BrainMap

Mrs. Nicoleta Tosa

Dr.

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Other affiliations

Full-time PhD Student - UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (Romania)

PhD Student - EGIDE & ERASMUS scholar - “Joseph Fourier” University, Grenoble I, France, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie Physique (current Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique LiPhy) (UMR 5588)hysique LiPhy) Grenoble (France)

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Nicoleta Tosa is senior researcher at INCDTIM Cluj-Napoca, Romania (since 2006), received her PhD in Chemistry in 2009, master degree in 1995 from Babes Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Her research experience in chemistry and physical-chemistry is coupled with organic synthesis and metallic micro-/nanostructures fabrication by CW/pulsed laser direct writing technique, photochemical synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles, functionalization and characterization by structural analysis methods in solid state, thin films and solution. She has 51 publications (44 ISI and 1 book chapter), 4 national patents fillings, over 85 international conference (45 posters, 28 oral presentations, 1 invited lecture, 1 plenary lecture), was member in 15 national and 2 international projects, and Partner team leader in 2 national projects,: PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1374 /“Optical Nanofabrication in the domain 5 nm - 50 nm” 2014-2017, and PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0210/ “1 Petabyte Optical Disc” 2012-2016

Web of Science ResearcherID: A-1767-2016

Curriculum Vitae (11/07/2025)

Expertise & keywords

Active tuning of plasmon resonances in gold nanoparticle arrays on elastomeric substrates for ultrasensitive dual MEF/SERS biosensing Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1607 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/optigap/

Abstract:

The project titled Active tuning of plasmon resonances in gold nanoparticle arrays on elastomeric substrates for ultrasensitive dual MEF/SERS biosensing (OPTiGAP) aims to develop a disruptive approach to dual Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF)/ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensing: plasmonic nanostructures will be designed such that both MEF and SERS can be excited by a single laser source, based on active tuning of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) favouring either MEF or SERS process. The dual MEF/SERS molecular sensing platform will exploit real-time mechanical tuning of LSPRs in designed gold nanoparticle arrays, allowing to modulate the electromagnetic field enhancements in nano-gaps such that the fingerprint-like SERS signal can be collected despite the overwhelming MEF intensity. After careful design based on electromagnetic simulations, gold nanoparticle arrays will be fabricated and characterized. Their plasmonic properties will be investigated and understood, in order to apply them for dual MEF/SERS detection of specific biomarkers as are membrane proteins used to differentiate/ classify various metastatic cancer cells (EGFR or EpCAM). The OPTiGAP project can contribute to expanding the use of MEF and SERS beyond proof-of-concepts studies into viable real-life applications, by developing biosensing protocols exploiting a fluorescence read-out for fast imaging and Raman fingerprinting for multiplexed molecular identification.

eXtreme ultraviolet to soft-X-ray Photonic Integrated Circuits Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0180 2021 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/xpic/

Abstract:

This project aims at the realization of a new technological platform for the development of a EUV – soft X-ray integrated photonics (X-PIC), a lab-on-chip instrument as coherent source for XUV and soft X-ray radiation. This platform X-PIC is based on high-order harmonic generation (HHG) of mid-infrared pulses in hollow-core waveguides. The miniaturized waveguides will be fabricated within the project consortium, these will be filled with noble gas which will serve as interaction medium for HHG of the laser pulses coupled in to the waveguide. In order to increase the the high-harmonic flux we will explore experimentally feasible quasi-phase-matching configurations through the controlled modulation of the waveguide's diameter and gas pressure.

Nanostructured microfluidic analytical platform for dual SERS-electrochemical detection of emerging environmental pollutants Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
RO-NO-2019-0517 2020 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); SINTEF AS (NO); NANOM MEMS SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/polsens/

Abstract:

Environmental contamination with pesticides causes negative impact on soil, water, and whole ecosystems. Studies evidenced links between pesticides and diseases such as Parkinson’s, prostate cancer, immune depression, allergies, and others in population groups heavily exposed to pesticides. Chronic exposure to low levels of pesticides also raises toxicity concerns. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a class of very dangerous pollutants, capable of long-range transport, bio-accumulation in human and animal tissue, and bio-magnification in food chains. In such an exposed environment almost everyone has POPs in their body, including newborns or even embryos. Highly accessible analytical platforms for fast, selective and decentralized detection of dangerous chemicals are therefore of very high demand.

Within this project we propose to develop sensing platforms able to detect environmental pollutants by simultaneous optical spectroscopy and electrochemistry. A nanostructured plasmonic chip will be the core of the spectro-electrochemical sensor combining the advantages of highly specific and sensitive surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to the versatility, portability, and low costs of electrochemical (EC) sensing. The dual SERS-EC sensing platform will be integrated in a microfluidic system, in order to benefit from reproducible measurements due to highly defined environment, easy handling of small sample volumes, high throughput detection, and even sample preparation and mixing procedures in continuous flow. Additionally, a second dual sensing cell based on common spectrophotometer cuvettes, for ml-scale sample volumes will be developed. The proof of concept will be demonstrated on organohalide pesticide endosulfan, an emerging pollutant (EP) selected from the new POPs list of the Stockholm Convention and the JRC Watch List. Extending the adaptability of the proposed sensing platform to the detection of other environmental pollutants (e.g. lamda-cyhalotrin, thiabendazole) will be also pursued. Our research aims to provide sensing platforms by which these substances can be detected in surface waters samples and also to contribute to the scientific data regarding POPs accumulation and distribution. The design and experimental development of the SERS-electrochemical sensor aims for device portability for field (in-situ) applications, such as monitoring EPs in surface waters at critical sites (e.g. in the vicinity of a possible pollution source).

To overcome the involved scientific and technical challenges and achieve the proposed objectives, a diverse range of expertise, skills and infrastructure capacities are combined: optical simulations and experiments, nanofabrication, microsystems technologies and microfluidics, advanced characterisation tools, plasmonics, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, DFT calculations, electrochemistry, gas chromatography, chemometric tools. The proposed consortium is a highly trained and experienced one, relatively young, and with a very good gender balance. No ethical issues implying human or animal testing are raised by the implementation of this project.

Nanostructured plasmonic platform for dual electrochemical/SERS detection of environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5473 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/pharmexer

Abstract:

Pollution caused by pharmaceuticals is an emerging problem with evidence of risks to the environment and, even to human health. This project, titled 'Nanostructured plasmonic platform for dual electrochemical/SERS detection of environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants' (acronym PharmExER) proposes to develop a metallic nanostructured sensing platform that is capable to function simultaneously as a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate and as an electrode for electrochemical (EC) sensing. By joining the two techniques on a single platform several benefits will by achieved: SERS will benefit from the possibility of trapping (capturing) molecular analytes by electrochemical surface processes; EC sensing will benefit from the increased surface area of the nanostructured metallic patterns; a mutual benefit yields from the possibility to provide Raman fingerprinting during the EC analysis, providing valuable information on fundamental molecular processes involved. Both an experimental demonstrator model enabling analysis of liquid samples, and the method for efficiently performing experiments will be provided. The experimental demonstrator will be integrable with current state-of-the-art spectro-electrochemistry equipment, making it a prospective product that could potentially target a broad market. By starting at TRL 2 we aim to achieve the higher technological maturity level TRL 4. We also aim to contribute to increasing the capacity of our institutions to generate laboratory-validated solutions for new products in the field of environmental sensors, stimulating the interest of economical agents with academic or industrial profile or environmental agencies.

Emerging molecular technologies based on micro and nano-structured systems with biomedical applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0010 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/tehnobiomed/

Abstract:

The TehnoBioMed project aims to increase the institutional performance of 6 partners with a rich tradition in research, development and innovation (RDI) joined in a consortium with a strong interdisciplinary character designed to develop emerging molecular technologies based on micro- and nanostructured systems and dedicated to biomedical applications.

The project consortium consists of 6 partners distributed in 3 university centers with a tradition in the RDI activity: Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Iasi, and consists of 3 national institutes and 3 prestigious universities. The consortium partners are distributed in three different development regions of Romania.

The specific objectives of the project can be synthesized by: i) Manufacturing and testing of surfaces with antimicrobial properties obtained by micro- and nano-fabrication techniques and functionalized with antimicrobial peptides; ii) Development of molecular targeting drug systems by encapsulation in supramolecular structures of the dendrimeric type; iii) Carrying out, calibrating and testing a complex diagnostic equipment based on the principles of coherent optics and dedicated to obtaining high-resolution images in medicine and material science; iv) Development of new technologies for the detection and analysis of molecular biomarkers; v) Development of the technological potential of phycobiliproteins for the production of photosensitive materials with applications in new solar cells and new immunological sensors.

The project aims to develop new or significantly improved products / technologies / services of which we mention the following: Developing a high-resolution OCT imaging equipment with applications in biomedicine and material science; Designing, manufacturing and testing of a nano-ELISA technology; Making new systems with improved antimicrobial activity and increased efficiency against bacterial biofilm formation; Obtaining compounds/materials with impact in the prevention and control of infections.

Design of some spin-crossover supramolecular structures controlled by ultrashort laser pulses Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0208 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/lascro/index.html

Abstract:

The present project proposes to elaborate a detailed theoretical framework for laying out different supramolecular complexes with well-defined properties based on the spin crossover effects. To achieve this goal, the density functional theory (DFT) and its linear response time-dependent (TDDFT) version will be considered as the theoretical framework to describe different electronic excited states in “low” and “high” total spin configuration. In the first period of the project implementation, the validation of the used theoretical model will be carried out through the comparison with already existing experimental measurements. This investigation will be followed by a detailed description of the physical phenomena of the laser induced spin transition in organometallic complexes which mainly includes: theoretical characterization of the molecular electronic excited states; description of the radiation decay pathways and localization of the intersystem crossing points; calculation of the spin-orbit couplings. After the successful validation and development of the theoretical framework, several metal-ligand structures will be investigated in order to design metal-coordinated macrocycles with efficient spin transitions driven by the external laser field in a controlled manner. Each case of metal-coordinated macrocycles will be characterized in detail and the most promising candidates will be selected for chemical synthesis. After the successful synthesis, the macrocycle compounds will be investigated using different spectroscopy techniques, like UV-Vis, transient absorption or Raman in order to characterize their spin crossover properties. Based on these analyses the most important feature of the spin crossover complexes, namely the ligand bond length variation driven by an external laser field in a controlled manner, will be applied in case of sulfonated coordination polymer networks to build molecular materials with special properties.

Optical Nanofabrication in the domain 5 nm - 50 nm Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1374 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: STOREX TECHNOLOGIES SRL

Project partners: STOREX TECHNOLOGIES SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); TEHNO ELECTRO MEDICAL COMPANY SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO); REGIA AUTONOMĂ TEHNOLOGII PENTRU ENERGIA NUCLEARĂ - RATEN PITEŞTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE INGINERIE TEHNOLOGICĂ OBIECTIVE NUCLEARE BUCUREŞTI MĂGURELE CITON (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://storextech.github.io/nanofab/

Abstract:

The main objective of the Project “Optical Nanofabrication in the domain 50 nm – 5 nm” is to valorize the last results of Quantum Optical Lithography with resolution of 2 nm [1] to 3D optical nanofabrication.

Secondary objectives of NANOFAB Project are the following: i) development of metamaterials (3D photonic crystals) able to improve telecommunications ii) realization of nanochannels and nanoarrays for DNA studies and iii) production of metallic components such as gear for the prototype nanorobots.

Initially, complex 3D structures were produced by stacking multiple 2D layers. The patterns were realized by lithography (optical lithography and Electron Beam Lithography). A new opportunity in 3D fabrication has been started by the development of femtosecond lasers. Materials processing technology by using femtosecond laser irradiation has attracted tremendous interest from the scientific and technological communities. Studies have indicated that diffraction limit creates a major difficulty to obtain 3D structures with dimension smaller than 100 nm. Quantum Optical Lithography broke the diffraction barrier by using new approaches and materials (fluorescent photosensitive glass-ceramics, resist). Fluorescent photosensitive glass-ceramics were successfully tested to produce 3D nanostructures at 2 nm resolution.

The expected results are interesting and the exploitation of this new technique could be economically attractive. A group of novel technologies relating to laser nanomachining using Quantum Optical Lithography will be developed. This advanced materials processing technique opens the door to a new generation of optical devices for telecommunications, nanofluidics and biological sensing.

In present days, optical fiber telecommunications are carried out by infrared lasers. Optical Nanofabrication based on Quantum Optical Lithography with 2 nm resolution is the only technology able to realize at low price and high quality optical components dedicated for optical fiber telecommunications with visible light. This shift of wavelength from infrared to visible light will improve in a major way the performances of telecommunication systems.

US government agencies granted funds to universities and research institutes exceeding billion towards research developing nanodevices for medicine.

Large corporations like Alcatel-Lucent, NEC, Corning, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone invest in optical fiber telecommunications R&D and General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Northrop Grumman work in the development of medical nanorobots. All these companies could be interested in the application of Optical Nanofabrication in production.

The 1961 classic science-fiction movie Fantastic Voyage movie was about a team of scientists who are shrunk down and sent in a miniature submarine inside the body to repair a blood clot in an ailing colleague’s brain.

The Project NANOFAB will start to convert this dream into reality by producing first metallic components needed for a prototype medical nanorobot.

[1] Pavel E, Jinga S, Andronescu E, Vasile B S, Kada G,

Sasahara A, Tosa N, Matei A,Dinescu M, Dinescu A and

Vasile O R 2013 2nm Quantum Optical Lithography ,

Optics Communications 291 259–263

Ultrafast laser Facility with Optimized high order harmonics UltraViolet sources Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0886 2012 - 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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://ssll.inflpr.ro/ufouv/index.html

Abstract:

Nonlinear optics has revolutionized laser science by making it possible to efficiently convert laser light from one wavelength to another. Using the extreme nonlinear- optical process of high harmonic generation (HHG), light from an ultra-fast laser can be coherently up-shifted, resulting in a useful, tabletop, coherent and polarized short wavelength source. Such sources complement or replace expensive synchrotron facilities in specific applications.

The unique properties of UV HHG have already proven useful for studying ultra-fast molecular, plasma and materials dynamics, for characterizing nanoscale heat flow, for following element-specific dynamics in magnetic materials, and for high-resolution coherent imaging. HHG are ideal also for capturing the motion of electrons in atoms, molecules, and materials on their fundamental time (~fs) and length (~nm) scales.

Our project aims to develop at the TEWALAS laser system in INFLPR (15 TW, 10 Hz, 800 nm, 30 fs pulse duration), a HHG source technology as in [1] and also aims to build a facility to offer access to high flux radiation over the entire UV range. The major advantage is the ten fold increased UV production efficiency via quasi-phase matching control.

The expected impact of the development relates to a revolution in the efficiency of HHG sources, comparable with the one introduced by the periodically poled nonlinear crystals in laser physics. The optimized HHG sources will be patented and offered as high end products to the global ultra-fast laser market. The sources will also be the key elements at the core of a facility offering services related to the entire UV range, extending the capabilities of the TEWALAS laser facility. The commissioning of the UV user facility will be provided through a first experiment related to multi-coincidence photo-electron and photo-ion studies in diluted systems [2].

[1] Tosa V,et al., New J. of Phys. 10, 025016 (2008)

[2] C.M. Teodorescu, al., J. Chem. Phys. 109, 9280 (1998)

Petabyte Optical Disc Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0210 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: STOREX TECHNOLOGIES SRL

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://storextech.github.io/petopt/

Abstract:

The research activities regarding memory cells with storage densities over 5 Tbits/sq.in are challenging tasks for scientific community.

2D data storage systems need structures able to store 1 bit on a surface smaller than 129 sq.nm,only realizable by extreme lithographic techniques with resolution below 5nm. A way to further boost the effective data density is volumetric storage. A 3D solution, such as a compact disc, should have a capacity of 10 TB.

Fluorescent photosensitive glass-ceramics have been studied for the recording data over a number of years. In 2010, Petabyte Optical Disc [1], realized by a fluorescent glass-ceramics disc with 40 nm marks organized in virtual multilayers, was announced at Optical Data Storage Conference. This makes fluorescent photosensitive glass-ceramics very suitable for industrial applications.

The project named “Petabyte Optical Disc” will focus on the development of dedicated media disc and specific optical, optoelectronic and electronics components. Proposed research will cover the physical basis of the volume recording, as well as physicochemical mechanisms occurring in these materials.

Recent developments in writing procedures and materials [2] could increase the recording capacity of the optical disc up to 1 Exabyte

(1 billion GB).

Objectives:

•To develop fluorescent photosensitive glass-ceramics

•To analyze the mechanisms of recording and readout in optical storage

media, and to develop theoretical models for these mechanisms

•To characterize the storage media in terms of importance in optical

data storage

•To realize a Reader Drive demonstrator for Petabyte Optical Disc

References:

[1] E. Pavel, Optical Data Storage 2010, 23-26 May 2010, Boulder,

Colorado, USA, “Petabyte Optical Disc”

[2] E. Pavel, S. Jinga, E. Andronescu , B. S. Vasile, E. Rotiu ,

L. Ionescu and C. Mazilu,2011 Nanotechnology, 22, 025301, “5 nm

structures produced by direct laser writing”

Single attosecond pulse generation by femtosecond waveforms Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0342 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/id31

Abstract:

Generation of high-order harmonics (HH)is presently the main method to produce pulses of attosecond order duration. A monochromatic laser pulse induces this process every half optical cycle, thus, the harmonic emission is structured as a train of attosecond bursts which correspond to a comb of odd harmonics in the spectral domain. However spectroscopic and many other applications require single attosecond pulses (SAP) to be generated.

The project will explore SAP formation in macroscopic media in a novel configuration when three or more waveforms of incommensurate frequencies and femtosecond order duration are used as driving sources. A numerical model will be developed to (1) solve the wave equations for the simultaneous propagation of the waveforms in the ionizing gas (2) estimate the single dipole response of the atom to the combining fields and (3) solve the harmonic field propagation equations to calculate measurable quantities. The goals are (1) to model and explain SAP generation data which are obtained in collaborating laboratories (2) to find new field configurations able to achieve top characteristics (duration, intensity, broadband) of the attosecond bursts (3) to model and explain coherent beam combining experiments to be performed within romanian Extreme Light Infrastructure project.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND (SUB)PICOSECOND DYNAMICS IN DNA MOLECULES PROBED WITH ULTRASENSITIVE RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0115 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/idei54/index.htm

Abstract:

The general aim of this project refers to the study of polymorphic structures characterizing DNA molecules, and also to the elucidation of the rapid (sub)picosecond dynamics in nucleic acids, particularly, in conditions of physico-chemical parameters relevant for their biological function. Investigation of structural changes induced in a natural DNA recognition site (LacDNA), in the presence and absence of divalent metal ions, by changing the pH, will provide data about protonation dependent opening of AT base pairs, changes the protonation of GC base pairs and interactions of DNA with divalent metal ions. UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UV RRS) will be used for this study. Besides, identification of the Raman FWHHs (full-widths at half height) and investigation of the molecular relaxation times of DNA structural subgroups, based on different Raman techniques, is considered. Also, structural markers for different types of plant nucleic acids will be established, using nobel metal nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), as an ultrasensitive method. Spectra-structure correlations in the wavenumber region describing nucleoside conformation, backbone geometry and PO2- interaction (600-1150 cm-1) of DNA molecules will be presented. Also, wavenumber range corresponding to the base electronic structures and base pairing (1200-1600 cm-1) is taken into account.

Self-assembled bidimensional supramolecular structures based on functionalized organic molecules Call name:
2-CEX-06-11-93/2006 2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ssba/index.html

Abstract:

The goals of this research project are the design, synthesis and characterization of functionalized bidimensional supramolecular structures with applications

in nanoscience and nanotechnologies. The functionalized organic molecules design needs structural analysis and organic syntheses know-how,

simulations and molecular modelling, identification and investigation of intermolecular interactions.

We intend to obtain and characterize Self-assembled Bidimensional Supramolecular Structures (SBSS) of podands and thiophene-phenothiazine macrocycles

on gold surfaces and gold nanoparticles respectively.

The project has multi- and inter-disciplinary features, focusing on complex problems from fundamental sciences: molecular and atomic physics,

organic chemistry and computational physics.

New Coronands and Cryptands with Supramolecular Properties: Design, Synthesis, Structural Analysis and Potential Applications in Molecular Electronics Call name:
2CEX06-11-50/26.07.06 2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.chem.ubbcluj.ro/~organica/logical_titlu_en.html

Abstract:

This project is focused on the design, synthesis and structural analysis of some complex supramolecular systems formed with the participation of new coronands and cryptands (as hosts) and ionic and molecular species (as guests) in order to identify the possibility to obtain devices for the molecular electronics (logical gates and memories).

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