BrainMap

Alexandra Falamas

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

Researcher

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.

Polydopamine analogues as fluorescent coating for magnetic nanoparticles Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0048 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/bright-surf/ro/home-romana/

Abstract:

The development of nanocomposites based on magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent molecules is a fast growing research field in nanotechnology. These types of materials, however, possess some difficulties and challenges that need to be overcome, such as the quenching of the fluorescent entity by the magnetic core. That is why the coating systems have received a special importance by changing the hydrophilicity related with good dispensability or improving biocompatibility. As a coating, polydopamine fulfills these qualities being heavily investigated through both, in vivo and in vitro studies for many biomedical applications. But in terms of fluorescence this it is a breach of exploitation which is focused more on oxidation approached, degradation, conjugation, and carbonization of dopamine/polydopamine. In this project we propose a different approach by synthesizing new polydopamine analogues with extra heteroatoms in their structure. For this type of synthetic analogues we will systematically study the polymerization mechanism, adherence, and how the presence of N-type heteroatoms improves their fluorescence property. Coating the fluorescent new materials onto uniformly sized magnetic nanoparticles, fluorescent-magnetic nanocomposites will be engineered, which can serve as an all-in-one diagnostic and therapeutic tools with the additional advantage of being easy to control and monitor by fluorescent microscopy.

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.

Photochemical behavior of some polydopamine-based nanostsuctures Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0770 2021 - 2023

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/photopolydopa/

Abstract:

The present project proposes to elaborate a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation in order to characterize in details the photochemical behavior of the polydopamine-based nanostructures. To achieve this goal, femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy techniques (transient-absorption and time-resolved fluorescence) as experimental- and the density functional theory (DFT) and its linear response time-dependent (TDDFT) version will be considered as the theoretical framework to reveal the absorption efficiency of the electromagnetic field starting from the simpler dopamine to the more complex polydopamine (PDA) polymer structures, about the time scale of the excited state relaxation dynamics and the role of the graphene and TiO2 substrates on these photochemical processes of PDA. In the first period of the project implementation, the simple case of dopamine molecule will be analyzed. This investigation will be followed by a detailed description of the photochemical processes in PDA oligomers, oligomer aggregates and oligomer aggregates of PDA analogues. Finally, the more complex cases of PDA coated graphene and TiO2 nanostructure will be explored and the role of the substrates on the photochemical properties of the PDAs will be drawn up. Based on the system-level analyzes one can provide a comprehensive picture of photochemical properties of the PDA-based nanostructures that can be used to develop new materials with special properties.

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.

Photoinduced ultrafast dynamics in hybrid metal-ZnO nanomaterials designed for amplified fluorescence and SERS performance Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1141 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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://sites.google.com/view/znofluosers/home

Abstract:

The combination of noble metal with ZnO NPs has attracted a great interest for the development of nanosensing and optoelectronic devices due to their unique properties. These hybrid nanomaterials show new and enhanced optical properties that were not available for the single component NPs, boosting the performance of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface enhanced fluorescence (SEF) applications. The aim of this research project is to assess the optical properties of noble metal - ZnO composite NPs by investigating their steady-state and time dependent optical properties following ultrafast laser excitation. We will employ a simple chemical synthesis and deposition method to obtain composite core-shell nanomaterials and thin film heterostructures, avoiding thus two of the major disadvantages of these types of hybrid nanomaterials: the complicated, expensive fabrication methods and the low reproducibility of the signals due to NPs aggregation. The spectroscopic investigations will be employed at each stage of fabrication to evaluate the optical properties and the photoinduced ultrafast dynamics in the single component NPs, the composite NPs, and nanostructured films induced by the size, shape, and morphology of the nanomaterials. The nanosurfaces will be functionalized with fluorophore molecules, taking into account the system properties that need to be fulfilled to ensure efficient signal enhancement, such as chemical adsorption of fluorophore molecules and the presence of hot spots in the case of SERS, as well as the optimum distance and spectral overlap between the fluorophore molecules and the composite NPs, in the case of SEF. Ultrafast spectroscopic techniques will be used to determine the energy transfer efficiency from the metallic to the semiconductor NPs and the decay rates of fluorophore molecules in the presence of the composite nanomaterials. SERS and SEF enhancement factors will be assessed.

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: Partner team leader

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.

Raman Spectroscopy for Ultra-Sensitive Salivary Diagnosis and Radiotherapy Treatment Monitoring of Oral Cancer Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-1057 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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/pd145/index.htm

Abstract:

Oral cancer diagnosis relies mainly on clinical investigation and histopathological examinations with a high risk of clinically undetected cancerous lesions. Saliva could be a promising sample for screening diagnosis containing proteins expressed locally by the cancerous lesion. The identification of salivary biomarkers using non-invasive, rapid, label-free techniques such as Raman spectroscopy could be of great importance for cancer diagnosis.

This proposal aims to apply Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) investigations for the identification of oral cancer salivary biomarkers. We aim to build up spectral data bases from a statistically significant number of oral cancer patients and healthy volunteers, taking into account the physiological factors that can influence the spectral response, such as hydration, food intake, smoking status, etc. The salivary biomolecular composition of the two groups will be characterised and the Raman and SERS bands will be assigned to the main biomolecules present in saliva. The acquired spectral data will be compared using multivariate analysis and significant biomarkers which can be used for the identification of oral cancer will be identified. The diagnostic significance of the identified biomarkers will be assessed by their capability to differentiate between the two groups. The resulted salivary biomarkers will be then correlated with the response of patients to radiotherapy according to the clinical and imagistic investigations. The method described for the saliva samples and the Raman spectral salivary biomarkers developed in the present proposal will be applied in the clinical field using a portable Raman system for the validation of the spectroscopic method for early oral cancer diagnostic in a large population. It is expected that the findings of this proposal will constitute a basis for future implementation of salivary diagnosis by employing Raman and SERS techniques in the clinical field.

Femtosecond pulse shaping to control attosecond pulse generation Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0425 2015 - 2017

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/ru185/index.htm

Abstract:

During this project we intend to develop a numerical method for shaping femtosecond laser pulses to optimize the controlled generation of attosecond pulses which are used in time-resolved pump-probe experiments. We propose a fundamental type research, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of electrons on the attosecond time scale. We will elaborate the pulse shaping method based on optimizing the electron trajectories in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in two-color driving fields. The main goal of the project is to offer, as a final deliverable, a useful numerical tool for experimental groups in order to find the optimal configuration of their particular HHG setup and generate both intense and high-energy XUV (soft X-ray) attosecond pulses. The main goal of the project is to fill the gap between the results of theoretical calculations for the ideal waveform in HHG and the real experimental possibilities existing in laboratories.

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:

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

Multidisciplinary evaluation of imperial gates of churches from the 15th to the 19th century for conservation and restoration using classical and digital methods, for ensuring community viability Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1882 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE ARTA SI DESIGN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); DANART IMPORT EXPORT SRL (RO)

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

Project website: http://usiimparatesti.granturi.ubbcluj.ro/index.html

Abstract:

ASTERCRIG project proposes an interdisciplinary approach of classical and digital conservation - restoration of an important symbol of our cultural heritage, namely the Imperial Gates belonging to iconostasis from Transylvanian wooden churches dating back to 15th-19th century. From two counties from Transylvania: Cluj and Salaj, the wooden churches will be investigated in order to establish the conservation status of the imperial gates. One of the selected counties (Salaj) have large parts of their territory declared as “disadvantaged areas”. The best preserved ones are those which are still in use. The depopulation of the rural area reduces their number year after year. Some of the inactive churches were saved by including them in open air village museums. Also valuable artistic artifacts were saved by moving them to such museums. After a theological, artistical and historical evaluation protocole, two imperial gates from each county will be selected and investigated. Several analytical methods (non-destructive and/or destructive) will be used complementary for the investigation of wooden support, painting layer and varnish. The digital reconstruction method will be based upon accurate scientific analysis (Raman, FTIR, chromatography methods, XRD, etc.) as well as modern engineering tools specific for reverse engineering. Based on this digital restoration, a virtual 3D museum will be realized that will include the imperial woods, classically and digitally restored. The scientific and technical results will be presented during an international symposium dedicated to cultural patrimony conservation and restoration. A printed catalogue containing the imperial doors, classically and digitally restored will be edited.

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:

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)

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:

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.

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:

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.

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List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
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