BrainMap

Miron Adrian Dinescu

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

Researcher | Manager

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/1445541

Expertise & keywords

ScAlN/Si based SAW type devices for acoustic/spin wave coupling and magnetic sensing, targeting future quantum computing applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1410 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

Most directions in quantum computing are devoted to devices complementary to CMOS transistors. The coupling of acoustic waves with spin waves (SAW/SW) is a possible way to fabricate hybrid SW–CMOS circuits. The main goal of the project is to demonstrate the SAW/SW coupling using ScAlN/Si based SAW devices. Coupling can be achieved in thin magnetic layers (Ni, CoFeB) placed between the SAW IDTs. Published results on the topic use LiNbO3 as piezoelectric material with the drawback that high order/low amplitude harmonics have to be considered, reducing the coupling efficiency. The project will develop SAW devices on the novel ScAlN/Si material, used for the first time for SAW/SW coupling applications. ScAlN/Si is CMOS compatible, still in research stage, and has a very high Q and electromechanical coupling factor compared to other III-Nitride semiconductors. In contrast with LiNbO3 it has a surface quality compatible with nanolithography, so we can obtain high amplitude fundamental Rayleigh and also Sezawa resonances, at frequencies in the 5-10 GHz range, using pitches >200 nm (preliminary results). The SAW/SW coupling will be analyzed in terms of energy transfer from the phonons (SAW) to the magnons (SW) (evidenced by decrease of the SAW amplitude at resonance, in magnetic field) and also using nonreciprocity evaluation, at room and cryo-temperatures. A SAW sensor with magnetostrictive metallization of the IDT and/or with magnetic strips around the IDT will be also developed.

SMART multilayer holographic label manufacturing technology with temperature sensor and anticopying metal particles Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0646 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A.

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

Affiliation:

Project website: http://smartholotemp.optoel.ro

Abstract:

Globally, the trade in counterfeit goods is the second largest source of organized crime revenue and is surpassed only by illicit drug trafficking, reaching up to a value of $ 2,200 billion annually. An effective solution to these problems is to attach holographic anti-counterfeiting labels to the product/box. Lately, the need has arisen to introduce new security elements, the fulfillment of new technical parameters and new methods of integrating them with the product.

Taking into account these aspects, the project proposes the development of an innovative technology for the manufacture of a SMART multilayer holographic label with a high degree of security, which can be implemented using the existing infrastructure at OPTOEL. This label will contain different security elements: i) passive RFID structure with temperature sensor; ii) security element consisting of metal microparticles deposited randomly; iii) holographic label structure with nanotext security features; (iv) holographic security features with optical and morphological properties. The project will have an important impact on the consortium through: - the technology transfer carried out by IMT to OPTOEL, in order to implement the new security elements and technological stages necessary for their integration on the OPTOEL manufacturing line; - technology transfer from IMT to improve the optical and morphological properties of structures with a high degree of security by characterizing them in intermediate stages; - developing a partnership between the private environment and the research/development environment by assimilating the RDI results and transferring their knowledge to the economic agent; - increasing the innovation capacity of OPTOEL and strengthening it to the creation of new technologies and products with exploitation potential on the internal and external market.

Graphene based spintronic structures for sensing applications and signal processing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3112 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://graphenespin.unitbv.ro/

Abstract:

The project scope consists in development and testing of a graphene based spintronic demonstration chip which has the flexibility to be configured for various applications like: magnetic field detection, magnetic nanoparticles detection and demonstration of a two/three terminal device functionality – diode/spin valve transistor. By using magnetic electrodes, e.g. Co, deposited on graphene, one can manipulate not only the charge but also the spin of the electron. Such that, using an innovative setup with nonmagnetic and magnetic electrodes on graphene we propose a demonstration chip on which many applications like described above can be developed. To microfabricate this chip, numerical simulations and experimental activities will be done in order to increase the spin injection/detection efficiency through the optimization of the graphene/electrodes interfaces, the structure of the magnetic layers, the deposition processes and the layout of the chip.

New semiconductor ferroelectric material for digital applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3183 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/ferromemolog/index.html

Abstract:

The project proposes to develop a new semiconductor ferroelectric at the wafer scale NiO:N (NiO doped with N) and based on it to develop switchable rectification devices, logic gates and transistors with memories where the logic operation and memory are in the same place. We have obtained the demonstration of the ferroelectricity in atomically-thin NiO doped with N. The advantages of a NiO:N ferroelectric semiconductor films are very important since on a single chip we can combine various functions of semiconductors, such as amplification and digital processing, with those specific of ferroelectrics, such as memory. Therefore, on a single chip, it could be possible to assemble all electronic functions for in-memory computing, going thus beyond the von Neumann computing architecture used today, in which the memory and the digital processing unit (ALU) are separated and the computer consumes the largest part of its electric power to transfer data between these two units.

The main outcome of this project will be the foundation of a technological platform for the ferroelectric field-effect-transistor memory devices, logic gates with memories, and for memory diodes devices with logic gates.

First demonstrator (designed to be realized from TRL 2 up to TRL 4) is a CMOS compatible device in which several layers are used forming an MFM (metal–ferroelectric–metal) diode in which, it is used, in frist time, as a ferroelectric material, a NiO:N film, then with HfO2:Zr. The Ferroelectric films layer will have thicknesses between a few nanometers and 30 nm.

Second demonstrator (designed to be realized from TRL 2 up to TRL 4) is a ferroelectric FET (Fe-FET) having as channel a graphene monolayer transferred at the wafer scale.

Both demonstrators are advanced devices at the wafer scale in the area of neuromorphic computation since the logic and memory operations are taking in the same place as in the case of neurons.

Elastomeric tuneable metasurfaces for efficient spectroscopic sensors for plastic detection Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
EEA-RO-NO-2018-0438 2019 - 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); SINTEF AS (NO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: https://elastometa.ro

Abstract:

If current production and waste management trends continue, it is projected that roughly 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050. Plastics represent a significant environmental problem: They are for the most part not biodegradable, cause problems for terrestrial and aquatic life, and enter the food chain in the form of microplastics. A shift towards a circular economy has been proposed to meet these challenges, in which production, circulation and consumption do not leave behind negative footprints and do not deplete natural resources. An essential component in the transition to a circular economy involves turning waste into value, thereby giving incentives to reduce, reuse and recycle. Simplified and low-cost methods of sorting materials are currently making a great impact on the environment: It is estimated that the reverse vending machines of the company TOMRA alone capture 35 billion beverage containers every year, and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent of 2 million cars driving 10'000km annually.

Photonic sensors are ideally suited for material sorting due to the spectroscopy technique, which allows for discrimination between different polymer types by illuminating with near infrared electromagnetic fields and measuring absorption. An important development goal is to make such spectroscopy simple, affordable and energy efficient. The ElastoMETA project aims to design and fabricate functional nanostructured surfaces, known as metasurfaces, to meet these goals. These surfaces contain simple subwavelength nano-structures that can shape light which is transmitted through them. Despite their simplicity, they offer a new paradigm for advanced field manipulation due to unprecedented control of phase, polarization, amplitude and dispersion of the electromagnetic fields. The versatility of this approach is evident by the short time during which numerous realizations have been made: e.g. micro-lenses, filters, couplers, emitters and even holograms. With further development, metasurfaces are expected to have several advantages over existing optical sensor technologies for recycling applications (e.g. diffractive optics), in terms of (i) increased efficiency, (ii) relative ease of fabrication, and (iii) enhanced functionality.

The ElastoMETA project aims to develop designs and cost-effective nanostructuring processes for (a) tuneable, filtering and efficient lens designs, and (b) directional infrared emitters, for plastic detection. These developments are central to improving the efficiency and functionality of a spectroscopic microsensor for a circular economy. To this end ElastoMETA combines Romanian expertise in UV-nanoimprint and electron beam lithography from the National R&D Institute of Materials Physics (INCDFM) and the National R&D Institute in Microtechnology (IMT), and in theoretical photonics at University of Bucharest (UB) with Norwegian expertise at SINTEF Microsystems and Nanotechnology (SINTEF MiNaLab) in developing micro-optical sensor devices for industrial plastic and gas detection. This new long-term strategic partnership aims to bring developments at the forefront of photonics and nanotechnology towards commercial sensor applications for a competitive Romanian and Norwegian industry within the circular economy.

ElastoMETA demands close collaboration of the Romanian and Norwegian partners on interdisciplinary and interrelated work, related to i) design and simulation of functional structures acting as tunable, filtering lenses and directional sources, 2) process development using electron beam lithography for design verification, 3) UV nanoimprint lithography for cost effective nanostructuring of large area lenses, 4) embedding structures in elastomeric substrates to allow for mechanical tuneability 5) optical characterization and testing of the manufactured structures and 6) dissemination and evaluation of the project.

Additive Manufacturing of Magnesiumbased Biodegradable Implants with Controlled Corrosion Rate and Infection Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET-AMMBI 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 MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); ZIRCON DENT SRL (RO); Universidad Pública de Navarra (ES); Vacío y termoquímica de Navarra (ES)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.mdef.pub.ro/research/AMMBI/index.html

Abstract:

The project objective is to obtain advanced orthopaedic and maxillofacial biodegradable implants with high biological and mechanical compatibility, from a new Mg alloy, using 3D Printing Near Net Shape technology. For medical performance, the new implants will have controlled degradation rate, osteoconductive and antibacterial functionalized surface. The project consortium gathers multidisciplinary scientific teams from Romania and Navarre (R&TD units and SMEs). The main scientific activities are: design the new biodegradable Mg alloy composition; design of Mechanical Alloying technology to obtain Mg powder alloy; design and development of the 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology to obtain the new Mgbased implants by Selective Laser Melting technique; design and experimental development of the surface multibiofunctionalization of the new AM / Mgbased implants, selected from 3 parallel investigated methods: SolGel, Electrospinning, and a combination of Physical Methods (Thermal Oxidation, HVOF and PVD), each with customized composition. The project plan provides the integration of the developed technologies in a fabrication chain for obtaining a demonstrator product.

NANOelectronics based on a new generation of hafnium oxide FERROelectrics for future RF devices and circuits Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0052 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/NANOFERRO-RF/index.html

Abstract:

Over the past five decades the continuous development of silicon (Si)-based microelectronics devices has revolutionized our everyday life, but they are now operating close to their theoretical limits in terms of device temperatures, power densities, operational frequencies and dimensions. Due to these limitations, the growth rate of Si-based CMOS technologies is starting to level out and this is becoming a bottleneck for further progress, particularly for the growing field of high-frequency electronics. To overcome the latter problem, NANOFERRO-RF proposes the concept of nanoscale high-frequency oxide electronics. In order to achieve this goal, NANOFERRO-RF will exploit a major breakthrough in materials science, i.e. the ultra-low voltage (i.e. ±3 V) high-frequency tunability of novel complex ferroelectric ultrathin films based on doped hafnium (Hf) oxide, with a thickness of few nanometres (i.e. between 6 and 9 nm). NANOFERRO-RF is based on recent and complementary achievements of the proponents, and its main goal is the validation at TRL 4 of a microwave receiver in the X band (i.e. 8-12 GHz) based on miniaturised Hf-based phase shifters, miniaturised Hf-based bandpass (X band) filters, and phased antenna arrays with frequency tuning characteristics. The outcome of NANOFERRO-RF will be a demonstrator designed with well-established electromagnetic/circuit principles, and that will possess frequency-scalability properties. This way, it will be suitable for all bands of particular interest for modern and future industrial applications, i.e. 1-6 GHz (wireless/mobile apps), 10-15 GHz (SatCom) and 24-30 GHz (NextGen 5G).

GaN/Si Lumped-Element SAW Duplexers for Satellite Telecommunications above 7 GHz Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2041 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

The scope of the project is the development of a new class of monolithic integrated duplexer circuits, based on two GaN/Si Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) band pass filters (BPF) operating in the satellite communication bands (7.25 – 7.75 GHz) and (7.9 – 8.4 GHz) and a phase compensation network. The BPFs will be based on SAW resonators integrated with series and parallel connected planar inductors with operating frequency above 7 GHz. The targeted duplexer performances (insertion losses in the range 6 – 12 dB, out-of-band rejection better than 25 dB and isolation between Tx and Rx higher than 40 dB) are well beyond the current state of the art for SAW duplexers. The SAW resonant frequencies will be pushed above 7 GHz by innovative technological development for digit widths below 100 nm, different interdigital transducer metallization, GaN layer thicknesses and superstrate layers. Multiphysics simulations will be used for the piezo-electro-mechanical modeling and analysis of the piezoelectric device and different acoustic propagation modes investigations. Full wave 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation software will be used for advanced EM modeling of the BPFs and duplexer layouts. The optimization of the duplexer design will be performed at circuit level and will include a phase compensation network. The characterization of the SAW duplexer demonstrator will include microphysical techniques (SEM, AFM), on wafer scattering (S) parameter measurements, measurements in the – 55°C …+125°C temperature range and high power nonlinear effects assessment. The project will start at TRL 2 (“Technology concept and/or application formulated”), with some preliminary simulation results presented in the proposal. The duplexer circuits will be tested on-wafer in laboratory environment and the main parameters will be compared to specifications, thus taking the proposed technology to TRL4 (“Component and/or Breadboard Functional Validation in Laboratory Environment”).

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

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

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

Plamonic and dielectric metasurfaces as platforms for fluorescence enhancement Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1300 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

This project aims to validate a novel plasmonic and dielectric structures for a considerable enhancement of fluorescent emission of a variety of fluorophores from the visible(VIS) to the near infrared(NIR) spectral domains, based on metasurfaces and explore its applicability in biosensing. It is well known that the fluorescence(FL) of a molecule depends on its quantum properties and the environment due to the Purcell effect. The changes in the FL properties result as the interplay between radiative and non-radiative decay which depend on the form of the electromagnetic (EM) fields. A method to enhance the FL is the employment of nanoparticles although it is difficult to control accurately the fields in their proximity. This project propose an ample investigation of geometry and configurations of the nano-antennas focusing on achieving the highest resonance at various wavelengths, in VIS and NIR, for optimal fluorescence enhancement(FLEN). The fabrication of the structures will be realized using electron beam lithography(EBL) or deep-UV and lift-off method, and FL spectroscopy will assess the FLEN obtained. The metasurfaces based FLEN is a field in the pioneer stage, therefore, different metals and dielectrics, with various plasma frequencies, as well as substrates will be studied for the appropriate FLEN. Also, due to the interactions of the EM field with individual fluorophores, we will develop various geometries giving the EM configuration and resonance at various wavelengths prone to FLEN. The FLEN is an important topic since it has a variety of applications in medical research and photonic devices. The final aim will be to obtain nanostructures that have resonance modes corresponding both to the fluorescence absorption and emission spectra to improve the efficiency of the metasurface for fluorescence applications, the functionalisation of the metasurfaces and covalent immobilisation of antibodies and proteins for experiments in biosensing application.

Dual pressure and temperature sensors based on GaN membrane supported Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0694 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

The major objective of this project consists in the design, manufacturing and characterization of dual pressure and temperature sensors based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators fabricated on thin GaN and GaN/Si membranes. Rayleigh and Lamb resonance (occurring only on SAWs supported on thin membranes), will allow the determination of both parameters using a single device. Advanced nanolithography and micromachining techniques will be used in fabrication. We will use (i) membrane supported SAW resonator and (ii) membrane supported SAW resonator, with backside metallization. The second configuration introduces a supplementary critical step in manufacturing, but promises a major improvement for two fundamental parameters of the device, the coupling coefficient and the quality factor, parameters important also for the sensing application. The thickness of the GaN membranes is in the range of 0.7-1.3 µm. The GaN/Si membranes are 10-25 µm thin, to support higher pressures. We target to increase for the first time the operating frequency above 10 GHz (Rayleigh mode) and above 15 GHz (Lamb mode). Subsequently the pressure and temperature sensitivities of the membrane supported SAW structures will increase. In order to achieve such high resonance frequencies, the active area of the SAW, the interdigitated transducer (IDT), will be designed by e-beam nanolithography, finger and interdigit spacing widths being varied between 80 nm and 150 nm. New simulation method will be implemented by coupling FEM COMSOL with coupling of modes in order to optimize the parameters of the SAW structures. An original encapsulation will be developed, a very challenging task due to the thin membrane supporting the active element (IDT) which should be reached by the pressure and temperature. The structures behavior will be tested simultaneously in the 1 – 20 Bar pressure range and between 20 and 150 °C temperature range. Beyond state-of-the-art sensitivities are expected.

Advanced nanoelectronic devices based on graphene/ferroelectric heterostructures (GRAPHENEFERRO) Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0033 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

Applications such as high-frequency and neuromorphic circuits, optoelectronic/plasmonic detection of biomolecules or thermo-opto-electronics energy harvesting, require tunable and reconfigurable functionalities. Graphene is suitable for these applications because of electrostatic doping, its optical constants being tuned via gate voltages. However, oxide substrates limit the mobility in graphene to few thousands cm2/V•s. On the contrary, the mobility in graphene/ferroelectric (G/F) heterostructures is 2-3 orders of magnitude larger. The groundbreaking nature of the project is based on the possibility of significantly enhancing the functionality of graphene-based transistors/devices by using crystalline ferroelectric substrates instead of common oxides or SiC substrates. The G/F heterostructures allow: (i) the achievement of very high mobilities in G/F field effect transistors (FETs), which push the transistor gain in the 0.3-1 THz range, far above 70 GHz at which the maximum gain is attained nowadays, (ii) the fabrication of uncooled tunable detectors working in the THz and IR, (iii) the exploitation of the hysteretic resistance behaviour, essential for neuromorphic applications such as artificial synapses, (iv) the fabrication of reconfigurable microwave circuits, and (v) of tunable thermoelectronic devices, since graphene displays a giant thermoelectric effect. The project will consist of the design, fabrication and testing of groundbreaking, innovative nanoelectronic devices, in particular ultrafast electronic devices, neuromorphic circuits for computation, reconfigurable and harvesting devices, all based on the outstanding physical properties of G/F heterostructures. All fabrication techniques for growing graphene-ferroelectric heterostructures in this project should be scalable at wafer scale. The project is implemented by a consortium of 3 national R&D institutes and the leading Romanian university, which have the necessary advanced infrastructure.

Combined technologies for intelligent multi layer high security holograms development Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2019-0578 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A.

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

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

Project website: https://tecomholisig.optoel.ro/

Abstract:

The project proposal aims to increase the competitiveness of Optoelectronics 2001 through technology transfer from a prestigious R&D entity recognized on the market. The project in partnership between a CD entity and an SME entity aims to develop a modern technology for the production of intelligent holograms that will allow an integration in the modern digital technologies so that the beneficiary and the consumer can benefit from what exists on the market. The consumer has a high degree of confidence that he will use original products safe for health, safe for traffic safety, etc. The beneficiary is in turn protected from financial losses, from loss of customer confidence. the beneficiary is also benefited by the introduction of new modern technologies with implications in logistics, traffic safety, reducing the running time of the stocks, the speed with which useful reports are determined and finally with financial and commercial advantages. A hologram will be developed. intelligence through combined technologies. The hologram will have a high degree of security and will integrate a passive RFID. In this way, the hologram becomes a new generation, adapted to the digitalization of the economy.

Orthopaedic Implants with Advanced Mechanical Properties and High Osseointegrative Interfaces Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET-III-OIAMPHOI 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 MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); OCHOA Maquinaria SL (ES)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.mdef.pub.ro/research/OIAMPHOI/index.html

Abstract:

The project provides advanced solution with powerful societal impact by developing orthopaedic implants from a new biomaterial (Gum alloy type, with advanced mechanical properties and osseoinductive surface), with a high service life (over 20 years) and, aimed to remove largely the surgical reintervention. For achieving project goals, scientific activities will be developed concerning the following aspects: design of the alloy composition; alloy synthesis; study of the alloy deformability; advanced thermomechanical alloy processing by Severe Plastic Deformation; osseoinductive coatings deposition by solgel method; complex chemical, structural and mechanical characterization of the as-cast/processed alloy and coatings; advanced characterization by electrochemical studies to assess the corrosion behaviour of the alloy and of the coatings; biocompatibility characterization of alloy and coatings; finally, demonstration and validation of the technologies obtained within the project. In addition, the project aims to demonstrate the applicability of the research results by a technical-economic analysis.

Sensors and Integrated Electronic and Photonic Systems for people and Infrastructures Security Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0419 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PITESTI (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.sensis-ict.ro

Abstract:

The Complex Project “Sensors and Integrated Electronic and Photonic Systems for people and Infrastructures Security” aims to develop new sensors, new integrated electronic and photonic systems for detection of explosives used in terrorist attacks or accidentally released in military bases or industrial sites.

The Complex Project is developed through four distinct projects, called “components” which are converging to the Project goals by detection of explosive substances and increasing the security of people and infrastructures, as follows:

1) Design and development of a portable microsystem, based on TF BAR sensors arrays, for multiple detection of explosives (TATP, HMTD, TNT, RDX, NG, EGDN) used in terrorist attacks; 2) SiC-based hydrocarbons sensors for measuring the hydrogen and hydrocarbons in hostile industrial environments; 3) Infrared sensors for dangerous gases detection, such as explosive gases (methane) or pollutants (carbon dioxide / monoxide); 4) Design and development of a piezoelectric energy micro-harvester, able to generate electric power in the 100µW range, used for powering up sensors and portable microsystems used in explosive gases and substances detection.

The complex project description includes the novelty elements, detailed activities description, the working procedures within the consortium, expected results and deliverables. The deliverables has an average TRL 5, which means all four component projects will have a high technological level and the result’s maturity will reach at least successful laboratory testing.

The project will deliver the sensors and integrated systems along with the energy micro-harvester as physical objects and technologies, functional and laboratory- and real conditions tested, scientific papers and patents. The project’s high impact on the participants and also the social impact are detailed.

New advanced nanocomposites. Technological developments and applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0871 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO)

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

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/kuncser_noi_directii_de_dezvoltare_tehnologica_si_utilizare_nanocompozite_avansate_47pccdi_2018

Abstract:

The development of complex nanocomposite materials consisting of different matrices (polymer-like, oxides, intermetallics, liquids) functionalized by different nasnostructured additions (carbon allotropes, magnetic nanoparticles with different organizations, nanostructured semiconductors, etc.) is the aim of this project. The unique combinations of interacting nanophases offeres to the hybrid nanocomposite material new or enhanced proprieties of high interest for applications. In this context, according to the previous experience of the involved teams, the complex project (formed by 4 component projects) is focused on the development of new optimized nanocomposite systems to be included in experimental demonstrators or final products to be transferred to economical companies. The project will contribute both to an increased scientific visibility of the partners as well as to enhancing the institutional performances by the development of new technical and scientific capacities.

Developing quantum information and quantum technologies in Romania Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0338 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); 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 MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: https://roqnet.ro/qutech-ro/

Abstract:

Quantum information and quantum technologies are at the forefront of the second quantum revolution: quantum computers, quantum cryptography, quantum communication, quantum imaging/sensing etc. Quantum technologies are strategically important for the economic development -- the European Union recently announced a 1 Billion Euro Quantum Technologies Flagship (QT Flagship) program. Compared to other European countries, unfortunately these fields are seriously underdeveloped in Romania.

The project aims to develop quantum information and quantum technologies in Romania, such that the Romanian community will actively participate in the QT Flagship. The project director (R.I.) is National Quantum Coordinator for Romania in the coordination and support action preparing the European QT Flagship.

The project has three strategic objectives:

(i) research: developing the research capacity in quantum information and quantum technologies;

(ii) education: teaching and training PhD students, postdocs and researchers to work in these fields;

(iii) dissemination: disseminate and transfer the results to society in order to stimulate scientific and economic progress.

Each partner will be responsible for a project from the common research agenda:

1. IFIN-HH: developing theoretical and computational methods for quantum information and quantum technologies (Q-INFO)

2. INFLPR: developing the integrated quantum photonics platform (Q-CHIP)

3. IMT: quantum information with optical vortices (Q-VORTEX)

4. UPB: developing two research laboratories and a quantum source (Q-LAB)

(a) quantum computation lab: cloud programming the IBM-Q quantum computer;

(b) applied quantum information lab.

5. INCDTIM: developing theoretical models for quantum computation with Majorana fermions (Q-FERMI)

The project will result in the formation of the Romanian Quantum Network and the participation of Romania to the European QT Flagship.

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

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

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

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

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

Abstract:

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

Novel BInGaN semiconductor compounds for high efficiency solar cells Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0742 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/BN-Cell

Abstract:

Energy conversion efficiencies over 45% have been recently achieved using conventional III–V semiconductor compounds as photovoltaic materials in tandem cells. The revision of InN bandgap to a much narrower value has extended the fundamental bandgap of the group III-nitride alloy system over almost the entire spectral region (from 0.64 eV for InN to 3.4 eV for GaN or 6.2 eV for AlN), raising the possibility of a variety of new applications. The tunable bandgap, predicted high radiation resistance, and strong absorption coefficient of the InxGa1−xN material system are promising for high-efficiency photovoltaic tandem systems. During the past few years, the interest in InxGa1−xN solar cells has been remarkable. The development of high-performance solar cells using InxGa1−xN materials is one of the most important goals when compared with the existing solar cells using Si and other III–V materials. Significant efforts and progress have been made toward this goal, while great opportunities and grand challengies exist. Most of the today’s research and progress in III-nitride have been made on the heterojunction structure, e.g., p-GaN/InGaN/n-GaN structure, where an InGaN as an absorption layer or multiquantum-well (MQW)/superlattice (SL) structure is sandwitched by p- and n-GaN layers. However, despite challenging results, the use of InGaN-on-GaN as a veritable photovoltaic material is still at early stages mainly due to the severe deterioration of material quality with high-In incorporation (phase segregation and highly compressive strain) necessary to achive the desired low bandgap cell in multijunction tandem cells. Our approach comes to aleviate this annoying botleneck in development of InGaN/GaN solar cell technology by proposing an innovative BInGaN material capable to be grown lattice matched to GaN, yet allowing the desired bandgap shrinking by dual incorporation of B and In. This opens the door for a completely lattice matched InGaN-based tandem on GaN templates.

Investigation of superior propagation modes in GHz operating GaN based SAW devices targeting high performance sensors and advanced communication system applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0803 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

An increased resonance frequency is important for both filter and sensor applications of SAWs. As classical non-semiconductor materials can not be used for SAW resonators operating at frequencies above 2 GHz, GaN can be a reliable solution for higher frequencies. Sezawa confined modes (on GaN/Si and GaN/SiC layered structures) and Lamb (on GaN membranes) have a higher phase velocity than the fundamental Rayleigh mode, so a higher resonance frequency can be obtained for the same finger and interdigit spacing of the nanolithographic IDT. A main target of the project is to investigate the Sezawa mode for GaN/Si and GaN/SiC, using a novel approach based on finite element method. The simulated wave shapes and phase velocities for various propagation modes will be compared with experimental data and will be used for identification of the propagation mode. Simulations and experimental work will be developed for a wide range of values of hk (normalized thickness) parameter. This will be achieved using different thicknesses of GaN epi-wafers and different values of finger/interdigit spacing width (in the range of 100-500 nm). The targeted application is to obtain a temperature sensor with higher sensitivity compared with that obtained for the fundamental mode. The Lamb mode will be investigated targeting a high sensitivity pressure sensor and a dual pressure/temperature sensing structure.

The coupling coefficient keff2 and its variation vs. hk, an essential parameter for a SAW resonator, will be investigated for Sezawa and Lamb modes. Our preliminary studies showed that keff2 is higher for the Sezawa mode, than for the fundamental Rayleigh mode in a specific interval of hk. Filter structures (having hk in this interval) will be manufactured and analyzed. We expect to have an important decrease of losses compared with filters using the Rayleigh mode. This can give a huge impact to the results, as the demand of reliable SAW filters at frequencies above 5 GHz, is high.

Porous and nanostructured magnesium biodegradable alloy implants, with bioactive nanocoatings, controlled degradation and improved osseointegration Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET II -BioImplantMag 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.mdef.pub.ro/research/BioImplantMag/ro/index.html

Abstract:

The project provides an improved solution, with societal impact, by developing temporary implants of metallic materials based on magnesium alloys that eliminate the costs of surgical re-interventions required to remove the "classic" temporarily implants with advantages for the comfort of the patient and for health costs. For achieving project goals, scientific activities will be effectuated concerning the following: design of the alloy composition; alloy synthesis by melting in furnace; study of the alloy deformability; thermo-mechanical alloy processing by extrusion and by SPD; complex characterization of the as-cast and mechanical processed alloy; in-vitro advanced characterization by electrochemical studies and hydrogen evolution tests and by biological response analysis; implants design and execution. It will be demonstrated the applicability of the research results and will be validated the technologies obtained through manufacture and characterization of a lot test implants.

Innovative system for using indoor 3D lighting advertising displays for air purification purpose Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2018-1112 2018 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: GRAPHIS ADVERTISING SRL

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

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

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

Abstract:

Our days, a person spends about 80% of the time indoors. A polluted air in these spaces is a health hazard. Fighting against this major risk is a worldwide priority. An advertising display 3D box is an object with informative and decorative purpose that add anyway to the building energy and vital space consumption, and is placed usually in a crowded place. Innovation of an air purification system that can function in symbiosis with an advertising display 3D box would have a major impact on life quality in the hosting room as well as in reducing the energy consumption and living space management. Development of such a system is possible using eco-nano-technologies and advanced materials for air de-pollution, namely nanostructured photocatalytic materials fixed onto a solid substrate. The present project has as main objective the fabrication of an air purification system that will function in symbiosis with an advertising display 3D box. This device should be able to work in the specific environmental conditions where the advertising display 3D box is placed (crowded spaces that offers maximum visibility). The final product will be able to purify the polluted air keeping the advertising display 3D box characteristics. Achieving the project objective will have a strong socio-economic impact while will contribute to energy savings and to environment improvement producing at the same time valuable scientific information outputs.

Demonstrator fabrication in planar technology of a tunneling transistor thru ultrathin insulators - a promotor of a nanodevices series and industrial usefulness emphasis Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0427 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

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

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

Project website: https://www.dcae.pub.ro/en/proiecte/14/demotun/

Abstract:

The main objective of this project is the fabrication of an electronic device prototype based on the ultra-thin insulator tunneling, as the first exponent of the so called Nothing On Insulator (NOI) transistor. In IEEE Spectrum (2014), some NASA researchers claimed that the vacuum transistors or transistors made by Nothing are the immediate future devices suitable for co-integration within CMOS ICs. For NOI, the insulator can be vacuum or oxide and is important to be ultra-thin of 2...10nm thickness. We propose in this project a planar p-NOI architecture, achievable in the Si-technology, with oxide as insulator. We start this project from preliminary results, developed in POSDRU PostDoc Project (closed in 2013), accompanied by 9 papers, 1 patent. The practical relevance of the project derives from a fabricated p-NOI device in multiple variants and the matching between experimental, theoretical and simulated curves. So that the future Atlas simulations to be anchored in a real technology, to accurate help in next projects. This obvious step of a NOI exponent fabrication was clearly demanded by the last reviewers from IEEE Transaction on Electron Devices and VLSI - as the community voice. The technical-scientific novelty and feasibility derive from: new device implementation by a well-controlled Si-planar technology, preliminary p-NOI variant already simulated in Atlas in this proposal and intermediary steps in the project plan (masks design and simulations, masks fabrication ~ intermediary steps for fabrication) and one activity of re-iteration of some technological steps to ensure the feasibility. The project management concerns the product management scheme: integration management, content, time, cost, human resources, dissemination, risk, and practical usefulness management.The experience of both teams, also demonstrated in previous common research projects and publishing, is a favorable reason to ensure the project scope and feasibility.

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

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

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

Selective Biochip with portable analyzer for assessment of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0165 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: DDS DIAGNOSTIC S.R.L.

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

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

Project website: http://www.ddsdiagnostic.com/BIOSIM

Abstract:

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is an independent risk factor for three of the first 10 causes of death in the world at this moment (diabetes, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease). Early identification of biomarkers of metabolic disorders in obesity and insulin resistance is the first step in the fight against this disease. The project aims to develop and demonstrate a new technology for manufacturing of selective biochips with portable analyser for assessing the insulin resistance and MS, up to TRL5. This project is based on the results of previous project, where the sensors for five important biomarkers in the MS have been developed: Adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein, leptin and adiponectin. The obtained results have opened a new phase of technological approach which will have the goal to remove all the sensor’s risks and limitations and will allow their demonstration in a relevant environment (TRL 5). In addition to these solutions, the project will develop a new technology that will have an important innovation factor not only in manufacturing (new functionalisation techniques and artificial antibodies deposition) but also from the medical point of view: it will be the first biochip able to quantify insulin resistance. Therefore, the innovation element in this project consists in two new sensors for rapid determination of blood glucose and insulin as important adjunct for calculating the HOMA-IR test (the most used test for assessing insulin resistance, reflecting the relationship between glucose and the plasma insulin in the fasted state based on a mathematical model). The new technology, once achieved, validated and transferred to the economic operator, will allow increasing the competitiveness of the economic environment through the market deployment of these rapid and selective biochips with a major impact in the current diagnostic for MS and insulin resistance.

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

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A.

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

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

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

Abstract:

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

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

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

The results will be at TRL6:

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

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

The innovative character of the TSCEH project is proven by:

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

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

Graphene synthesized by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition and integrated in microfluidic devices for biomedical applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0123 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The present project proposal aims to explore possible applications of CVD grown graphene in biomedical devices by investigating possible developments of microfluidic systems with integrated graphene layers, and test their feasibility for biomedical applications. We target three possible applications of graphene: antibacterial function; electro-mechanical sensor for microfluidic flows; electric sensor for non-specific particle detection. Our aim is to implement a fabrication process for integrating single layer graphene in microfluidic devices, in order to fabricate microfluidic systems with an integrated antibacterial function, a pressure sensing function, and non-specific single cell detection function

Technology for multispectral photodetectors with applications in observation and surveillance optical systems Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0307 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

The main aim of the proposal is the development of a versatile, stable and reliable technology process for the fabrication of multispectral photodetectors. Multispectral photodetections is required in a large range of space and security applications, including hyperspectral imaging systems for earth and planetary observation, surveillance, detection, alerting and recognition systems. We will develop a technology based on solution procesable semiconducting materials that can be easily deposed using low cost processes and integrated with a large range of substrates. We intend o offer to Romanian SMEs an alternative to the existing technologies for detectors that require expensive epitaxial growing or bonding of multi-layer structures to cover a wider spectral band, from UV to SWIR. We have obtained preliminary results in preparation and deposition of semiconducting thin films based on graphene nanocomposites and PbS quantum dots and experimental fabrication of test structures. The devices show better characteristics in terms of responsivity, dynamic and spectral range than previously published for for PbS-QDs photodetectors integrable with silicon circuits, and even higher than those recently reported for devices based on Si hererojunctions with new 2D materials grapehene or MoS2 monolayers, obtained with a more complex technology process. However, other characteristics (dark current, linearity, response time) have to be improved by including new process steps and interface engineering.

The work plan has a complex structure, including process development and optimization, integration of the main process steps into a versatile process chain, fabrication and characterization of test device to validate the developed technology.

The team involved in the proposal have complementary expertise in the field of optoelectronic devices, micro-nanotechnology & material development, and in advanced characterization techniques.

High performance Band-Pass Filters based on GaN Hybrid Acoustic Wave Lumped Element resonators for Space Applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0976 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/hale4space

Abstract:

The main goal of the project is the development of a family of Band-Pass Filters (BPF) based on Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonators with the series and parallel resonant frequencies controlled by printed L-C lumped elements. Thus, the BPF will be a hybrid combination of high Q-factor piezoelectric resonators with lower Q-factor reactive components. The filters will be designed and fabricated on a layer of gallium nitride (GaN) grown by Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) on a high resistivity silicon wafer. The layer thickness will be about 1 µm. The target applications are satellite communications in the frequency range 3 – 9 GHz. The C-Band (uplink 5.925-6.425 GHz; downlink 3.7-4.2 GHz) is primarily used for voice and data communications as well as backhauling. The X-Band (uplink 7.9 – 8.4 GHz, downlink 7.25 – 7.75 GHz) is used mainly for military communications and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) systems. The concept of tuning the SAW resonator frequency response using printed lumped elements in GaN-on-Silicon technology in the 3 – 10 GHz frequency range is new. The proposed BPF performances (in-band insertion losses between 5 – 12 dB and out-of-band rejection higher than 40 dB) are well beyond the current state of the art. In the present project we propose to design and fabricate the band-pass filter structures, and test them on-wafer in laboratory environment, thus taking the technology from TRL2 (“Technology concept and/or application formulated”) to TRL4 (“Component and/or Breadboard Functional Validation in Laboratory Environment”).

Fabrication of a MEMS Switch with Robust Metal Contact Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1727 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Project website: https://minas.utcluj.ro/Proiect_PED_2016/Objectives.html

Abstract:

Two of the major failure causes of MEMS switches are: contact fatigue and stiction. The adhesion effect which is responsible for the stiction failure of MEMS switches is a major issue for micro and especially nano- switches. The surface properties, the materials of electrodes and the optimal energy for commutation of MEMS switches have to be adequate estimated in order to avoid the collapse of the flexible electrode to substrate after the driving force is removed. Based on the effects which have to be considered in MEMS switches, from the interfacial forces (capillary, van der Waals, Casimir and electrostatic forces) and topography of surfaces (roughness, flatness) to the material properties and manufacturing conditions, the stiction effect still remain a major concern in MEMS. If the materials of electrode are not adequate for switching applications and the operating conditions are not properly, the lifetime of MEMS switch is very short.

The main scope of the project is the accuracy characterization of the mechanical and tribological properties of MEMS materials, their correlation with MEMS switch structures and the analysis of interatomic contact behavior, considering multiphysics electro-thermo-mechanic coupling in order to obtain an excellent reliability as well as a high lifetime. Interatomic coherence between electrodes during switching is investigated. Nanotribological investigations include adhesion, friction and wear measurements of MEMS switch materials in different operating conditions. The actuation of this MEMS switches is based on the out-of-the plane displacement of the mobile electrode under a thermal gradient generated by the applied actuation voltage. It can be used either as a capacitive switch or as a metal-to-metal one. The out-of-plane thermal MEMS switches can be monolithically integrated in RF applications. At the end of project a prototype of a reliable MEMS chevron type switch with high lifetime will be a delivered.

GRAPHENE COMPOSITES FOR ENHANCING ELECTRIC AND THERMAL PERFORMANCES Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0025 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

One of the dominant factor in improving CO2 emissions and fuel consumption is the reducing the weight of the car. By subtracting 50kg from total mass of the car ones could obtain a reduction of 5g CO2/km and 0,1 l/100km in fuel consumption. A reduction of 100kg of car mass allows the reach of 100km/h speed faster by 1 second. Having these coordinates it is obvious that the future cars must be lighter, and to obtain this kind of mass reduction it is necessary to use new materials.

Therefore, the project is dedicated to two demonstrators starting from TRL 2 and reaching TRL 4 to be developed with Renalut Technologies Romania (RTR) having the following aims (i) on demonstrator is graphene-polymer composite for replacing cooper in the car with very light cables (ii) a thermal isolator and fire retard nanomaterial based on graphene-nanocellulose composites.Overall, TRT estimates that 50 % of weight of the cables and thermal isolation will be reduced in this way. Intensive electromagnetic, electrical, and thermal tests will be made using these demonstrators. The final test will be done at RTR automotive testing center of cars.

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

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

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

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

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

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

Microgrippers as end-effectors with integrated sensors for microrobotic applications Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-MANUNET-II-Robogrip 2016 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); SITEX 45 SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The main purpose of the project is to develop a robotic micromanipulation system with MEMS micro-grippers integrated with microsensors for position/force feedback control for cell manipulation. This will be achieved by developing a set of electro-thermally actuated end-effFectors with different functions (pick and place, pushing-pulling, gripping), in different configurations to be integrated in a robotic micromanipulation system. The end-effector and the integrated sensors will be designed and build at the system level, due to their interdependence not only at functional level but also considering the fabrication technology and component materials. Our implementations will integrate a micro-gripper with different sensing functionalities (force, displacement), the maximum attempt being the full instrumentation of the system. The demonstrator will be used for tailored functionalization of medical devices with cells, in demanded regions.

Improved production methods to minimize metallic nanoparticles’ toxicity – less classic, more green Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1780 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); AGHORAS INVENT SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The demand for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) comes from the great promise for major advances in different areas of applications, practically all fields of knowledge being in some way or another related with nanomaterials. Among the different kinds of ENPs, the special properties of metallic NPs (MeNPs) make them attractive for most of the domains, from opto-electronic industry to biomedicine. As a result of these applications, MeNPs exposure to the environment and humans is becoming increasingly widespread.

The present proposal lies in this very context of the nanotoxicology, and it has taken shape as a result of numerous discussions initiated by researchers from a small enterprise which develop and put on the market novel cosmetic products based on different types of nanoparticles – Aghoras Invent SRL – and consequently has a direct interest in analyzing their potential adverse effects.

The aim of this project is to provide a better understanding of MeNPs safety and a basis for health and risk assessment. Consequently, an intensive work on hazard characterization and impact assessment of selected nanoparticles and economically relevant products is proposed. In this context, the end-of-project results will be: (i) as technological development, from experimental point of view, different sizes/shapes of Au, Ag and PtNPs, relevant for skin care products’ development, will be obtained using both, conventional chemical reduction and eco-friendly methods. Stable and homogenous metallic nanoparticle colloidal dispersions with specific size ranges are aimed, using eco-friendly processes and the chemical reduction routes; appropriated surface functionalization will be also realized, since it provides stability, solubility and retention of optical properties in various media; (ii) as a nanoparticle properties’ study, advanced equipments for analytical characterization will be used and also, the up to date nanotoxicology specific in vitro tests will be used to accomplish the final proposed objective of this project, giving a strong support for a correct decision. Furthermore, this project aims to extend the use of existing ‚state of the art’ methods.

In summary, this project addresses: ¤ increased concern of national and international regulatory organizations; ¤ reticence of companies and manufacturers of developing NP based products and technologies in absence of clear safety standards; ¤ nanotoxicology emerging research field; ¤ assessing NP toxicology an extreme complex research effort due to a large multitude of NP variables; ¤ imperative necessity to find effective countermeasures to the potential hazards represented by NPs; ¤ green synthesis as a route for diminishing / elimination of NP adverse effects on health and environment.

It will provide our contribution to the common efforts of research community offering answers about the potential toxicological effects of three classes on MeNPs and also proposing fabrication alternative, to minimize the negative consequences as greener pathways to nanoproducts.

Development of new nanocomposite electro insulating materials to increase the durability of electric motors Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1478 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ENERGIE - ICEMENERG BUCUREŞTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ENERGIE - ICEMENERG BUCUREŞTI (RO); ICPE S.A. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.icemenerg.ro/nanomel.htm

Abstract:

Materials with an increased content of knowledge that provides new functionalities and high performances, represents the most important factors of innovation, resulting in durable development and increased competitiveness in domains as energy or equipment manufacturing. The advantages regarding the superior performances and manufacturing of these materials became the main factors in determining the success on the market of the products that operate in complex stresses environments. However, these materials represent still a challenge because little knowledge is available regarding the degradation in complex environments, the manufacturing technologies in highly disperse environments, monitoring and performance estimation, the impact over the environment and health.

The project aims to the development of new types of high end nanocomposite materials, applicable in efficient remedy technologies of electric motors for energy production, resulting in the achievement of new and advanced materials of national and international interest.

The proposed project is a continuation of the researches from a funding obtain under Sectoral Operational Programme “Increase Of Economic Competitiveness” (POS-CCE), priority axis 2, Operation 2.1.2: „Complex research projects fostering the participation of high-level international experts”. In this funding were obtain at laboratory level, two types of products and application technologies for the remedy of the machines used for energy production, at functional model level. Based on the obtained results, two patent applications were submitted.

The project aims to obtain materials and original technologies with direct applications in energetic sector, having as results:

- simulation of two functional models;

- two demonstrative models;

- two innovative technologies for obtaining the materials, at macro-scale;

- two prototype for insulating nanocomposite materials;

•insulating nanocomposite materials for remediation of the stator winding;

•insulating mastic for the remedy of the area from the ends of the stator winding

The materials developed in the project will eliminate the disadvantages of the known materials by:

- realization of high level insulating nanocomposite materials prototypes with reticulation at environmental temperature, eliminating the thermal treatments that raise the costs for production of the insulation;

- realization of some products and new obtaining technologies which eliminates the use of conventional impregnation lacquers that have a high level of organic solvents with harmful effect on the environment;

- obtaining of two innovative technologies at semi-industrial scale for producing the new materials that reproduce the laboratory models features;

- realization of an accessible application technology for insulating nanocomposite materials from class H, which will be applicable by jet or casting, leading to avoidance of additional operations for impregnation of some reinforcement materials followed by winding of conductive elements from the classical remediation technology of generators that ensure the F thermal class.

- avoiding the high costs of installation and transport that are charged to current failures;

- troubleshooting at engines operating site;

The performance level of the results expected to be obtained aims that products realized within the project, at macro scale, to reproduce the performances obtained at model level, fulfilling all the conditions required in operation and all request of the quality and environment standards at European level (quality, risk, environment).

Valorization of research results from this project will lead to introduction in fabrication of new insulating nanocomposite materials with superior characteristics in accordance with international quality and safety standards.

Compact spectrometer in infrared Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1988 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The proposed project aims the validation of new “proof of concept” for a compact spectrometer working in middle and long infrared. This spectrometer will retain the advantages of the current gas sensor optimized for the detection of one or a few gas species as the low cost, small volume but in the same time will offer the flexibility of the bulky, costly spectrometers. The previous research on such compact spectrometers considered dispersive devices based on MEMS – micro-electro-mechanical systems technology with movable small parts actuated electrostatically or thermally and nondispersive devices based on filters at fixed wavelengths. The nondispersive spectrometer employs either large movable parts as wheel filter or the beam splitting before entering the filter arrray. This project has as the main objective the design and fabrication of a compact spectrometer based on an array of filters without any movable parts which will eliminate the need for power splitting by using a configuration based on a sequential approach (all radiation enters the first filter and the rest of the radiation not transmitted is reflected and further used to enter the second filter, etc).

In order to obtain a spectrometer with good working characteristics it is necessary to design and fabricate high quality components both active (infrared thermal emitters and detectors) and passive (filters and Fresnel lenses). Since the research field on the infrared emitters and detectors is still open, the secondary objective of this project is to obtain original results regarding both infrared emitters and sources which will be published in ISI ranked journals and presented at conferences.

The consortium is made up from IMT-Bucharest as project coordinator, Optoelectronica-2001 as SME, and two other research organizations, ICPE-CA and INFLPR. There are four work packages in this project, the first ones deal with the design and fabrication of the active and passive components for spectrometer and the last two work packages will include the studies on the design and fabrication of the spectrometer.

The task of the design and fabrication of the active and passive components will be the assigned to IMT due to the high expertise of the research staff and also due to the availability of the equipments suitable for microfabrication technologies. There are also available dedicated software packages for electro-thermal-mechanical simulations for active components and optical simulations for passive components. The sensitive layers for the pyroelectric detectors will be deposited by ICPE-CA with RF sputtering or sol-gel method and INFLPR with Pulsed Laser Deposition. The fabrication of high quality infrared thermal detectors is critical for the successful end of the project, that is why the option to consider more deposition method for various sensitive layers has been considered. The characterization of the components will be made by Optoelectronica due the high expertise and equipments available ((sources, camera, FTIR spectrometer working in infrared)

The task of the spectrometer fabrication is assigned to Optoelectronica due to the team members experience in fabrication of optical devices and equipments integrated with control and command circuits. The testing procedure for the spectrometer validation and calibration will be performed by Optoelectronica with IMT.

The intellectual properties rights will be protected by filling patents and the results obtained in this project may be used by SME partner of the consortium – Optoelectronica for development into an product, or as a base of development into a product in cooperation with another company.

Temperature sensor based on GHz operating AlN/Si SAW structures Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0677 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); ROM-QUARTZ S.A. (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The main objective of this project consists in the manufacturing of the first temperature sensor based on a SAW type device on AlN/Si. The sensor is based on the variation of the SAW resonance frequency vs. temperature. The sensor will be characterized ”on wafer” in the 25-150 oC temperature range. The sensor structures mounted on a special ceramic carrier, provided with SMA connectors and cables, will be characterized in the 5-500 K temperature range inside a cryostat. We aim to obtain a sensitivity >75 ppm/oC (on-wafer measurements) and 60 ppm/ oC for measurements with connectors and cables, in the 23-150 oC temperature range.

The project corresponds to the world wide effort to obtain acoustic devices operating in the gigahertz frequency range, using wide band gap semiconductors (AlN, GaN). These materials have very good piezoelectric properties. High quality GaN and AlN layers grown or deposited on Sapphire SiC or Si substrate permits to use in the fabrication protocol nanolithography, micromachining techniques and monolithic integration. The advantage of using AlN for the SAW structure consist in the possibility to obtain a higher resonance frequency and a higher sensitivity for the sensor. The project has few objectives beyond the state of the art.

The main element will be a SAW structure on AlN/Si with the resonance frequency in the 6-9 GHz range. The highest resonance frequency obtained up to now for SAW structures on AlN/Si is 5.1 GHz and was reported by the IMT and INCD-FM groups, partners in this project, using an IDT structure with digits and interdigit spacing 300 nm wide. This project requires interdigitated transducers having the digit/interdigit spacing 80-150 nm wide, a challenge due to the major difficulties of the nanolithographyic process on materials like AlN or GaN. Up to now, the narrowest lines on AlN have been reported on an AlN/Diamond based SAW structure in 2012 (200 nm).

For the proposed sensor a „single resonator” structure will be developed. Compared with classical structures based on face-to-face resonators and delay lines, the single resonator structure offers few advantages: higher quality factor, lower losses and mainly, higher values for the sensitivity, as it was recently proved by IMT for GaN.

A two steps, low temperature, deposition process will be developed, for the synthesis of thin AlN films. The goal is to lower the FWHM of rocking curve at 1.5° for the AlN films deposited on Si.

There is a potential advantage of monolithic integration of the SAW based AlN temperature sensor in a CMOS ICs. AlN technology is CMOS compatible, due to its low deposition temperature. In such circuits fabrication protocols contain nanolithographic processes, therefore these processes for the sensor will not add significant costs.

The project consortium consists in four teams with excellent expertise and complementarity in the project topics. The IMT team has many contributions in the state of the art for acoustic devices on GaN and AlN, in nanolithography and microwave characterization. INCD-FM has an excellent expertise in high quality AlN films deposition. UPB has excellence expertise in design and modelling of high frequency devices and circuits. ROMQUARZ is the only Romanian enterprise with an authentiq experience in SAW type devices manufacturing on classical piezoelectric materials.They have been involved in SAW devices manufacturing on non-semiconductor materials (quartz, lithium niobate, etc) in the last 20 years.

Lab-on-a-chip for label free detection of cancer cells Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0366 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); SPITAL LOTUS SRL (RO); DDS DIAGNOSTIC S.R.L. (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

By implementing this project, realized in partnership between a research & development institute with the main activity the integration of micro-nano-info-biotechnologies and two industrial partners with activities in the applicative research and development of biomedical systems, we are proposing to capitalize the expertise and synergy complementarity for the development of portable technologies that can diagnose cancer in an early stage. The main idea of this project consists in the development, fabrication and testing up to an integrated biochip proof of concept for monitoring the melanoma cells and biomarkers activity associated to the different development stages of the malign melanoma.

The novelty of the device consists in the integration on the same chip of two biosensors, one electrochemical and the other plasmonic resonance, with signal acquiring and modulation from both sensors. The electrochemical biosensor is represented by an inter-digitated nano-electrodes network realised on silicon substrate, and the plasmon one by a periodic gold nano-cylinders network with a diameter of ~ 200 nm, height of ~ 300 nm and network constant of ~ 800 nm. The proposed methods in this project for the biological interactions monitoring at tumour cells level imply the use of real time modern characterization techniques of the processes that occur at the sensor interface with the bio-cells: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The analyte molecules from the liquid sample in contact with the electrochemical sensor determine the increase of double-layer capacitance and of charge transfer resistance at high frequencies, the increase of mass molecular transport (diffusion) at low frequencies. Also in contact with the plasmon sensor it determines the refraction index increase, the superficial plasmon propagation constant modification which by altering the coupling conditions it alters the wave characteristic coupled with the superficial plasmons, e.g. coupling angle, coupling wave length, wave’s intensity and phase.

By integrating the biochip with the signal amplification and processing module, a new miniaturised technique is developed, with a high degree of automating and the possibility of replacing the current laborious methods of individual quantification of the tumour biomarkers (ELISA, immunoturbidimetry, chemi-luminescence, immune detection techniques in laminar flux), with the purpose of monitoring the malign melanoma in different disease stages (I,II,II,IV). For this we develop a new lab-on-a-chip device (~0.5x0,25 mm2), connected to computer by a USB connector. The active area of the device will be ~1 mm2. The functioning principle of the device is the following: on the active areas of the device (inter-digitised nano-electrodes and plasmon nano-cylinders) the functionalized NPs are immobilized with the anti-tumour antibodies; the cells will recognise the specific antibodies, the direct detection methods becoming very sensible, which allows the detection limit drop to very low concentrations of tumour cells.

This technique allows the simultaneous and fast detection of 5 important biomarkers for monitoring and investigating the malign melanoma: TA-90 (Tumour-associated glycoprotein Antigen) , S100B protein, VEGF-A growth factor, Immunosuppressive Cytokine IL-10, IL-6 and C-Reactive protein (CRP). The detection of these 5 biomarkers is correlated in the first stage with the impedance, dielectric constants and refraction index variation for establishing the melanoma stage. Later on, the detection will be performed exclusively by determining the variation of the electrochemical and optical parameters.

In conclusion, this device allows the realization of a diagnose system with increased sensibility, high specificity and reliability, that ensures an efficient and qualitative medical assistance.

Smart design solutions (addressed to resources preservation) for complex structures Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1646 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); RODAX IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); VLAD SIMIONESCU & ASOCIATII, ARHITECTI S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.mdef.pub.ro/research/SMARTMAT/ro/index.html

Abstract:

The Project Title is: “Smart Design Solutions for complex structures, addressed to resource preservation” – Acronym: SmartMat - The project proposal’s content and structure match the frame of PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4, clearly addressing the research thematic 9.8 Habitation, namely 9.8.4 Solutions for safety, hygiene and comfort conditions growing and for resources optimization by which quality of habitation is assured.

Project aims an applicative research, having the general objective the resolving some problems of high actuality at national and international level, concerning the resources optimization (materials, energy, time) by creating applications/products of free-form type, using smart digital tools, such as generative design–GD and digital fabrication, trough exploiting the properties of conventional materials in the domain of building/architecture.

The project topic answers to a very actual problem with direct practical relevance, especially concerning the optimization of the resources utilization, being clearly correlated with research thematic of the present call. Project end-products – the architectural FF modules – have a high diversity of free-forms, low weight and high stiffness. The proposed technologies of digital fabrication, with direct applicability, have important economic advantages concerning the reduction of processing time, materials and energy.

Free-form (FF) type surfaces and un-conventional geometric approach, from what are resulting organic „fluid” surfaces, represents one of most actual trends in present architecture. Intelligent form searching inspired by nature, easy adaptable, more efficient concerning the use of natural lighting, of thermal/phonic isolation, is of maximum actuality. By using new software of generative design GD, the realization and obtaining of such surfaces become reality. It must underline that generative design and it procedures are infinitely more performing and efficient that conventional methods of CAD, CAE, CAM.

In addition, at international level, the idea of incorporating the material behaviour into generative design is at the first go-off. This is the reason why the project objective – the realization of the FF type architectural modules – based on material behaviour quantification, is at international vanguard level.

From economic point of view, the added value of the project refers to: (1) new end-products: the architectural FF modules, with high versatility of free-forms, capable to adapt to complex constructive structures; (2) the competitiveness of the new end-products: they are clearly distinguishable from those existent on market due to there low weight, high stiffness, facile transport/storage possibilities, efficient and rapid digital fabrication, with mass production processing; (3) unfailing industrial applicability, by using the digital fabrication on producers manufacturing lines.

The projected activities implies multi-disciplinary fields, based on mathematics, generative-design, IT, material science and digital fabrication, for realizing applications/products for architecture / building domain, applied by an experienced and consolidated partnership between 2 university/research institute (CO-UPB - Politehnica University of Bucharest; P1-IMT – National Institute of R&D for Micro-technologies) and 3 companies (P2-SC RODAX SRL; P3-SC R&D Consulting SRL; P4-SC Vlad Simionescu & Asociații - Arhitecți SRL).

The previous partner’s experience, gained in national/international research projects concerning free-form FF, generative-design GD and digital fabrication DF, stands as favourable premise for the project success. It is expected that the project outcomes will have an important national and international socio-economic impact, due to their applicative potential.

Multiplexed platform for HPV genotyping – MultiplexGen Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1434 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/multiplexgen/index.php

Abstract:

MultiplexGen project addresses a current problem in medical diagnosis, detection in an accurate and specific way of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and sets out to explore specific solutions from micro- nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of the conventional tests, which are not quantitative and exclude multiplexing. The aim of the project is to develop a high sensitivity multiplexed platform which consists of different functional levels, and as a consequence is generic named “multilevel system”. It is based on hybrid organic-inorganic / bio-nonbiological assemblies able to enhance diagnostic capabilities by exploiting the bridge between bio-systems and micro-nanotechnologies, thus overcoming many of the limitations of the existing methods for Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection and genotyping.

This proposal has evolve as a result of numerous discussions initiated by researchers from the clinical laboratory - SME – GeneticLab with their colleagues from Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology - IMT (LN-IMT) about various specific issues they encountered in their activity related to HPV genotyping by capillary electrophoresis kit, which are identified as primary technical and scientific barriers that will be lifted by carrying out the present project. The long time collaboration encouraged them to believe that IMT will find a technological answer to the problem posed by the classical diagnosis method, and furthermore, Centre of Applied and Organic Chemistry - UB (CAOC) will provide a theoretical understanding of the processes and phenomena taking place in HPV genotyping.

The issues supposed to be solved related to the mentioned thematic area, which represents the secondary objectives of the project, are encompassing the fundamental and technological knowledge and are parts of our functional model demonstration, as following: (i) to obtain a microarray based technology for accurate HPV genotyping; (ii) to improve the up to now reported results in terms of sensitivity / selectivity by connecting the biochip to a microfluidic system; (iii) to indicate the optimum design for biochip to allow parallel detection and in this way confirmation of results; (iv) to propose a heterogeneous technology for integration and 3D packaging and correpondingly a functional hybrid assembly of all these modules for a further disposable system developing.

Therefore, an extensive investigation and optimization of the benefits that our knowledge in genetics, microfluidic technology, microarray technology, surface biofunctionalization, as well as opto-electrical read-out signal analyses are able to bring a valuable tool to a medical diagnostic laboratory, a chip class of devices, with important specific HPV detection / genotyping application. For example, combining the fields of microfluidics and DNA microarrays, the advantages of both directions can be exploited simultaneously, mediated by valuable new knowledge about biointeractions and biohybrid assembling.

Besides the envisaged final outcome of this project, the functional model of hybrid multilevel system for HPV genotyping, the modules and even more, each specific technology improvement are of high value by themselves each of them being independently used thenceforth. State-of-the-art scientific results in all of the disciplines involved will be the direct project outcomes, which will be proven by the publications on microfluidics, on-chip sample preparation, and on clinical comparison of HPV detection technologies in international journals and at international conferences.

Micro-electro-fluidic system for biological cells separation and electroporation Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1141 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); SPITAL LOTUS SRL (RO); DDS DIAGNOSTIC S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The objective of the project is design, fabrication and testing a micro-electro-fluidic system for biological cells separation and for membrane permeabilization by electroporation to release cellular content for laboratory or research analysis. Functionality of such system is based on separation by dielectrophoresis of cells in fluid media, on membrane electroporation by applying an electric field and on evaluation of electroporation efficiency by electrical and optical methods, using functionalized ferromagnetic nanoparticles for cell capture. At the present, the separation technique by dielectrophoresis is performed by using structures with channels where the electrodes are placed on the surface in contact to substrate. Electroporation is realized by permeabilization of the membrane as effect of electrical pulses, and its scope is either transfection or releasing cellular content. Microfluidic systems that use both techniques are rarely, and, related to those that are developed until now, the electrodes used for electroporation are distinct from the electrodes used for dielectrophoresis due to difference in applications, despite the fact that this approach needs complex fabrication methods. Still, implementing both techniques on a chip is a requirement of such systems, while reducing the number of electrodes shall contribute to simplify fabrication methods, reducing costs and facilitate the use of dielectrophoresis in selective manipulation of cells, in order to evaluate permeabilization efficiency.

In this context, the general objectives of the project are: - Design, simulation and optimization of an experimental model of micro-electro-fluidic system with multifunctional electrodes that ensure both manipulation / separation and electroporation; - Masks design and realization; - Technological design and fabrication of optimized microsystems using MEMS technologies; - Microphysical characterization; developing methods for electroporated cells quantification and for determination of dielectric and optical properties after electroporation; - Synthesis, characterization and functionalization of ferromagnetic nanoparticles with specific antibodies for cells capture; - Cells preparation and characterization of dielectric and biophysical properties before and after electroporation; - Testing micro-electro-fluidic system, electroporated cells quantification by alternate methods (electrical, optical) and correlation of results.

The project requests integration of multi-disciplinary theoretical and technical knowledge: microfluidics, electric field effects, mathematical and numerical modelling, microtechnologies for microsystems fabrication, biology, biochemistry, biophysics, nanoparticles syntetization and characterization, optics. By comparison to conventional devices, the microsystem proposed for fabrication and testing offers advantages such as reduced fabrication costs due to simplified electrodes, low power consumption, reduction of heating effects, better control on electrical parameters, implying increased efficiency and precision. The microsystem can be integrated in lab-on-chip devices or sensors for biochemical analysis, diagnosis of cellular properties and content or therapy by transfection. Last, but not least, the research can give answers to questions related to dielectric properties variation of electroporated cells or to selective separation means of electroporated versus unmodified cells.

Identification of new modulators of calcium-regulated processes using genomic and chemogenomic screens in yeast Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0291 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

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

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

Project website: http://www.calchemgen.ro/

Abstract:

Calcium ions are used by virtually all eukaryotic cells to signal information about the environment and the physiological state of the cell, or to regulate various cellular processes such as initiation of gene expression, alterations in cell shape, membrane fusion, or programmed cell death. Excessive or unregulated levels of calcium induce a variety of drastic defects, such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, aberrant cell morphology, or cell death, leading to disruption of normal metabolism and initiation of various diseases. The versatility of calcium-mediated regulation of key physiological processes requires extensive research to identify the interplay between calcium signaling, mechanisms of diseases and discovery of new drugs.

The aim of this project is to utilize Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to unravel new insights into the calcium-regulated cell mechanisms and to investigate the applicability of in house newly-synthesized chemicals as novel therapeutic and imaging agents, selected through interactions with the calcium-dependent pathway components. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a unicellular eukaryotic organism extensively used for the study of conserved processes and for getting information that can be further extrapolated to complex organisms like humans. The current proposal was initiated by highly-promising preliminary results obtained in the laboratories of the coordinating group. These results are based on novel and spectacular cell modifications which mimic aberrations in fundamental processes such as cell shape, cell polarity, and cell proliferation, representing the center of a complex network of research which will be established by the project.

The project will imply systemic investigations such as genomic profilings paralleled by chemo-genomic screens designed to identify new interactions between small molecules and calcium-related biologic processes. The proposed work will provide an unprecedented coverage on structure-function information, facilitating the analysis of synergistic and antagonistic interactions between molecular components of calcium-related metabolism. The project is multidisciplinary, involving a plethora of aspects related to cell and molecular biology, genetics, chemical synthesis and analysis, high-throughput screening, bioinformatics and imaging.

This project will be carried out by a consortium of four partner groups with relevant research and innovation expertise: University of Bucharest (as coordinating organization, CO), Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy (Partner P1), National Institute of Research and Development for Microtechnology (Partner P2), and a small enterprise, Apel Laser (Partner P3). The consortium was established based on the state-of-the-art infrastructure already existent in the implementing institutions and on the strong complementarities between the research and market expertise of the partner groups.

RFID device for food traceability Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1268 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

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

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

Project website: http://www.3nanosae.org/p/foodtrack/

Abstract:

“RFID device for food traceability (Food track)” aims specifically to develop a self-sustainable RFID device, equipped with a sensor, which allows, not only the traceability of a certain food package, but also the level of freshness of its content. The need for active intelligent packaging equipped with nano-systems that can monitor the conditions of the food during transportation and storage has led the scientific community to the development of a novel based on the electronics on plastic. Electronic circuits supported on a cheap, flexible polymeric support that can be miniaturized up to micro and nano level promise to assure a fast and inexpensive quality control available for everyone. Radio frequency identification tags (RFID) are the most important development field today, based on the implementation of conductive polymers onto a flexible plastic support; they are similar to bar codes and have been used in food industry traceability, inventory management and security. But RFID systems can carry much more complex information, like temperature, relative humidity, gases and electroactive species, when equipped with a specific sensor and have the ability to transmit information up to 50 m. Thanks to their low-level complexity and cost, RFID have the potential to become the leading market in food control, especially if they integrate chemical sensor. This RFID-sensor assembly is the central component of the intelligent packaging system which, in contrast to active packaging does not influence properties of the food products, but collects the information about its state and transmits it to retailers, manufacturer, food authorities or customer.

Wireless sensor and sensor networks are the state-of-the-art in detection technologies; their use varies from homeland security to environmental protection. The key requirements for a sensor refer to sensitivity (the minimal level of analyte to detect), selectivity (exclusion of “false alarms” and the identification of a specific analyte) and response time (high-speed electronics are preferred since they provide a real-time analysis). The challenges which have to be overcome refer to finding a single technology that can unify the multitude of fabrication methods for different kind of sensitive layers, cheap materials, moderate costs, easy to use and long-time batteries.

The proposed instrument will be comprised of a self-sustainable source, a micro-RFID device and an electrochemical sensor with four sensitive functions, modulated for each type of food. The main component of the instrument is the sensor-RFID assembly. The sensitive layer of the sensor will be design to detect a broad range of properties, characteristic for the qualitative control of food: temperature, relative humidity, pH, number of refreezing cycles, volatile organic compounds and biogenic amines. The micro-RFID device will store and transmit the information collected from the sensor. The system will be powered by two metallic electrodes, chosen from the appropriate position in the table of chemical reactivity; the electrolyte solution will be provided by the food itself (internal, organic juices that will diffuse through a permissive membrane and connect the two electrodes).

The novelty of this project is the incorporation of an interdigitized sensor, laser-printed on a cheap, flexible polymer, combined with a micro-RFID device and an incorporated self-sustainable battery for use if food industry and quality control.

1D and 2D nanostructures based on ZnO and innovative tehnological processes for their direct integration into gas sensing and UV radiation detection devices - NANOZON Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2104 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); SELETRON-SOFTWARE SI AUTOMATIZARI S.R.L. (RO); APEL LASER S.R.L. (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

Project "1D and 2D ZnO based nanostructures and innovative processes for direct integration in gas sensing devices and UV radiation detection” having acronym NANOZON, is in line with research direction 1.7 Nanoelectronics, photonics and micro / nano integrated systems. The whole concept behind NANOZON project is focused on development of 1D and 2D ZnO based nanostructure and on using their properties in order to obtain gas sensing and UV radiation detectors devices having superior performances. The fabrication of experimental gas sensor models and UV detectors at micro/nano scale, will be based on the development of innovative processes for obtaining ZnO nanostructures (1D and 2D) and zinc oxide nanoporous layers that are to be directly integrated into sensor structures. 1D and 2D ZnO nanostructures (nanowires, interconnected nanowire networks, nanowalls) and nanoporous layers that will be used in sensing devices, will be prepared by using innovative processes that will be developed in the project framework, starting from aqueous solution (Hydrothermal process ) and from thermal oxidation of zinc metallic layer. In order to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of the corresponding sensors the resulting ZnO nanostructures will be functionalized with metal nanoparticles and/or carbon nanodots . In order to obtain the sensors the resulting nanostructures will be integrated using a combination of two approchess - "bottom-up" (growth and self-assembly in solution of the nanostructures) and "top-down" (sellective/localised growth at micro/nano scale by using patterned substrates). The following two major improvements result by integrating ZnO nanostructures in the sensors: i) increasing the active surface area, which is the one exposed to gas ( two orders of magnitude for nanowires having an aspect ratio > 20) resulting in increased sensitivity, ii) a decrease of the operating temperature (room temperature up to 200 ⁰C maximum) by comparing with ZnO thin films based sensors (400-600 ⁰C). Research activities needed in order to meet the project goals are grouped into five work packages: WP1- Growth from aqueous solution of one-and two-dimensional ZnO nanostructures with controlled morphology on various substrates (P1/UDJG); WP2 - Innovative processes to obtain porous ZnO layers by using thermal oxidation of zinc metal layers (CO); WP3 – Complex characterisation, structural, morphological, electrical and optical of the synthesized and the functionalized ZnO nanostructures (CO); WP4-innovative processes for direct integration of ZnO nanostructures into micro/nano scale devices. Fabrication of experimental models of gas sensing structures and UV radiation detectors (CO, P1, P2, P3); WP5 - Design and fabrication of the electronic platform for functional characterization of sensors (P2, P3). In order to implement these activities a consortium of 4 partners with expertise and complementary facilities was constituted: 1 national institute - IMT Buc. with the role of CO, a university – University " Dunarea de Jos’’ Galati ( P1) and 2 co-financing SMEs, having research and development activities in the field of sensors, P2/SELETRON and P3/APEL LASER. The expected results and the project contribution are the following: optimized processes for the growth of 1D and 2D nanostructures and for porous zinc oxide layers; innovative process for nanostructures direct integration in sensing devices; methods for the characterization of the nanostructures and functionalized nanostructures, experimental models of gas sensors and UV detectors; published papers; communications at national and international conferences.

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

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Novel nanostructured semiconductor materials based on Ge nanoparticles in different oxides for aplications in VIS-NIR photodetectors and nonvolatile memory devices Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1120 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

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

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/ro/NODE/3960

Abstract:

The primary aim is to obtain novel nanostructured semiconductor materials based on Ge nanoparticles (nps) with optimized properties to be used in photodetectors for the visible and infrared (VIS-NIR) ranges, and also in nonvolatile (NV) memory devices. This aim will be realized in the following objectives: A) Preparation and characterization of nanostructured films based on Ge nps in SiO2, TiO2, HfO2, with optimized photoconductive and electrical properties; B) Preparation and complex characterization of experimental models for VIS-NIR photodetector and NV memory using the optimized materials; C) Fabrication of VIS-NIR photodetector and NV memory to prove experimentally the concepts of the project and its applications; D) Estimation of the economic impact.

Based on the material research (Phase 1), and on the investigations of structures and experimental models (Phase 2), two prototypes will be fabricated in Phase 3, one for the VIS-NIR photodetector, and one for the NV memory, with corresponding technical specifications. Thus, we will prove that the novel nanostructured materials based on Ge nps obtained in this project are suitable for VIS-NIR photodetectors and NV memory devices. Also, the technical and economical analyses documentation and feasibility studies will be performed (Phase 4).

The two devices will be integrated into a system for event identification and an automated test and measurement system for industrial applications and manufacturing devices will be realized.

The results obtained by achieving the project objectives have a high level of originality and novelty. Therefore, the scientific results will be promoted in 5 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and in 7 communications at prestigious international conferences. The technological results will be the object of 3 patent applications.

Young students will be involved in the project, and this will have a formative effect (Master Dissertations and/or PhD theses).

Advanced Tools and Methodologies for the Multiphysics Modelling and Simulation of RF MEMS Switches Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0842 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

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

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

Project website: http://mems.lmn.pub.ro

Abstract:

The topic is related to the 2012 work programme for ICT of the European Commission which emphasizes the need for more integration on functionalities on chips, requiring new software development technologies and parallelisation tools. The main goal is the development of knowledge in the RF-MEMS domain by fundamental and applicative research finalized with a new modelling methodology validated by experiments, aiming to efficiently couple electromagnetic, mechanical and fluid flow phenomena for the design of RF-MEMS switches. Models of manageable size for a set of benchmarks will be manufactured and characterized. The models will account for the dependence on relevant design or operating parameters and their behaviour will be experimentally validated.

Depending on the complexity of the structures and on the target applications certain steps in the fabrication process can suffer modifications (e.g. deposition of a Benzocyclobutene (BCB) layer on the Silicon substrate, BCB representing an important determinant of package reliability), which could represent a novelty for the technological process. The target is to obtain a functional switch that can be further integrated. The structure of the switch beam must be chosen so as to produce the lowest possible insertion loss (less than -1 dB), the highest possible isolation (more than 20 dB at 20GHz), lowest possible actuation voltage (25 - 30 V) that operates up to 60 GHz. The project aims to demonstrate potential benefits of using supercomputing in the design of RF-MEMS devices, improve design capabilities for RF-MEMS MMIC technology in Romania and achieve an efficient transfer of knowledge in both directions between a research institute which is more industry oriented (IMT) and a university team specialized in high frequency modelling and high performance computing (UPB).

Array structures for prevention, individualized diagnosis and treatment in cancers with high risk of incidence and mortality Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0803 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.ALEXANDRU TRESTIOREANU BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.ALEXANDRU TRESTIOREANU BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.iob.ro/proiectepniv.html

Abstract:

Cancer is a worldwide health problem and represents a major public health challenge as it is responsible for 25% of all deaths, being the second most common cause of death after cardio-vascular diseases. In considerations of these peculiarities and of the socio-economic impact of the expected rise of cancer, it appears of priority importance to address the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of this disease more effectively. One of the main directions currently pursued for increasing the proportion of positive responses in the treatment of cancer is the attempt to individualize treatment. Investigation of gene expression profiling is a relatively new methodology for characterization of cancer at the molecular level which tends to be a very useful tool because of its potential to improve clinical management of disease. Very surprising in a way, if the knowledge on molecular aspects of human cancer strongly developed in the last 20 – 30 years, much less data exist in respect to animal cancers, yet this one tends to become an important problem, especially for pets.

The main objectives of the project are designing, fabrication, tests and validation of array structures that could be used to details molecular / genetic particularities of two major forms of cancer: breast cancer, and colon cancer, in order to develop new tools for cancer prevention, and for an individualized ways of diagnosis, treatment and prognostic, both in humans and animals. Interest genes will be RAS, for breast cancer (humans and animals) and colon cancer (humans), and BRCA, for breast cancer, in humans and animals and for cancer prevention. Other expected achievements will be: contribution to existing data on molecular characteristics of cancer; comparative studies between humans and animals referring to cancer genes expression; translation of the results in human and animal clinics; identification of risk groups for breast cancer.

Immunoassay Lab-on-a-chip for cellular apoptosis study Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0052 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

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

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

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

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

Abstract:

The ambitious goal of this project is to combine fundamental research with complex applicative research in order to bring important scientific contributions both on the theoretical level and on the experimental one, in a high-end field: bio-nano-engineering, a new field in Romania and in expansion stage worldwide. Bio-nano-engineering assumes the integration of the physico-chemical processes with the biological ones by involving complex systems realized on the micro or nano scale, the applications of these systems being found in biomedicine The aim of this project is the development (design, fabrication and characterisation) of a versatile lab-on-a-chip integrated system, which is composed of a microfluidic platform, an interdigitated micro/nano-electrodes electrochemical biosensor and an array of spin valves for superparamagnetic nanoparticles - based immunoassay, and will be applied to the study of cellular apoptosis and detection of specific antigens as clinical diagnostics application. The screening reaction is based on a competitive immunoassay, enhanced by using functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles, prepared through a simple and reliable surface modification and protein conjugation process. The main advantage of this system is its re-usability. Also, its configuration can be changed easily so the user can try several electrode configurations with the same holder. Moreover, because the functionalized nanoparticles are magnetically trapped above the electrodes, the user can adjust the fluid flow rate to the kinetic parameters of chemical reactions under study to optimize detection. The superparamagnetic nanoparticles can be trapped by polarization of the spin valve array and can be released by blocking the magnetic field. We shall demonstrate how to take further advantage of the microfluidic system to determine enzyme activities or concentrations, as flow velocity can be adjusted to the rate of the reactions under study.

High Temperature Silicon Carbide (SiC) Smart Sensor for Harsh Environment Industrial Applications Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0487 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); CEPROCIM S.A. (RO); HEIDELBERGCEMENT ROMÂNIA S.A. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://dcae.pub.ro/projects/sicset/

Abstract:

The typical lifetime of a temperature sensor used in the cement industry is only three months due to the highly corrosive agents, vibration levels and thermal stress.

The project goal is to produce an industrial temperature smart sensor based on silicon carbide (SiC) diodes for usage in cement fabrication heaters, operating in the 20-400C range. The P4 partner, a well-known cement producer, is highly interested to use this high life time sensor in control equipments.

The chemical inertness in many media, even at elevated temperatures, make the SiC’s Schottky diodes suitable as temperature sensor.

SiC electronic devices have small capability to work in hostile environments at high temperatures if they cannot be reliably packaged and connected to form a system capable to withstand harsh environment conditions. As a result, package of high temperature sensors form factors can be considerably different from standard packages. A full electrically isolated package is designed and implemented.

The temperature smart sensor is based on SiC diodes sensor and a processing circuit(with amplifier and excitation scheme). The output voltage of this circuit is changed in a current using a converter. A linear dependence between measured temperature on SiC diode and 4-20mA output current is proved for whole temperature range. The sensor operates inside the furnace. For improving the noise robustness a specific probe to electrically connect the sensor to the processing circuit is designed and proved. The sensor will be calibrated in a cement factory. The temperature smart sensor based on SiC diodes is a premiere for Romania industry.

The original contributions of the project will be patented and published in ISI journals and will be also presented in SiC conferences. The experience and scientific results of each partner of the consortium (with specialists from all relevant communities: academia, research institutes and industry), are guarantees for the success of the project

Carbon quantum dots: exploring a new concept for next generation optoelectronic devices. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0069 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest

Project partners: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest (RO); National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest (RO); Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University (RO); Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University (RO)

Affiliation: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest (RO)

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

Abstract:

Carbon nanodots (or Carbon quantum dots, CQDs) represent a newly discovered class of nanocarbon materials, inspiring the gradually expansion of research efforts due to the increasing number of identified favorable properties. In fact, in less than a decade (2004) since their first accidental identification in carbonaceous soot, surface-passivated CQDs are already rivaling the position of traditional semiconductor-based quantum dots as top-performance photoluminescent materials, while offering at the same time radical advantages in usability and production costs. Their immediate application in bioimaging is already ascertained, however scarce studies are employing these materials in non-biological fields, even though reports demonstrating the capacity for photo-induced electron-transfer behavior in CQD leads us to the conclusion that they may additionally hold compelling potential in photovoltaics and CQD-LEDs.

It is the goal of this project to demonstrate for the first time the functionality of optoelectronic devices – LEDs and PVs – based on CQDs by thoroughly understanding from experimental and theoretical point of views the electronic, optical and transport properties of the appropriately passivated CQDs.

Graphene nanoelectronic devices for high frequency applications Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0071 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT Bucureşti

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT Bucureşti (RO)

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

The project will explore the graphene devices for ultrafast communications beyond 60 GHz. Similar to the famous Moore law, the Edholm law states that the need for higher bandwidths in wireless communications will double every 18 months. Today, for the wireless LANs, the carrier frequencies are around 5 GHz and the data rates are 110-200 Mb/s. However, according to Edholm law, wireless data rates around 1-5 Gb/s are required in few years from now. This means that the carrier frequencies for wireless communications should become higher than 60 GHz. However, in this bandwidth the devices and circuits able to form a wireless link at room temperature are very scarce. This limitation is due to relative high charge scattering rate and relative low mobilities encountered in all semiconductors at room temperature. So, in few years the ever increasing demand for ultrafast wireless communications will not be fully satisfied using the existing semiconducting technologies. To solve this expected bottleneck , we propose a radical solution which consists in using other materials and circuit configurations to fulfill the clear tendencies indicated by Edholm law. More specifically, we intend to design, fabricate and test miniaturized devices which work beyond 40 GHz based on graphene. Why graphene? Graphene has mobilities which are greater by orders of magnitude compared to compound semiconductors and other important properties outperforming any known material.

Experimental investigation on the order parameter symmetry of the superconducting Sr1-xLaxCuO2 thin films using SQUIDs Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-1065 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Microtehnologie - IMT Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Microtehnologie - IMT Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

High transition temperature (Tc) copper oxide superconductors (HTSc) have been intensively investigated throughout the last two decades. Apart from their promising application potential, they remain a challenge in solid state physics, due to the still unknown microscopic mechanism of superconductivity in these materials. Within this project, we intend to develop a technology to fabricate high quality thin films and thin film superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) heterostructures of an type class of HTSc materials, namely Sr1-xLaxCuO2 (SLCO), for x=0.15-0.175, in order to study the order parameter symmetry in this system. For this, phase-sensitive experiments with 0- and pi-SQUIDs (Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices) based on grain boundary and SLCO/N/Nb (N=Au, Ag) ramp-type junctions will be performed and then compared. The success of this project may enable a variety of further studies on basic properties of the HTSc materails and the implementation of SIS tunnel junctions, SQUIDs, and superconducting transistors as key elements for superconductor electronic devices.

EURONANOFORUM 2019 - NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED MATERIALS PROGRESS UNDER HORIZON2020 AND BEYOND Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Proiecte suport pentru ORGANIZARE evenimente
PN-III-P3-3.6-ORG-2019-0030 2019 -

Role in this project:

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

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

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

Project website:

Abstract:

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator
List of research grants as partner team leader
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