BrainMap

Raluca Gavrila

CS III

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Researcher

Senior Researcher III. M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Bucharest. Key expertise: Nanoscale characterization of surfaces and interfaces by Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques; Mechanical testing of thin films by instrumented indentation techniques. Silicon-based microfabrication technologies. Silicon ionizing radiation detectors. Supervisor of the SPM Microscopy and Nanomechanical Testing Laboratory of IMT-MINAFAB centre. 130+ ISI-indexed papers and 3 book chapters. h-index: 16 (Scopus, WoS).

Web of Science ResearcherID: AAB-8615-2019

Curriculum Vitae (24/07/2020)

Expertise & keywords

Optimized design of 2D and 3D structured targets for ultra-intense laserinduced secondary sources used for materials in extreme environments/ eTARGET Call name:
5.9/5.9.1/ELI-RO; RDI/DEZ/DFG/2025 2025 - 2027

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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 ()

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

Project website:

Abstract:

Ultra-sensitive optical sensor system for simultaneous, in-situ detection of multiple pesticides in surface and ground waters Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - COFUND-2023
COFUND-WATER4ALL-STARDUST-2 2024 - 2027

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); SINTEF AS (NO); INSTYTUT CHEMII FIZYCZNEJ POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK (PL); Dublin City University (IE); Technical University of Denmark (DK)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/water4all/

Abstract:

Hydro-climatic extremes, such as droughts and floods, have increased due to climate change and could lead to severe impacts on socio-economic, structural, and environmental sectors. Soil water assessment models have shown that pesticides are transported into waterways because of intense rainfall events. Current monitoring methods are not suited to the detection of such water quality impacts, which can deplete invertebrate populations and impact biodiversity and ecosystem health very rapidly. Many surface- and groundwaters are used as sources of drinking water, and therefore the occurrence of chemicals is problematic for water treatment facilities. Rapid, real-time sensing technologies do not exist yet but are urgently needed to address this. In October 2022 revisions to the priority pollutant Annex to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), saw the addition of noenicitinoid and pyrethroid pesticides, showing that pesticides are of growing concern. The STARDUST project aims to develop a first-of-its-kind, integrated optical system combined with smart spectral data processing methodology, for multiplexed monitoring of pesticides in surface and ground waters, and to understand the impact of extreme hydroclimatic events on water quality in the context of pesticides occurrence. We will develop a sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy fully integrated with microfluidics targeting the detection of pesticides, pesticide mixtures, and metabolites in surface and ground waters. Secondly, we will use rainfall forecasts to identify sampling times for passive sampling and citizen scientist co-created events, to gather samples that are specifically linked to rainfall events. This will build on existing monitoring programs, but, more critically, will identify the climate-related water quality impacts. The results of passive sampling will identify target pesticide compounds to be addressed with the developed novel sensor and a database of detected pesticides will be compiled and shared publicly. The STARDUST project translates several technological advances into an innovative solution for discrimination between safe and contaminated water continuously and in real time. We envision that in the long run, any strategies for mitigation of the hydro-climatic extreme events will need to rely on digitalization and sensors. The proposed activities will benefit a wide range of “problem owners” and society by responding to the need for continuously clean water (SDG 6). Pesticide detection is only one of the existing problems. The proposed solution is also applicable to other harmful compounds adding value and impact. STARDUST primarily targets the topic 2 of the call by proposing physical and digital solutions for “smartening the water system”, but also contributes to the topic 1 as the development will be carried out in the context of adaptation and mitigation strategies to cope with hydro-climatic extreme events, and both experts on the analysis of surface and ground waters are involved.

Hafnium oxide/graphene hybrid thin-films detector for X-ray imaging - an innovative concept for X-ray detection technology Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-0788 2025 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); DOSITRACKER SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/HafGraphX/

Abstract:

The characteristics of commercial X-ray flat-panel detectors are now approaching the maximum values provided by the present technological concept. New architectures and new materials are required to overcome the present limitations. In this context, an X-ray sensor based on hafnium oxide/graphene hybrid thin-films structures may be an innovative concept for X-ray detection technology. Due to these requirements, graphene has been selected for photodetection. To achieve the thin film scintillation layer hafnium was chosen due to the fact that is one of heavy atoms, the necessary feature for high absorption of X-rays in a thin layer. The central purpose of the project is to develop an X-ray sensor based of hafnium oxide as scintillator and graphene as photodetector element for potential applications in X-ray flat-panel detectors. A first objective of the project is to experimental research of X-ray luminescence capabilities of hafnium oxide thin films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) deposition technique. The second objective are oriented to fabrication and characterization a graphene-based photodetector device. The last scientific objective of the project is dedicated to the integration of hafnium oxide thin films as scintillator elements and G-FET devices as photodetector in one X-ray sensor concept. Detecting weak signal within short response time is crucial in applications such as X-ray imaging systems.

Innovative electrodes based on graphene – carbon nitride for supercapacitor cell Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-2280 2025 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); APEL LASER S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/egran-cell/

Abstract:

The scope of this proposal relates to a novel electrode for supercapacitors where the architecture consist of a ternary composite structure including graphitic carbon nitride (gCN), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and nickel cobalt layererd double hydroxide (NiCoLDH). The novelty of EGRAN-CELL proposal is to combine nanomaterials with high specific surface area like reduced graphene oxide with high electrical conductivity, carbon nitride as spacer to improve specific surface area, and transition metal based LDHs into a material with well tuned hierarchical architecture. The new supercapacitor cell is expected to deliver an energy density of at least 30 Wh/kg, power density of minimum 800 W/kg, with a specific capacitance of electrode of at least 2000 F/g, a cycling stability over 90% after 5000 cycles and a target potential window of 1.2–1.6 V in potassium hydroxide-polyvinyl alcohol (KOH-PVA) gel electrolyte. The novel electrode material will integrated in a supercapacitor cell as validated laboratory model (TRL4).

Laboratory validation of white electroluminescent carbon dot- based light emitting diodes Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0841 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/shine/

Abstract:

The proposal aims to demonstrate and validate in laboratory the feasibility of efficient and stable carbon dot - based white light-emitting diodes (CD-WLED). The overall goal of the proposed work is to bring our theoretical and experimental advancements in the use of carbon quantum dots (CDs) with crystalline core and surface functional ligands as electro-active layer in LED devices (starting from TRL-2), to the device-level confirmation of this novel technology (conclude at TRL-4). It is envisaged to (i) validate our analytical and experimental predictions regarding the role played by grafting the CD backbone with passivating conjugated oligomer ligands in attaining superior luminescence, as well as control and stability of emitted color, and (ii) to design and develop the suitable technological steps for the assembly at the laboratory level of CD-WLED device, as well as of the associated testing and characterization system; the aim here is to achieve both a clear-cut fabrication flux, and a relevant test-bed, that will allow facile fine-tuning of the critical material, of device design and of the wet/dry structuring processes against the measured external quantum efficiency and lifetime stability of the final model device. Conclusion of the TRL-4 level will consist of raising these latter device parameters to their significant levels of technological maturity and practical usability.

Technologic paradigms in synthesis and characterization of variable dimensionality systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0152 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech/, http://infim.ro/project/vardimtech-en

Abstract:

Last decades brought a considerable development of technologies based on ordered systems. Starting with semiconductor physics and photovoltaics, technologies soon evolved towards the utilisation on large scale of thin films and of surface / interface properties. Example go nowadays from data storage and readout (electrostatic or magnetic memories, giant magnetoresistance) to catalysis, gas sensors or photocatalysis (surface phenomena), and towards interfaces with biological matter (biosensors, templates for tissue reconstruction, interfaces between biological electrical signals and microelectronics). In Romania, crystal growth is performed since half a century; nevertheless, during the last years these activities fade out and need to be seriously reinforced, especially with the advent of new laser and detector technologies required by the Extreme Light Infrastructure facilities. Also, surface science started to be developped seriously only during the last decade, together with techniques involving self-organized nanoparticles, nanoparticle production etc. The main goal of this Project is to gather the relevant experience from the five partners, namely the experience in crystal growth from the University of Timișoara, with the surface science, nanoparticle and nanowire technologies developped by NI of Materials Physics, the cryogenic and ultrahigh vacuum techniques provided by the NI for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologie, and the experience in ordered 2D systems (graphene and the like) owned by the NI for Microtechnologies (IMT). This common agenda will result in a coherent fostering of technologies relying on ordered systems of variable dimensionalities: 0D i.e. clusters or nanoparticles, including quantum dots; 1D i.e. free and supported nanowires and nanofibers; 2D: surfaces, interfaces and graphene-like systems; and 3D crystals of actual technological interest, together with setting up new ultrahigh vacuum, surface science and electron spectroscopy techniques.

Laser targets for ultraintense laser experiments Call name:
PNCDI III 2015-2020-25-ELI 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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 MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Project website: http://cetal.inflpr.ro/newsite/eli-25

Abstract:

Objectives:

• to design and fabricate 2D and 3D targets.

Well established methods like 2D lithography, plasma etching and Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) are used for planar targets.

3D Laser Lithography technique is developed for fabrication of complex 3D targets;

• to design and implement a device for alignment of the target substrates.

The system will be configured to work at 0.1 Hz which is the repetition rate of the PW laser installed now at CETAL facility.

High photoconductive oxide films functionalized with GeSi nanoparticles for environmental applications Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
M-ERA.NET-PhotoNanoP 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Abstract:

A new solution for obtaining a new advanced material (SiO2, TiO2 films functionalized with GexSi1-x nanoparticles) with targeted photoconductive properties in VIS-NIR is proposed. This material is able to spectrally discriminate between dry, wet and icy asphalt, for reducing traffic accidents. The proposed approach and material are innovative, and technological and scientific results are original, leading to 1 patent application, 3 ISI and 4 conference papers. The project creates the frame for increasing EU cooperation, developing a pan-EU partnership between 2 research institutes, a university and 2 SMEs. Each partner will gain an advanced position in own activity field becoming more visible at EU and international level. All partners will have economic benefits by winning competitive advance in photodetector market and scientific benefits. The new material is versatile as PHC properties can be tuned leading to other environmental, biomedical, food and optosecurity applications.

Technological transfer to increase the quality and security level of holographic labels Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0072 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A.

Project partners: OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://optoel.ro/index.php/projects/national/TSCEH/ro/acasa

Abstract:

In this context, the economic agent, Optoelectronica 2001, through the TSCEH project, decided to increase the security level and the quality of their holographic labels, following a strategy based on technological transfer:

1. from the Microtechnology Institute of Bucharest, to include a new security element in the shape of submicrometric structures

2. from Politehnica University of Bucharest, to improve the optical and morphological properties, by iterative optimization of the characterization processes.

The results will be at TRL6:

obtaining a prototype of holographic label with a new security element, of submicrometric structure type (EHS), fabricated using a modified technology, demonstrated in industrial environment.

OPTOEL produces holographic labels using a technology based on a mask obtained with modulated laser beam. These labels contain many security elements as optical effects. The challenge of this project is to find the technological solutions to include in a free zone from this mask of the submicrometric structures made starting from electron beam lithography.

The innovative character of the TSCEH project is proven by:

1. Changes in the technological steps by finding the optimal solution to include the submicrometric structures

2. Improving the optical and morphological properties by setting the optimal values of the parameters involved in the technological processes.

Integrated Crossbar of Microelectromechanical Selectors and Non-Volatile Memory Devices for Neuromorphic Computing Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0026 2016 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/selectX/

Abstract:

The goal of the SelectX project is to propose a technologic alternative for the hardware implementation of the artificial neural networks in a flexible and energy efficient manner. The biological neural networks, although slow, have an extraordinary performance for certain types of problems, such as visual recognition, natural language processing, etc.

Trying to mimic in a rudimentary way the organization of biological neural networks, the artificial neural networks are becoming widely used in software (Google Machine Intelligence, Facebook Artificial Intelligence Research). Unfortunately, this approach is power intensive (kW of power) and requires a large amount of computational resources (hundreds of traditional multi-core processors).

The memristor is a passive two-terminal device which has an analog resistance, tunable through voltage pulses. This makes it attractive for use as artificial synapse. A hybrid system made of dense memristor synaptic matrices (“crossbars”), fabricated directly on the surface of a transistor (CMOS) neural chip could implement very complex artificial neural circuits.

A fundamental problem with the memristor passive matrix matrices is the existence of leakage currents which prevents the correct reading of the value of the memristor resistance and, consequently, the produces the incorrect operation of the circuit. These leakage currents can be reduced to insignificant values if the matrix contains components with high non-linearity.

Secured high volume free space optical communications based on computer generated holograms Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0862 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/holcomm

Abstract:

This project aims to validate a novel concept into a potential free space optical communication (FSOC) technology

that allows to dramatically increase the volume of the transmitted information over a free space link by modulating

a particular class of laser beam configurations called optical vortices (OV). These appear as a result of reshaping

a laser Gaussian beam by a computer generated hologram and they carry orbital angular momentum an additional photon's

degree of freedom used for data encoding. Besides the high volume of information, this concept provides an intrinsic

secure character of the free space optical link without relying to the mathematical encryption of data. For accomplishing

this goal a consortium formed by National Institute for R&D in Microtechnologies (coordinator), SC Optoelectronica SA and

Politehnica University Bucharest will build and test a functional model of an optical vortices FSOC system, addressing

the specific topics realated to its realization: design and fabrication of efficient computer generated holograms,

innovative optical design and high performance electronic modules. The possible use of this potential FSOC technology

are in terrestrial and space applications requiring high volume data transmissions.

Functionality Enhancement of Nanoscale Structuring and Characterization Laboratory NANOSCALE-LAB Call name:
2007 - 2009

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Laboratory For Nanoscale Characterization of Surface Morphology - NANOMORPH Call name:
2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Proiectul isi propune crearea unui laborator acreditat pentru caracterizari si analize de morfologie a suprafetei materialelor la scara nanometrica. Proiectul vizeaza asigurarea de servicii de evaluare a conformitatii, in faza de proiectare sau/si in faza de productie, pentru materiale a caror suprafata este structurata la scara nanometrica.

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