best gate dielectrics for TFT fabricated using IGZO channels and IZO electrodes;

3) what is the effect of channel and dielectric composition and interface roughness on band offset or interface state density;

4) how the performance and stability of such devices is affected by low-temperature processing.

The objectives of this project are to answer these questions by fabricating using the combinatorial pulsed laser deposition technique IGZO, ZITO, IZO, doped IZO and high-k dielectric layers that have various chemical compositions and thicknesses. The best layers will be incorporated into all-oxide transparent and flexible TFT devices that will be tested to improve their performance and increase their stability.

Investigations of ZrC thin films properties for TRISO nuclear fuel applications Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0407 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/contracte%20noi/site%20ID%20337/index.html

Abstract:

Zirconium carbide is a refractory material, with a very high melting temperature, good thermochemical stability, high hardness, a rather low cross section for thermal neutrons capture and a high retention rate of the nuclear fission products. These properties are critical for the use of ZrC thin films for nuclear fuel encapsulation applications in very high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactors using tri-structural isotropic coated particles (TRISO). There are many unknowns regarding such complex and demanding applications. The investigations to solve them were hampered by the lack of suitable quality ZrC films. We obtained using the pulsed laser deposition technique some of the best quality ZrC films reported so far: nanohardness higher than 40 GPa, density above 97% of the bulk value, surface roughness below 1 nm (rms), good crystallinity and oxygen content below 1.5%. These ZrC films are ideal to perform investigations about the diffusion coefficients of Pd and Ag, chemical interactions with nuclear fission products, the energetics of defects formation, diffusion and clustering during irradiation, the influence of defects and understoichiometry (loss of C) on the microstructure, thermochemical and mechanical properties, the interaction with H and Xe. Three groups from the University of Florida, University of Nevada Las Vegas and CEA Orsay will join forces with us to tackle these complex and multidisciplinary problems.

FUNCTIONALIZED FLAVONOID-BIOPOLYMER NANOSTRUCTURED COMPOSITES PROCESSED FOR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0888 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/contracte%20noi/site%20ID%20209/index.html

Abstract:

Although many antimicrobial agents are currently available for the treatment of microbial infections, the emergence and spreading of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is a global problem. To overcome this issue, we must explore the use of alternative antimicrobial agents, including naturally-derived agents. In this project, biopolymer-antibiotic, biopolymer-flavonoid, biopolymer-antibiotic-flavonoid composite coatings will be deposited onto assays by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) using a pulsed KrF* excimer laser source (λ = 248 nm, τ = 25 ns, ν = 10 Hz). FTIR spectroscopy will be used to demonstrate that MAPLE-transferred materials exhibit chemical properties similar to those of the starting materials. Atomic force microscopy will confirm that MAPLE may be used to fabricate thin films with appropriate surface properties for medical use. The activity of flavonoid-containing films against both Gram- + and Gram- – bacteria will be examined using in vitro biological assays. The biological properties to be tested include the microbial viability and adherence to the flavonoid-containing films, using Gram - and Gram + bacterial strains with known antibiotic susceptibility behavior, the microbial adherence to the HeLa cells monolayer grown on the of flavonoid-containing coating, and the cytotoxicity on eukariotic cells. Our specific goal is to evaluate these results in comparison to biopolymer-silver nanoparticle coatings as controls. The proposed system could be used for the development of novel antimicrobial materials or strategies for fighting medical biofilm pathogens frequently implicated in the etiology of biofilm associated chronic infections.

Multi-parameter nanosensors synthesized by advanced metal oxide technologies Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0735 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (INFLPR)

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (INFLPR) (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (INFLPR) (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/contracte%20noi/site%20ID%20304/index.html

Abstract:

The main goal of this project is the research, design, testing and prototype fabrication of multi-parameter sensors based on nanostructured metal-oxides. A selection of advanced laser-assisted techniques (PLD - pulsed laser deposition; CPLD - combinatorial pulsed deposition, MAPLE - matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation, LIFT - laser induced forward transfer, PLALM-pulsed laser ablation in liquid media) along with alternative non-laser based techniques such as MS - magnetron sputtering will be considered to fabricate high-quality nanometric/nanostructured metal oxide layers. The multipulse laser ablation will be conducted in parallel with ns (excimer) or fs (Ti:sapphire) laser pulses. The materials of interest for sensing in this project are Fe2O3, TiO2, ZnO, and WO3. The end products will be advanced thermo-photo-tenso-gas-magnetic-bio sensors (multi-parameter sensors) in form of thin films, nanoparticles or nanowires on integrated microelectronic and optical components. The sensing structures will be: monosensors based on single metal oxide layers, multi-parameter sensors with alternate layers in form of parallel strips or superposed layers of the same oxide in different structures, or multi-parameter sensors with alternate layers in form of parallel strips of different oxides. For all types of deposited nanostructures, the sensing performance will be boosted through coverage with noble metal nanoparticles generated by PLALM.

NANOSTRUCTURES PROCESSED BY LASER TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0098 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI INFLPR DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI INFLPR DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI INFLPR DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/Contracts/site%20TE%2084/index.html

Abstract:

In the frame of this project, we demonstrates the possibility of increasing improving the efficiency of photovoltaic conversion of solar radiation into electricity using two innovative concepts by trapping and coupling of light. These two research directions are based on surface plasmon resonance and nanostructured materials with potential for photovoltaics industry.

Due to its versatility and advantages, the laser will be the main tool which will be applied in all technological procedures and processing developed in this contract. This project follows to improve the trapping and coupling efficiency of light which will result in a significant increase of solar cell efficiency structures.

Therefore, in our studies we employed a variety of materials in the form of thin layers or bulk and mixture of oxides doped (ZnO, TiO2, ITO, In2O3), metals (Mg, Al, GA, Au, Ag, Pt), p-, n-type or intrinsic semiconductors (Si, SiGe, CdTe, CdS, ZnTe, etc) to manufacture photovoltaic structures that are based on these innovative concepts.

The thin films and nanoparticles will be fabricated by laser techniques adapted to the goals of project. In our studies of surface nanostructuring will be used the radiation emitted from a wide range of pulsed laser sources with different properties. The proposed investigation techniques are complementary and provide a complete characterization of all synthesized structures.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects