Find Academic Supervisors

• Quantum Optical Sensors
• Quantum Nanophotonic Systems
• Quantum Information Science
• +4 more

Dr. Benjamin J Lawrie is a Senior Research Scientist and Director for the Heterogeneous Quantum Systems Initiative at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He holds a primary appointment in the Quantum Heterostructures Group within the Physical Sciences Directorate and maintains an Affiliate Scientist position at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. Additionally, he serves as a joint Assistant Professor in the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education at the University of Tennessee, bridging national laboratory research with academic training. Dr. Lawrie received his PhD in Interdisciplinary Materials Science in 2011 from Vanderbilt University. Following his doctoral studies, he worked for two years as an Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory before joining the Quantum Information Science group full-time in 2013. His research centers on the development of quantum optical sensors and quantum nanophotonic systems, with particular focus on characterization of quantum devices at cryogenic temperatures. His work spans quantum information science, materials characterization, and nanophotonics, with recent publications demonstrating significant contributions to quantum sensing technologies, quantum materials, and novel photonic systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on quantum spin liquids, perovskite materials for optoelectronics, single-photon emitters, and diamond defect centers for quantum applications, with notable work appearing in high-impact journals including Nature Nanotechnology, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Physical Review journals. Dr. Lawrie's scientific achievements include his early recognition as an Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellow and numerous publications in top-tier journals across physics, materials science, and quantum information. His work on quantum plasmonic sensors was featured in Chemical Reviews, and he has made significant contributions to quantum-enhanced sensing techniques. As Director of the Heterogeneous Quantum Systems Initiative, Dr. Lawrie leads a research team focused on advancing quantum technologies through materials innovation and novel sensing approaches. His position at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences provides access to state-of-the-art characterization facilities, while his joint appointment with the University of Tennessee enables him to mentor graduate students through the Bredesen Center's interdisciplinary program. His research program appears well-funded through ORNL's quantum initiatives and likely includes DOE and other federal research grants supporting quantum information science. Dr. Lawrie's laboratory, the Heterogeneous Quantum Systems Initiative, focuses on developing and characterizing quantum optical sensors and quantum nanophotonic systems. The lab leverages ORNL's extensive facilities including the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences for materials synthesis and characterization, with particular emphasis on cryogenic measurement techniques for quantum device evaluation.

Patrick FournierView profile

Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Superconductivity
• Magnetism
• +4 more

Patrick Fournier is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Sherbrooke, specializing in condensed matter physics with emphasis on unconventional superconductivity, magnetism, and multiferroic materials in oxide systems. Education: PhD in Physics, Université de Sherbrooke Postdoctoral Research, Stanford University Postdoctoral Research, University of Maryland, College Park Research Interests: His work explores physical properties of artificial structures and materials, particularly oxides exhibiting high-temperature superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, charge order, and ferroelectricity. The research focuses on generating new states of matter at interfaces through thin-film heterostructures combining these quantum phases. Research Infrastructure: Operates two specialized laboratories: an advanced laser ablation epitaxy facility for atomic-level thin-film growth, and a low-temperature/high-magnetic-field lab capable of measurements from $$340$$ mK to $$400$$ K and $$0.1$$ mG to $$14$$ T. Students access cleanroom nanofabrication facilities across Physics and Electrical Engineering departments. Current Projects: Includes Josephson junctions in electron-doped cuprates for pseudogap symmetry studies, terahertz ($$10^{12}$$ Hz) bolometers using high-Tc superconductors, room-temperature multiferroics development, and manganite heterostructures for amplified magnetic-field sensitivity.

• Ferroelectric materials
• Thin films and heterostructures
• Infrared detectors
• +3 more

Dr. Lucian Pintilie serves as the Scientific Director at the National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP), where he leads the Laboratory of Complex Heterostructures and Multifunctional Materials. He has held the position of Senior Researcher rank 1 since 2001, establishing himself as a prominent figure in materials science research in Romania. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in electronic devices and energy technologies. Dr. Pintilie earned his License and Master at the Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, graduating in 1984. He later completed his PhD in Physics at the Institute of Atomic Physics in 1995. His academic foundation in physics has served as the bedrock for his extensive research career focusing on advanced materials. Dr. Pintilie's research centers on ferroelectric materials, thin films and heterostructures , with special emphasis on infrared detectors (particularly pyroelectric detectors) and non-volatile ferroelectric memories . His work explores the fundamental properties of materials at the nanoscale while developing practical applications. He has made significant contributions to understanding how grain size affects dielectric and ferroelectric behavior in ceramic materials, and has pioneered research on CZTSe thin films for solar cell applications. His recent work shows increasing focus on novel ferroelectric devices for neuromorphic computing and energy-efficient electronics. Analysis of Dr. Pintilie's publication record reveals a strong trajectory in materials science with emphasis on ferroelectric phenomena. His work spans fundamental investigations of material properties to applied device development. Recent publications show growing interest in hafnium-zirconium oxide systems, novel memristive devices, and advanced characterization techniques like soft-X-ray ARPES. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in understanding interface effects, polarization dynamics, and grain size influences on functional properties. Dr. Pintilie's scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including the Romanian Academy award in 2009 and the ANCS Award in 2010 . These honors reflect the national significance of his contributions to materials science and physics research in Romania. As Scientific Director, Dr. Pintilie has secured substantial research funding through multiple competitive projects including TEXMAV (2018-2022), CONTROL (2018-2022), MATI2IT (2016-2021), and an H2020 project on Energy Efficient Embedded Non-Volatile Memory (2018-2021). His leadership has fostered collaborative research across institutions and disciplines, advancing Romania's position in advanced materials research. His work has resulted in numerous patents related to ferroelectric devices and infrared detection technologies. Dr. Pintilie directs the Laboratory of Complex Heterostructures and Multifunctional Materials, which serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in functional materials. The laboratory focuses on epitaxial growth of oxide materials, advanced characterization techniques, and development of novel electronic and energy harvesting devices. Under his leadership, the lab has established strong collaborations with international research institutions and has become a center of excellence for ferroelectric and multiferroic materials research in Eastern Europe.

Ruxandra CostescuView profile

Researcher

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Thin Film Deposition
• +7 more

Dr. Ruxandra Costescu is a Scientific Researcher II at the National Institute for Materials Physics (NIMP) in Romania, where she works in the Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science. She has been part of NIMP since early 2010, contributing to in-depth studies of interfaces between ferromagnetic layers and semiconductor substrates, and specializing in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Prior to joining NIMP, she held post-doctoral positions between 2004 and 2008 at Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung in Germany and the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research. Dr. Costescu completed her doctoral research program in Materials Science and Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2006, with a dissertation on 'Thermal transport on the nanometer scale and the effect of microstructure and interface resistance.' Her academic journey demonstrates a strong foundation in materials characterization and thin film technology. Her research focuses on materials science, particularly in the areas of thin film deposition and characterization techniques, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and interface science. She has made significant contributions to understanding the properties of TiO2-based materials, ferromagnetic-semiconductor interfaces, and the development of advanced characterization techniques. Her work spans multiple disciplines including nanotechnology, photocatalysis, ferroelectric materials, and semiconductor physics, with applications ranging from environmental remediation to spintronics. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent focus on developing and characterizing novel materials for applications in environmental remediation, energy conversion, and spintronics. A notable trend in her recent work is the investigation of doped TiO2 nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic activity in water purification, as well as studies of magnetic properties at interfaces between different materials for potential spintronic applications. Dr. Costescu has received several prestigious awards for her research: 'IN HOC SIGNO VINCES' award (in Math and Natural Sciences) from the Romanian National Council of Scientific Research in Higher Education (CNCSIS) in 2010 Award for Best Young Researcher in 2010 from the State Department of Education, the Romanian Research and Design Patronage and the Romanian Academy She has secured significant research funding, including a CNCSIS reintegration grant for young researchers between 2010 and 2012, which enabled her to purchase and implement a new MBE chamber at NIMP. Since 2018, she has served as the NIMP coordinator for European Commission 'Horizon 2020' science popularization projects, working in partnership with other research institutes and universities. She also coordinates science education activities and outreach at NIMP. At NIMP, Dr. Costescu is one of the responsible persons for a Complex Surface Science System (included in the Special Systems and Objectives of National Interest 'IOSIN' program) and administers an XPS system with spatial resolution. Her laboratory work involves both fundamental research on material interfaces and practical applications in areas such as water purification and antimicrobial coatings, demonstrating her commitment to both theoretical understanding and real-world impact.

• Ferromagnetic thin films
• Ferroelectric thin films
• Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy
• +1 more

Dr. George-Adrian LUNGU is a Scientific Researcher III at the National Institute of Materials Physics in Măgurele, Romania, where he works in the Surfaces and Interfaces Laboratory. Born on December 3, 1978 in Braşov, Romania, he has established a distinguished career in condensed matter physics and materials science with a focus on surface and interface phenomena. His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Bucharest (2002) M.Sc. in Solid State Physics and Polymer Physics from the University of Bucharest (2004) Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Bucharest (2014) with thesis "Structural and magnetic properties of certain thin films" Dr. LUNGU's research expertise spans several critical areas of modern materials science: Ferromagnetic thin films for spintronic applications Ferroelectric thin films and their surface properties Advanced characterization using Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy Chemical analysis through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) His multidisciplinary approach combines experimental techniques with theoretical understanding to investigate the structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of novel materials systems, with significant implications for applications in optoelectronics, spintronics, and energy technologies. With 47 published papers and an h-index of 12, Dr. LUNGU's recent work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of ferroelectricity, magnetism, and surface science. His publications reveal expertise in analyzing complex material systems, particularly in the areas of room-temperature ferromagnetism in semiconductor systems, CO 2 adsorption on ferroelectric surfaces, and electrical properties of novel thin film structures. Notable contributions include: Research on ferromagnetic thin films and their applications Studies on graphene-ferroelectric material interactions Investigations of magnetic properties in diluted magnetic semiconductors Development of advanced characterization techniques for surface analysis Dr. LUNGU has also contributed to collaborative efforts in large-scale scientific projects, including work with the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Collaboration of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN from January 2005 to May 2006, where he worked on the CMS Detector Tracker building.

• Surface Science
• Interface Science
• Ferroelectric Materials
• +6 more

Dr. Liviu TANASE is a Scientific Researcher at the National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP) in Romania, working in the Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science. His research focuses on the characterization of advanced materials using photoelectron spectroscopy and related techniques, with particular emphasis on ferroelectric materials, multiferroics, and carbon-based nanomaterials. Dr. TANASE's research interests span surface science, interface phenomena, and advanced materials characterization. He specializes in using photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate ferroelectric thin films, particularly lead zirconate titanate (PZT), examining polarization states, surface charge dynamics, and interface effects. His work also extends to carbon nanomaterials including carbon dots and nitrogen-doped carbons, where he studies structural properties and their applications in energy conversion and storage. Ferroelectric materials characterization Photoelectron spectromicroscopy techniques Nanoscale polarization phenomena Carbon-based nanomaterials for energy applications Multiferroic systems and phase separation Analysis of Dr. TANASE's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of surface science and energy applications. His work demonstrates expertise in correlating nanoscale structural features with functional properties, particularly in ferroelectric systems and carbon-based nanomaterials. Key research themes include the relationship between surface polarization and chemical reactivity in ferroelectrics, the structural evolution of carbon dots during synthesis, and the development of advanced materials for photoelectrochemical applications and energy storage. His methodology frequently combines multiple characterization techniques including XPS, LEEM/MEM, and synchrotron radiation to gain comprehensive insights into material properties.

• Materials Science
• Ferroelectric Materials
• Nanomaterials
• +5 more

Raluca NEGREA is a Scientific Researcher III at the National Institute of Materials Physics, working in the Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials (LASDAM). Her research focuses on advanced materials for electronic, energy, and sensing applications. Dr. NEGREA's primary research interests span across multiple areas of materials science: Ferroelectric materials, particularly hafnia and zirconia-based thin films Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization Photocatalysis and water splitting using modified TiO 2 systems Gas sensing applications of metal oxide nanostructures Energy storage in ferroelectric capacitor systems Interface engineering in multiferroic heterostructures Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on the development and characterization of functional oxide materials, with particular emphasis on ferroelectric hafnium and zirconium oxides. Dr. NEGREA has made significant contributions to understanding the phase control, wake-up phenomena, and polarization mechanisms in these materials. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in memory devices, energy storage, and sensors. She frequently employs advanced characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and various spectroscopic methods to elucidate structure-property relationships. Dr. NEGREA collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe, contributing to multi-institutional projects focused on advanced electronic materials. Her laboratory work in LASDAM supports the development of next-generation functional materials for various technological applications.

Ina ȚurcanView profile

Researcher

• Materials Science
• Dielectrophoresis
• Impedance Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Ina Țurcan is a Researcher at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Iasi, Faculty of Horticulture, Department of Exact Sciences, specializing in advanced materials and biosensing technologies. Her work bridges agricultural engineering with cutting-edge electrical characterization techniques. Her primary research domains include: Materials Science Dielectrophoresis Impedance Spectroscopy Ceramic Composites Biosensors Nanomaterials Dr. Țurcan's investigations focus on the development of multifunctional ceramic composites (particularly barium titanate-based systems), electrical property analysis of composite materials via impedance spectroscopy, and dielectrophoretic manipulation of biological cells/nanoparticles using interdigitated microelectrodes. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward medical diagnostics applications, particularly in cancer cell detection and gas sensing using MXene-based technologies, with significant contributions to understanding material microstructure-property relationships. She has actively participated in six major research initiatives: MX-VOC (2022-2024): Developing MXene-based chemiresistors for volatile organic compound detection POCU/993/6/13/153322 (UAIC Iași): Postdoctoral researcher for doctoral student training programs uBioDEP (2022-2023): Dielectrophoretic manipulation of biological cells using printed microelectrodes PlasmaPack (2020-2022): Plasma treatment for food packaging materials uCellDetect (2018-2020): Microfluidic platform for circulating tumor cell detection FerroScale (2017-2019): Fundamental research on barium titanate ferroelectrics Dr. Țurcan's laboratory work centers on the preparation of magnetoelectric ceramic composites, metallic nanoparticle synthesis (Ag), impedance spectroscopy, and dielectrophoresis techniques, with membership in the Romanian Physical Society since 2024 driving her interdisciplinary collaborations.

Bernardo Gonçalves AlmeidaView profile

Associate Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Multiferroics
• +6 more

Bernardo Gonçalves Almeida is an Associate Professor with Habilitation in the Department of Physics at the University of Minho's School of Sciences, actively conducting research at the Center of Physics of the Universities of Minho and Porto (CF-UM-UP). Education: PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto Research Focus: His work centers on the magnetism-ferroelectricity interface in multiferroic materials. He specializes in synthesizing micro/nanostructured materials (thin films, nanofibers, nanoparticles) via laser ablation and electrospinning, with emphasis on structural, dielectric, and magnetic characterization for applications in: Spintronics Sensor development Biomedical devices Nonlinear optics Energy harvesting systems Leadership Roles: He has served as Director of the Physics Degree Program, member of the School of Sciences Scientific Council, Executive Council member of the Physics Center, and Scientific Council member for the Doctoral Program in Physics (MAP-Fis). Professional service includes Chairmanship of the Portuguese Physical Society's North Section General Assembly and Co-Chairmanship of its Condensed Matter Division. Editorial Work: Current Editor of Gazeta de Física (official journal of the Portuguese Physical Society) and member of Europhysics News' Editorial Advisory Board. Previously coordinated the Group of Cooperative Phenomena in Dielectrics research group.