BrainMap

Iuliana Mariana Urzica

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

Researcher

Dr. Urzica Iuliana- physicist, Expertise: interferometry, optics, THz imaging, non-destructive testing, lasers, measurements and surface topography characterization, optical microscopy, optical profilometry, scanning electron microscope, mechanical and tribological characterization at micro and nano scale for a number of materials

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Expertise & keywords

Generation of superhydrophobic surfaces by exposure of materials to laser beams Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0873 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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

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

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

Project website: http://sh-mat.sol.inflpr.ro

Abstract:

Nanoscience and nanotechnology research is strongly encouraged and developed nowadays due to its positive impact on the development of new areas such as nano-biology, nano-electronics, nano-photonics and micro- and nano-fluidics.

Recently, superhydrophobic surfaces, for the which the water contact angle is higher than 150° and sliding angle less than 10°, have received attention due to the many potential applications ranging from biological to industrial processes.

Many living beings in nature, including the lotus leaf, rice leaf, butterflying wing and water-strider legs exhibit excellent superhydrophobicity. Such functionalized surfaces possess several unique beneficial properties, i.e. extreme water repellency, self-healing, self-cleaning, anti-bacteria, anti-corrosion, enhanced heat transfer, drag reduction and improved corrosion resistance.

The purpose and in the same time the novelty of the project is to design and realize an innovative, flexible and low cost system for producing of patterned superhydrophobic metallic surfaces. The main goal of this patterned superhydrophobic metallic surfaces is to obtain a fingerprint device to be used on polymeric materials such as: polydimethylsiloxane-PDMS; polyethylene terephthalate-PET, synthetic latex polymers. Some of its innovative applications are to create superhydrophobic surgical gloves, superhydrophobic metallic surfaces for naval industry and also superhydrophobic food packaging for preventing COVID-19 spreading!

Physical encryption and compactization of data via optical Fourier transform Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1939 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://phycod.sol.inflpr.ro/

Abstract:

The encoding of data may be used for secrecy and/or compactization. It is useful in military applications, in security and any circumstance in which the content of the information is sensitive and the opportunities for data transmission are limited, such as satellite communication. Mathematical transforms such as Hadamard or, to a less extent, Fourier, if they are applied to input data having a high degree of redundancy, turn the input into encrypted data with many empty spaces. Redundancy is converted into sparsity. The Fourier transform has the advantage that can be performed physically easy as diffraction on a lens for instance. In optical processing of information encryption of data, especially in the 4f configuration, is done for some time. With the advent of digital phase shift holography significant progress has been made in the field in terms of convenience and complexity. In scientific literature there are a number of theoretical and experimental techniques which share some but not all of the following aspects: encryption of data, compactization of data, physical realization, digital recording, phase shift interferometry, holography. We propose an original experimental technique which combines the advantages of all these aspects. Input data which may be presented as a transmission or a reflection mask will be recorded via means of phase shift digital holography as an encrypted and compressed file. As a secondary direction of research, we propose the reciprocal, the use of the recursive algorithm for the creation of diffractive optical elements for encryption and compactization of data. One may force the encrypted data to take the form of a known, compact amplitude distribution and an additional phase factor. In this case the data is encrypted numerically, not physically, but it can be decrypted physically using a phase spatial light modulator.

THz scanning interferometer with enhanced resolution using amplitude control Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0949 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://thezseract.sol.inflpr.ro

Abstract:

The frequency region between microwave and infrared part of the spectrum, called terahertz (THz), encompasses electromagnetic waves oscillating at frequencies, loosely defined, in the range 0.1 to 30 THz. Generating or detecting radiation in this range has proved quite challenging, owing mainly to the presence of background sources of incoherent light. Nevertheless, this radiation has unique properties that makes it particularly attractive for applications ranging from bio-medical imaging, national security and packaged goods inspection to remote sensing and spectroscopy. Moreover, with an energy between 0.4 and 124 meV it is non-ionizing and, therefore, not harmful to the living world. Today, the most accessible technique for recording or measuring data in this spectral range, except time-domain spectroscopy/imaging, is the single-pixel imaging (SPI). In this view, a given THz scene may be achieved either by using raster scanning (RS) or multiplexing (MS) techniques. Thus, achieving sufficient resolution for such a THz image is the main challenge. With this proposal we intend to use RS or/and MS in order to improve the resolution of imaging at submillimeter radiation, and demonstrate its application to Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS) and phase shifting interferometry (PSI) at these wavelengths range. This is because both FTS and PSI are readily applicable to SPI and interferometry is a reliable and non-invasive testing tool.

Innovative DNA-based materials for optical limiting Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1546 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: http://biol.nlop.inflpr.ro/

Abstract:

Due to the fast evolution of lasers with ultrashort pulses, much interest is currently being directed toward the development of the new nonlinear optical materials for passive optical limiters which are used to protect human eye and sensitive optical and opto-electronic devices from laser induced damage. The objective of this project is to experimentally investigate the optical limiting-OL functionality of a novel class of biomaterials, with controllable properties, based on DNA functionalized with natural/synthetic chromophores for applications in photonics. The criteria identified for an ideal material to act as an effective optical limiter are: large nonlinear effect, low limiting threshold, fast response time, high optical damage threshold, broadband response, low optical scattering and mechanical stability. In order to obtain the best OL properties of these materials we will perform a study for the investigation of their linear and nonlinear optical parameters. We expect that by functionalization with natural/synthetic chromophores will be obtained materials with improved properties for OL. Z-scan/I-scan investigations will explore the nonlinear optical properties and OL performances of these materials. The new knowledge generated in the project is important for basic research in Nonlinear Optics and has a strong potential in applied research, for new nonlinear optical materials and OL functionality. This project is original and represents a major scientific challenge.

Nanocomposite layers for the treatment of microorganisms by advanced oxidation processes Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2024 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://cetal.inflpr.ro/newsite/pce_90

Abstract:

Wastewater generated by chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals is known to be a huge threat to environment and human health. Development of alternative processes for contaminants decomposition which could overcome the limitations of conventional methods, incomplete removal, generation of even more toxic by-products, is therefore required. Heterogeneous photocatalysis, based on light induced oxidation processes on the surface of semiconductor oxides is a promising technology and an efficient way for pollutants removal. As compared to other organic water contaminants as dyes, or pharmaceutical products, disintegration of microorganisms by photocatalytic processes is much less investigated and reported in the scientific literature. Moreover, the implied mechanisms are still mostly unclear. At present, the most rational disinfection mechanism is that bacterial exposure to photocatalysts induces the disintegration of outer layer and only few studies address the action of photocatalysts on inner cell constituents. We shall investigate the effect of the generated reactive species on both cell membrane and intracellular substances. Moreover, the overall efficiency of photocatalytic materials in the visible-light region remains still too low for commercial applications. We propose to synthesize in the frame of this project new nanocomposites and carbon-based nanomaterials with enhanced photocatalytic efficiency under visible as well as simulated sun irradiation conditions.

DEOXIRIBONUCLEIC ACID BASED BIOLASER Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2220 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

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

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

Project website: http://biolas.chimie.upb.ro/

Abstract:

Due to the increasing application of lasers in industry, medicine, military, etc there is a growing need for new laser sources with a good beam quality and variable emission wavelength. The main aim of this project is the obtaining of a DNA based material with optimal properties for laser emission and to realize a bio-lasing demonstrator by using it.

For lasing we will use the Rhodamine 610 (Rh610) luminophore embedded in DNA – CTMA matrix. Our preliminary researches showed that the DNA based materials could be used, with important benefits, for laser emission. Based on the experimental results obtained by our research team in previous studies it could be assessed that the technology readiness level(TRL)at the beginning of the project is TRL 2.

By a systematic study of the laser emission in the synthesized DNA-CTMA-Rh610 complexes the material with best lasing properties will be obtained. In order to do this, important lasing parameters, meaning emission wavelength, threshold and efficiency of the lasing process as well as different pump geometries, will be investigated. At the same time a comparison related to the optical and lasing properties of materials with and without DNA will be realized. On the other hand photodegradation parameters and damage threshold of synthesized materials will be determined.

During this project we will pass from conceptual phase to the experimental one by carrying out industrial research and experimental development activities for finding a DNA material with best lasing properties, in order to verify the functionality / feasibility of bio-lasing concept. This material will be used to realize a bio-lasing demonstrator. The optimized material and its lasing functionality will be validated in the laboratory conditions (TRL 4).

Laser-based device for microplastics detection in water Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1264 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress/ped465

Abstract:

One major side effect of nowadays abundance of plastic products is microplastic pollution, where small size polymer particles of diverse origins enter the environment, only part of them being removed by the wastewater treatment plants.

Despite the differences that exist at this point about the definition of microplastic particles, if considering only their sizes, elements smaller than 5 mm in diameter with no lower limit are considered. They constitute a wide range of chemically complex materials, often with additives and fillers influencing properties such as color, density, durability. This diversity in properties and wide particle size range means that as a group of analytes, they are challenging to efficiently detect and identify in complex environmental matrices, especially when nanometric range dimensions are involved.

This project proposal aims at developing a new laser-based device for detection of microplastics in water.

Its scope derives from the need to find a way for faster and accurate detection of microplastic particles in fluids with a limited number of measurements, easy processing and sampling. For this, we will develop a subsystem capable to detect microplastics in water droplets using enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy. This will be joint with another subsystem based on optofluidic measurements at the surface of an air bubble generated in polluted bulk water sample performed by real time surface and interfacial tension measurements. The interaction between microdroplets and bubbles with laser beams belongs to a rather new field of multidisciplinary research, the optofluidics, which deals with the interaction of optical radiation with fluid systems. The combination of the enhanced sensitivity of the Raman scattering technique obtained using very small samples (microdroplets) with the latest developments in the topics of microfluidics and optical spectroscopy may constitute an advance in the field of online monitoring of water pollutants.

Demonstration experimental system for water treatment based on singlet oxygen micro-nanobubbles Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4771 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress/ped456

Abstract:

Due to global climate changes and industry continuously growing, water pollution became an imperative issue and sustained research efforts are to be made in order to solve it by finding cost effective and low power consumption techniques for water decontamination.

The current project objective is to develop and test a demonstration experimental system for water decontamination based on the action of micro-nanobubbles containing reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen. The micro-nanobubbles include singlet oxygen and are generated by a photoactivated porous membranes containing photosenzitizers (PS) functionalised carbon nanotubes and TiO2 nanoparticles.

Membrane will be illuminated by visible light radiation in order to activate PS which will transfer the energy to oxygen molecules present in a gas flow which is passing through. Another dezexcitation channel is the transfer of energy to TiO2 nanoparticles which can generate radicals with strong oxidation capacity such as OH•.

The singlet oxygen is formed in the gas flow and is ejected into bubbles in the liquid. The main advantage of the singlet oxygen action from bubbles is the long lifetime (ms) in gas for this excited species. In this way the oxygen can be transported longer distance in water and acts further from the source. Ultrasounds will be used in order to help formation of ultrafine bubbles which will be more stable and last longer.

To reach the project aim, specific objectives will be followed: optimisation of photophysical membrane parameters; bubble generator testing and finding proper parameters; finding the functionality and critical parameters for developed system in assembly; validate the model on polluted water samples, evaluation of efficiency against bacterial contaminants.

Multiagent intelligent systems platform for the monitoring of water quality on the Romanian sector of the Danube and Danube Delta Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0637 2018 - 2021

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); Academia Fortelor Aeriene "Henri Coanda" Brasov (RO); Ministerul Apărării Naționale prin Centrul de Cercetare și Inovare pentru Apărare CBRN și Ecologie (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE MECANICA SOLIDELOR (RO)

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

Project website: https://multimond.wixsite.com/multimond

Abstract:

The MultiMonD2 project proposes the development of a multi-agent platform consisting of micro-laboratories specialized in the monitoring the water quality of the Danube and Danube Delata and the testing of its decontamination capabilities. To this end, robotic vectors will be realized which will integrate systems for the investigation of Danube's water quality and dynamics. The acquired data will be collected and interpreted by a dedicated software system, operated from a control center. The robotic vectors will be equipped with sensors systems and devices for diagnostics organized as micro-labs for the monitoring of water quality, management of floods and sediments. The project (MultiMonD2) is made of 4 interdisciplinary and complementary projects, interconnected through specific objectives aimed at achieving the general objective: development of the MultiMonD2 multifunctional platform. Therefore, the aerial and surface water vectors will be used used as carrier systems for the sensor based detection equipment (developed in project 1). Project 2 proposes the development of a technical solution that allows the optimizing of communication from the different types of sensors mounted on the robotic vectors and includes software modules that will interact with the Control and Command Center developed in project 3. Project 4 constitutes a 'proof-of-concept', which proposes, based on the results obtained and processed in the other projects, a solution for local decontamination. The consortium is made of 5 partner institutions. The institutional consolidation of the partners is achieved by: i) ensuring new positions for young people in the field of research, ii) development of novel/improved technologies and iii) the providing of research and technological services with impact in the economy.

Fabrication, calibration, and testing of advanced integrated sensor systems aiming at applications in societal security Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0172 2018 - 2021

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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU SECURITATE MINIERĂ ŞI PROTECŢIE ANTIEXPLOZIVĂ - INSEMEX PETROŞANI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO)

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

Project website: https://alexandrapalla.wixsite.com/testes

Abstract:

The TESTES project is divided into four independent projects, each of these projects contributing on a long term to the accomplishment of the priorities established in the Innovation, Development, and Research Strategy 2014-2020, TIC, Space and Security.

D1. Demonstration and validation of a chemorezistive sensor matrix based on nanomaterials (functionalized carbon nanotubes and carbon nanowalls) aiming at the detection of volatile explosives compounds (military and homemade).

D2. Demonstration of a surface acoustic wave sensor with nanowires and porous thin films for the detection of explosives showing sensitivities below the ppb range.

D3. Development of a mobile pressure sensor based on an environmentally friendly ceramic piezoelectric structure or a ceramic-polymer heterostructure for monitoring explosive blasts.

D4. Technological development of a new class of active membranes for gas detectors based on tungsten thin films doped with iron or WO3/MnO2 structures.

These projects correspond to the fabrication of sensors and sensor matrices with exceptional performances, in terms of sensitivity and selectivity, capable of detecting the analytes of interest. With this, we aim at strengthening the national capability to fabricate, entirely in Romania, portable and cheap platforms to detect volatile explosive compounds aiming at applications in societal security. Actually, this is a strategic motivation for us and an important characteristic of this project, as detection systems for explosives are not only important for monitoring in airports, but also for safety of people and places.

Millimeter Wave (THz) Time Domain Spectroscopy Instrument for Dangerous Substances Identification Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0967 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UTI GRUP S.A. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www2.spacescience.ro/projects/project-290/

Abstract:

The security problem of a country it was and still remains an important domain. In this way, the development of devices and systems, in inner production which ensure and improve the security level must be high priority. The research made in this way ensures not just an economical development, but also an access to the top of the technology.

In the last years, the development of the THz technology tends to become gauge devices in complex substances identification. From this, become almost clear the way to use such systems in the security domain, for identification of the dangerous substances, fake drugs, dangerous objects imagistic etc..

THz radiation covers a slightly investigated area until now from the electromagnetic spectrum, between microwaves and infrared. Because of those properties, the molecular structure of a substance could be determinate from the absorption or emission of THz radiation. Having such spectrum (absorption or emission) we can identify a complex substance. With a large data base of THz domain spectrums we can identify more substances.

In the same time, the THz radiation photons have a weak energy, so the radiation is not dangerous for human being (is not an ionizing radiation). THz radiation being a broadband, it is obey to the dispersion, diffraction and divergence phenomena, doing quite difficult the handling of such beam. However, it is possible the quasi optical coupling using the lenses, because some of the dielectrics are transparent at THz radiations. On the other hand, from the diffraction point of view, THz radiation has a behavior specific to microwaves, so we need some bigger optical systems to control the spatial propagation.

The consortium consisting of: Institute of Space Science, National Institute for Laser Plasma and Radiation Physics, Research Center of Optoelectronics, from University Politehnica of Bucharest and an industrial partner UTI Group – have propose to realize an active, portable device to identify dangerous substances in the THz domain for security. The product will be a novelty on the national and international plan, because of it compact structure, response and low cost.

In this project we take account of: design and accomplishment of a molecular spectroscopy setup in the THz domain and the validity of the spectroscopic setup in the national security domain.

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