BrainMap

Silviu Vulpe

Ph.D.

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

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (05/12/2019)

Expertise & keywords

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: Project coordinator

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

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

Enhanced SOLar-blind photodetectors ARrays based on SiC for harsh environment applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2688 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

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

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

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/SOLARSiC/index.php

Abstract:

The fundamental goal of the SOLARSiC project is to propose innovative solutions regarding both the experimental design and active materials with superior properties in order to fabricate Schottky diodes (SDs) and interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) based solar-blind photodetectors (SB PDs) with high sensitivity and reliability in UV domain. In this regard, the project will develop, on the one hand, new processes for obtaining innovative devices on SiC, and, on the other hand, it will propose a novel, cost-effective technology, for fabrication SiC-SB PDs, which enables future integration in electronic circuits and generates the possibility to have a smart system for entire range of UV wavelengths. Both vertical type structures SiC-SD, with low density of electrical defects and a semitransparent electrode gate, and lateral type structures SiC-IDEs with good amplification of the photocurrent at wavelengths from UV to deep UV range will be designed and fabricated. Moreover, nano Schottky contacts based on metallic nanoparticles/nanowires will be employed in order to enhance further the efficiency. The standard analyses to certify their quality (morpho-structural, compositional, etc.) will be correlated with the electrical measurements’ results to understand, for example, which is the role of the defects arising at the metal/SiC interface on the UV photodetection performances. These investigations will allow us to optimize and to validate finally at laboratory scale (TRL 4) the best technological flow for a new SiC based SB UV PD with improved technical performances.

Adaptive mobile mixing and dispersing system using nanoparticles into innovative colloidal solutions for chemical, biological and radiological agents’ mitigation Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4222 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); Ministerul Apărării Naționale prin Centrul de Cercetare și Inovare pentru Apărare CBRN și Ecologie (RO); Academia Tehnică Militară „FERDINAND I” (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

The project aim is to obtain a new adaptive system for mixing and dispersing a new innovative colloidal solution based on an organic decontamination matrix combined with several types of nanoparticles, which will be used for chemical, biological and radiological (RBC) decontamination of the surfaces of various technical equipment, vehicles, and terrain. The project starts from a decontamination solution (DS) developed as experimental model (TRL2) proved to be an effective DS for the decontamination of radiological agents, used for operationally decontamination of techniques, vehicles and terrain. TRL 2 was tested for the radiological decontamination efficiency with Am, Sr-I, Cs radionuclides. A project objective is to upgrade the existing decontamination solution (DS) tested and validated on radiological agents and make it suitable for chemical and biological warfare agents (C/BWAs) decontamination. The novelty consists in introducing nanoparticles with high efficiency against RBC agents, into DS matrix existing and make it behave like a singular colloidal complex. The new innovative colloidal solution (Nanodec RBC) obtained will be tested on CWAs (soman, mustard gas) and on BWAs (B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. subtilis, Streptococus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia). Another objective consists in development and realizing an adaptive mobile system for mixing and dispersion the Nanodec RBC, equipped with flow command – control software. The demonstration model (TRL4) will be a complex integrated system which will be designed, developed, tested on real WAs and validated its functionality. In order to meet the project goals a consortium of 3 partners with complementary facilities was constituted: 1 National R&D Institute for Microtechnologies (IMT Bucharest/CO); 1 research centre - Scientific Research Centre for CBRN Defence and Ecology (CBRNDESRC/P1 ) and a university - Military Tehnical Academy (ATM/P2).

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.

Innovative probe system for electrophysiological guidance in functional neurosurgery Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3775 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); TERMOBIT PROD SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/brain-guide

Abstract:

The overall goal of the joint BRAIN-GUIDE project is to demonstrate and validate in laboratory - starting from TRL-2 level - a new generation of brain electrode probes that significantly enhance the functional capabilities of the probes that are currently used intraoperatively in the acute stage of the functional neurosurgery (DBS) protocol for accurate determination of the anatomical target. The acute probe system to be developed is designed to allow intraoperative wireless electrophysiological guidance through recording of bioelectrical activity from deep brain structures and selective electrical stimulation using a set of segmented macroelectrodes realized from conductive carbon.

In the context of the slow innovation pace related to the electrophysiological guidance probes our new “segmented carbon + wireless headstage” design brings several advantageous features for the DBS surgical procedure, enabling multichannel recording of high-quality local field potentials and more efficient and directionally selective stimulation, while avoiding the need for connection cables that clutter the surgical theatre, pick up motion artifacts and attenuate the signal. The proposed solution is cost-effective and relies on a pre-submitted patent application authored by members of two project partners (CO and P1).

The project leverages both the ideal complementary expertise and starting grounds, available in the consortium. Project coordination and electrode probe realization is ensured by the IMT Bucharest team (CO) specialized in R&D for functional materials and micro-nano technologies. The wireless headstage system will be developed by the Termobit Prod SRL team (P1), that has a proved expertise in electrophysiology and development of electrophysiological equipment. The project will benefit from the rich, specific, expertise of the UMF-CD team (P2) for optimal starting specifications and in-vivo evaluation of the planned prototype.

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.

Development of functional model of microbial fuel cell for bioelectricity production with simultaneous municipal wastewater treatment Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1008 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/a/psg.unibuc.ro/fm-mfc

Abstract:

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an emergent and a promising technology which converts organic matter into electricity with the help of exoelectrogenic bacteria present in the wastewater.

The scope of this project is to combine the results generated in current research, our research results on microbial fuel cells and interdisciplinary expertise of the research team and apply them to design a functional model of MFCs for treating municipal wastewater and generate bioelectricity in the laboratory environment. The minimization of the problems associated with the performance of MFC could be achieved by an effective electron transfer from microbes via anode which involves the high electrical conductivity of the anode materials and enhancing the surface area, porosity and biocompatibility of the anode. Furthermore, the availability of the anode materials is an essential requirement for MFC commercialization.

Our approach to improve the MFCs performance and for the development of a functional model of MFCs refers to the improvement of the electrode design , which is considered the biggest challenge in achieving a scalable and cost efficient MFCs technologies. Addressing this challenge, modification of the anode with advanced carbon based materials (such as CNTs, graphene and their composite with conducting polymers) will be used to improve planar and 3D configuration of MFCs anodes together with biofilm investigation and biocompatibility assay. Different MFC electrodes and reactor configurations will be tested for the improvements in power generation of MFCs and wastewater treatment in order to develop a functional model of MFCs.

Microbial-electrochemical cells based on nitrogen doped carbon materials for decontamination and energetic valorization of industrial wastewater Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0221 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/a/psg.unibuc.ro/mec-nc/

Abstract:

Microbial-electrochemical cells (MEC) can convert readily available substrates from “renewable” sources into hydrogen or electrical energy and presents an opportunity to make a major contribution to EU energy requirements. MEC is an environmental friendly method for wastewater treatment with self-sustained electricity generation using microorganisms. Development of feasible MEC technology could be the answer to the worldwide concern for development of alternative water reuse technology.

Our approach for improvement of MECs refers to the electrode design which can be considered the greatest challenge in making MEC a cost-effective and scalable technology. Optimizations of the electrodes and of the interface electrode/biofilms and cathode materials will result in higher power output and enable real world application of MEC. The novelty of the proposal is related to the development of new nitrogen doped carbon materials, their application for MEC and the new research direction related to the exploitation of MEC technology for heavy metal removal.

Another important objective of the proposal is to create a new research team establishing an independent research programme to reach knowledge and expertise for MEC applications bringing together the combined knowledge in the disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology. The results could be of enormous global environmental benefit by ensuring the optimization of MECs using new advanced materials.

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