BrainMap

Mrs. Viorica Stancu

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Other affiliations

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (Romania)

Researcher

1. Fist name and Surname: Viorica Stancu (maiden name Draghici) 2. Studies: 06.02.2009 University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics - PhD in Physics 30.06.2000 University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry - M.Sc. Degree Diploma 06.30.1998 University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry - University B.Sc. Degree 3. Professional experience: working at NIMP since 2001 succesively promoted as Research Assistant, senior researcher, senior researcher rank 3. Experience in: - Preparation of micro and nano materials with sensor properties by chemical bath deposition method (CBD). - Preparation of dense and porous ferroelectric thin films by sol-gel method. - Obtaining complexe oxide structures by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. - Structural, electrical and ferroelectric characterization of obtained materials. - Studies on obtaining solar cells based on anorganic and organic compounds. Experience obtained through research in national and international projects such as CERES, CEEX, PNII,

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://publons.com/researcher/1685263/viorica-stancu/

Expertise & keywords

Engineering Sustainable Antimony Chalcogenide Alloys for Customized Power Thin Film Photovoltaics Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.3 - Proiecte complexe bilaterale cu Republica Moldova, PCB-RO-MD-2024
PN-IV-PCB-RO-MD-2024-0468 2025 - 2027

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); Universitatea de Stat din Moldova (MD)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

Investment into the EMPOWER allows the growth of a high-quality researchers by synergistically merging photovoltaics and complementary expertise of researchers in MD and RO, boosting their R&I capabilities and bridge the gap between research and technology transfer. The gained knowledge will boost research excellence, visibility and attractiveness of photovoltaic R&D&I in MD and RO. EMPOWER proposes breaking new ideas for the accelerated development and engineering of sustainable antimony chalcogenide alloys with enhanced anisotropy and tunability in their optic and electric properties, and with tunable low-dimensional morphology, for customized power thin film photovoltaics. The project will rationalize implementation of low-cost and efficient disruptive processing technologies for the development, by combining: 1) high throughput low-T synthesis screening; 2) innovative routes for low dimensional morphology selection; and 3) testing and validation of prototyping TF-SC. The ambitious research and innovation goals of EMPOWER lay the foundation for further sustainable development and production of PV in EU. The society as a whole will benefit from excellent job opportunities for specialists, more youths drawn to prestigious technology and engineering oriented higher education, a bridge between R&D&I and the public, and consumers will indirectly benefit from shorter prototype to market development cycles of targeted customized power thin film photovoltaics.

Temperature-compensated composites produced by spark plasma sintering for wireless communication and surveillance systems Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-2315 2025 - 2027

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); ROMANIAN INSPACE ENGINEERING SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The project aims to develop temperature-compensated dielectric composites (TCDCs) that can simultaneously achieve size reduction, performance enhancement, and thermal stability of the passive microwave devices. The main objective is to exploit the capabilities of spark plasma sintering technique to fabricate low-loss Mg4Nb2O9 – TiO2 composites with a tailored drift of the relative permittivity. Using empirical equations such as Maxwell-Garnett and Bruggeman, Mg4Nb2O9 – TiO2 mixtures will be designed by varying the TiO2 content within the range where thermal compensation is anticipated. In addition to usual physico-chemical characterizations (X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), the dielectric parameters of the composites will be explored through impedance spectroscopy, MW spectroscopy, and terahertz spectroscopy. By analyzing the “synthesis - microstructure – properties” cycle, the technology for fabricating “highly-densified” TCDCs with low dielectric loss in the microwave domain will be developed. The demonstrator device will be a small, lightweight antenna designed for operation in the X band.

Development of a New Class of Instruments for Measuring Laser Energy and Power Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PTE-2024-0459 2025 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: APEL LASER S.R.L.

Project partners: APEL LASER S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The spread of laser equipments in the transportation and medical industries is recording a constant increase. A key aspect in utilizing laser technology is calibration and ensuring that the devices always function at their optimum parameters. The only convenient method to reliably determine the status of the device is to analyse the properties of the emitted radiation. Thus, the project proposes an innovative concept for a laser energy/power meter.

At the core of the project there will be detailed investigations of pyroelectric materials and of the principles of calorimetric measurements. Such films and elements will be deposited and prepared by the partners from INCDFM. The coordinating team from Apel Laser will provide the mechanical, electronic and data transfer integration elements of the device, necessary for satisfying the future commercial requirements.

This collaboration aims to innovate some key aspects of laser radiation sensors, such as metallic surface layers for enhancing the induced electrical signal, utilizing different combinations of polymeric, dielectric and composite metamaterials to ensure a wide absorption spectrum. It is also desired to implement a ‘light-trap’ geometry to facilitate multiple absorptions and increase the thermal variation within the device and improve the detection limit.

At the end of the preliminary tests the processes necessary for implementation will be optimised.

Quasi-1D materials for advanced thin-film photovoltaics Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - ERANET-2023
ERANET-M-3-ERANET-LightCell 2024 - 2026

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); Technical University of Denmark (DK); LightNovo APS (DK); Tallinn University of Technology (EE); DGIST (KP); ULTECH (KP)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/quasi-1d-materials-for-advanced-thin-film-photovoltaics/

Abstract:

LIGHTCELL ims at developing innovative architectures for thin-film photovoltaics (TF-PV) utilizing inorganic, environmentally stable (Sb2X3, X=S, Se) materials and sustainable fabrication processes with reduced energy consumption. Sb2X3 can be synthesized in a quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) form, addressing the main factors limiting the efficiency of TF-PV, i.e., recombination of the photogenerated carriers at the grain boundaries. A multidisciplinary consortium of academic and industrial partners aims at developing a scalable technology of sustainable, cost-efficient, and lightweight PV. For faster feedback loop to synthesis, a new tool for the rapid and non-destructive mapping of 2D and 3D crystallographic orientation of quasi-1D materials will be developed. The PV technology developed in LIGHTCELL will be validated in demonstrators by the industrial partners, targeting lightweight building-integrated PV applications, contributing to sustainable green energy production.

Towards perovskite large area photovoltaics Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
EEA-RO-NO-2018-0106 2021 - 2024

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); University of Oslo (NO); Reykjavík University (IS); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); TRITECH GROUP SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://perla-pv.ro/

Abstract:

The perovskite solar cells (PSC) have attracted a considerable interest in photovoltaics community, showing a very fast development in terms of power conversion efficiency (PCE), reaching now values over 25% certified PCE in not stabilized small area samples, proving that they can become real competitors to commonly used solar-cell materials (e.g based on Si). Not only the remarkably large PCE is an important asset, but also the low production costs makes the PSCs very attractive for the solar cell technology, as solution processing techniques are typically employed. In addition, they can be hosted by a long range of flexible substrates, pushing further the record for power per weight and implicitly their utility. However, while the high PCE values and the low production costs are important advantages for PSC, the real challenges to overcome prior of industrial production are their stability in time, reliability and reproducibility of the performance as well as environmental issues raised by the use of toxic elements/solvents. These are well known problems for the small area standard and inverted PSCs, produced by spin-coating in research laboratories and inherently remain the same when envisaged is the fabrication of large area devices. The project addresses these issues starting from the premise that coherent experimental and theoretical studies should be done using from the start cheap deposition techniques applicable on large areas (printing and sputtering). Beside allowing the scaling up, such techniques can be better controlled offering a better homogeneity in deposition than the spin-coating method. The present project includes fundamental and applicative research aiming to achieve both scientific and practical goals. The overall aims/objectives of the project are: A) to develop efficient, stable, reproducible standard and inverted perovskite solar cells and photovoltaic modules fabricated with affordable large area and environmental friendly technologies. It is expected that by developing low cost and stable photovoltaic panels with optimized efficiency the use of such devices in public and private buildings will be boosted, contributing thus to increasing the share of renewable energy in energy balance in Romania and Donor States; B) to strengthen the knowledge base concerning the application of environmental technology; new knowledge will be acquired regarding how PSCs can be optimized for large scale applications and how can they be fabricated using environmentally friendly technologies with low carbon footprint. Specific objectives to be achieved during the project are: O1 - understand the physical working principles of perovskite solar cells and find solutions to increase and stabilize the PCE while enlarging the area of the cells; O2 – reduce the amount of costly materials and toxic solvents used in the fabrication process of both standard and inverted PSC structures with other inexpensive and environmental friendly; O3 - stabilize the PCE performance of PSC via compositional engineering and proper replacements including the selective contacts; O4 - enhance the charge collection efficiency by optimizing interfaces between the layers in the cell; O5 - develop cheap large area fabrication technologies (printing and sputtering) for all the component layers in PSCs, standard and inverted structures; O6 - obtain efficient large area encapsulated PSCs and photovoltaic modules with PCE over 15%. The starting TRL is 3 and the envisaged TRL is 6, meaning that fully operational photovoltaic modules will be manufactured and tested in relevant industrial environment with the help of the SME partner.

The consortium is composed by 5 partners: National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP), Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), and Tritech Group (WATTROM), a SME as end-user, all from Romania; Oslo University (UiO) from Norway, and Reykjavik University (RU) from Iceland.

Science and Engineering of Kesterites for the Next Generation of Solar Cells Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0827 2021 - 2023

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://infim.ro/en/project/kestercell-2/

Abstract:

The project aims to develop by concentration engineering Cu2ZnSn(Ge)S(Se) thin films using a novel simultaneous co-deposition using magnetron sputtering from 3 up to 6 different targets, revealing original scientific insights regarding the structural, optical and electrical properties of kesterites and the photovoltaic characteristics of corresponding solar cells in correlation with composition, and producing by interface engineering (front and contact innovations) new solar cells with efficiency near or above the present world record.

Controlling the electronic properties in heterostructures based on ferroelectric perovskites: from theory to applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

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 FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI 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)

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

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as this properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

Solar mini-module with perovskite solar cells Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1411 2020 - 2022

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)

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

Project website: https://infim.ro/project/solar-mini-module-with-perovskite-solar-cells/

Abstract:

In the last decade, a new generation of solar cells arise remarkably, the hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPSCs, or simply PSCs). They cumulate exceptional intrinsic photophysical properties with manufacturing versatility and low-cost precursors materials, therefore present huge potential for large-area production on an industrial scale.

This project, brings previous research conducted by our group, in the field of perovskite solar cells, closer to commercial applications by fabricating large-area perovskite solar cells and integrating them into functional solar modules. The Solar-PVK project aims to develop efficient (PCE>10%), large-area PSCs, with an active area exceeding 1 cm2, using low-cost solution deposition technologies. These devices will be connected together and encapsulated in a sealing box fabricated in-house, to assembly a prototype of a functional solar module. This solar module will be integrated into a solar portable charger, able to power for example a mobile phone, in case of emergency situations or off-grid low power applications.

The novelty consists in the topic of solar perovskite hybrid cells, which is new internationally and at the national level; no other research institution in Romania has reported the fabrication of PSCs. The idea of the project is bold and contains significant risk elements but promises of high reward if the difficulties could be surmounted.

Fabricating a solar charger based on hybrid perovskite solar cells presents the highest degree of novelty.

Optimized pyroelectric materials through the polarization gradient concept and experimental model for a pyroelectric detector with potential for applications in monitoring high power/energy lasers. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0470 2014 - 2017

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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INTERNET S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/optimized-pyroelectric-materials-through-polarization-gradient-concept-and-experimental

Abstract:

The project aims to develop materials with optimized pyroelectric properties using the polarization gradient concept and develop integral pyroelectric detectors for the near infrared (700 nm) to THz (≤100 µm) wavelengths range. These detectors have potential application also in the detection of high power or high energy laser beams (e.g. the lasers of ELI-NP project). The materials to be used in this project are ferroelectrics with a perovskite structure such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) or (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) due to the fact that the transition temperatures can be modified by changing the Zr or Sr content. These materials will be combined in structures of multilayers with gradient in concentration and polarization in order to increase the figure of merit M given by the ratio between the pyroelectric coefficient p and the dielectric constant ε (M=p/ε).

The present project proposes a novel way of increasing the merit figure M by increasing the pyroelectric coefficient. This can be achieved by developing materials that exhibit a concentration gradient in the direction of the polarization, which introduces a succession of phase transitions at different temperatures, leading to a more abrupt variation of the polarization with the temperature and thus to a larger pyroelectric coefficient.

Another effect to turn to account is the temperature variation of the dielectric constant which can contribute to further increase the total pyroelectric coefficient. The temperature variation of ε can contribute to the pyroelectric signal if an electric field is applied to the ferroelectric material in order to maintain a stable polarization state, thus averting possible signal variations caused by the ambient temperature conditions.

The materials with gradient in concentration and polarization will be realized in bulk form, as ceramic wafers (25 mm minimum diameter and 6 mm thickness) by using the spark plasma sintering (SPS). Alternately, the ceramic technology coupled with classical sintering, or hot press, can be used. The sintering conditions will be optimized in order to obtain the best p/ε ratio. The selected material will then be used to build the active elements for the pyroelectric detection. In this respect, metallic electrodes will be deposited and one of them will be blackened in order to ensure a better absorbtion of the incident electromagnetic radiation. A novel approach is that carbon nanotubes are to be used for the blackening. This way the absorbtion coeficient can be increased close to 1. The active element will then be used to create pyroelectric detectors, including the electronics for signal processing and the sofware needed for PC display. Beside the mentioned ceramic materials, epitaxial multilayered structures with gradient in concentration and polarization will be realized and their pyroelectric detection properties will be investigated as well during the project.

The consortium is formed by 3 partners: coordinator of the project –CO is a national institute with experience in ceramic materials and pyroelectric detection; one university –P1 with experience in preparation of ceramic powders; one company –P2 specialized in signal procesing and different types of electrical measurements. CO and P1 will develop the active element for the pyroelectric detection and P2 will develop and test the experimental model of the system for pyroelectric detection including all the electronics and the sofware needed for the different types of applications for which the pyroelectric detector is developed by CO and P2: automatizations, non-contact measurements of temperature or monitoring of the high power/energy laser beams. The ultimate goals are to obtain: a technological process for obtaining the active element of pyroelectric detection, as well as two experimental models, one for the Pyroelectric Detector and one for a Pyroelectric Detection System used to detect high intensity laser beams.

Metal-ferroelectric interfaces: From first principles to experimental optimization Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2012 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2012-3-0320 2013 - 2016

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)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/metal-ferroelectric-interfaces-first-principles-experimental-optimization

Abstract:

Study of the PZT/metal interfaces using ab-initio and experimental investigations. The electronic properties of the SRO/PZT/metal samples will be investigated using a variety of methods ranging from C-V, P-V, I-V characteristics as well structural investigations. The experimental measurements will be used in conjunction with the numerical simulations in order to explain the drastic changes in the electronic properties of the MFM devices when then metal electrode is changed. The purpose of the investigations is to optimize the properties of the MFM structure for attractive memory applications.

Investigations on advanced dielectric materials and structures in Terahertz and millimeter waves Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0654 2013 - 2016

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)

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/node/4190

Abstract:

At the present, terahertz technology is certainly one of the most dynamic research fields with wide variety of applications: terabit wireless communication, spectroscopy, biology, medical sciences, food control, security systems, etc. The project aims to investigate advanced conventional as well as structured materials in Terahertz and millimeter wave range. On one hand, highly accurate characterization methods of complex perovskite dielectrics (bulk and thin films) with high values of the product between the quality factor and the frequency will be developed for millimeter wave and Terahertz range. The application of development methods to measure ferroelectric perovskites in Terahertz range is very important for such applications as tunable photonic crystal filters. On the other hand, numerical and experimental investigations on structured materials will allow the study of the Terahertz spoof surface plasmon-polaritons in new complex geometries. The electromagnetic simulation, fabrication and characterization of the proposed materials and structures will benefit of recent acquisitioned state-of-the-art equipment in the host institution. The final outcome of the project will consist in solution for an improved controlled of the electromagnetic radiation in millimeter wave and Terahertz range.

Effect of interfaces on charge transport in ferroic/multiferroic heterostructures Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0006 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: National Institute of Materials Physics

Project partners: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); National Institute of Materials Physics (RO); Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (RO)

Affiliation: National Institute of Materials Physics (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/effect-interfaces-charge-transport-ferroelectricmultiferroic-heterostructures

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to perform a detailed study of interfaces and their effect on the charge transport properties in a number of well defined artificial multiferroic structures. Charge transport is beneficial in some cases, for example in tunnel junctions, but can be detrimental in other cases, as for example devices based on magnetoelectric effect or in capacitor like structures. In all cases, at least the interfaces with the metallic electrodes are involved in charge transport, but other interfaces can be also involved if multilayer structures are used. The study will be performed on thin films and/or nanostructures, therefore a significant influence of interfaces on the electronic and ionic charge transport is expected. The start will be from simple capacitor-like structures, to elucidate the problem of electrode interfaces in the case of various ferroic oxides. Further on charge transport in relation with interfaces will be studied in mode complex, multilayer structures with possible applications in tunel junctions, diodes or field effect devices.

The project involves 6 research teams from 2 host institutions, one of which is the National Institute of Materials Physics from Bucharest-Magurele, and the other one is the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) from Iassy. The composition of the teams is a mixes experienced researchers with excellent track records regarding preparation, characterization and modelling of advanced multifunctional materials including oxides, and young scientists at the beginning of their carriers. Some 12 PhD thesis are expected to start during the project. The project is expected to have a major impact not only at the basic science level, reflected by publications in high ranking journals, but also at the level of applied research, as for example manipulation of charge transport through designing specific interfaces or developement of new oxide architectures for ferroelectric field effect controlled of spin currents.

Study of Induced Effects by Defects and Impurities on Optical, Electrical and Electronic Properties of Wide Band Gap Semiconductors Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0016 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Materialelor (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/study-induced-effects-defects-and-impurities-optical-electrical-and-electronic-properties

Abstract:

The aim of this project is the analysis of wide band gap semiconductor (WBS) thin films by use of non-destructive characterization techniques: ellipsometry, XRD and luminescence. These materials have existing or potential applications in optics and/or electronics. WBS thin films will be obtained by use of different thin films growth methods: pulsed laser deposition, magnetron sputtering, sol-gel and direct growth from colloidal suspension. The influence of defects and impurities on optical, electrical and electronic properties of such materials will be analyzed. The results from presented optical studies will be verified by conventional electrical measurements and structural analysis by electronic microscopy.

The project is focused on 3 types of wide band gap semiconductors: zinc oxide (ZnO) pure or doped with different elements; zinc nitride (Zn3N2) and the intermediary phases during controlled oxidation; and aluminum indium nitride (AlxIn1-xN) pure and doped with Zn. One objective is to grow and to characterize the n-type semiconductors with reproducible properties.

The estimated results will bring new insights regarding the physics phenomena involved in the growth process and the material properties, essential for obtaining viable results. In addition, special activities will be included in the project concerning the correlation between the fundamental knowledge and practical necessities of electronics, and the standardization of the growth of thin films below 200C.

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