Ana Maria Lepadatu

Dr. Ana Maria Lepadatu is a Senior Researcher rank 2 at the National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP) in Romania, where she serves as Group Leader of the 'Nanomaterials and Nanostructures based on SiGeSn' within Laboratory 30 'Nanoscale Condensed Matter'. Her research career spans over a decade at NIMP, progressing from Assistant Researcher to her current senior position since 2020.

Dr. Lepadatu earned her PhD in Physics from the University of Bucharest in 2012 with a thesis on 'Study of the electrical properties of some nanostructures based on group IV elements', supervised by Prof. Magdalena Lidia Ciurea. She also completed a Master's degree in Physics of Polymers and Technology of Materials from the same institution in 2010.

Her research focuses on nanostructured materials based on Si-Ge-Sn alloys, particularly nanocrystals, quantum dots, and nanoparticles embedded in oxides. She investigates charge storage mechanisms, electrical transport properties, quantum confinement effects, and applications in nonvolatile memories and optical sensors. Her work also encompasses ferroelectric HfO₂ structures and trapping processes in semiconductor nanostructures. The research combines experimental fabrication techniques like magnetron sputtering with comprehensive characterization methods including electrical measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on short-wave infrared (SWIR) photosensing applications, particularly using Group IV semiconductor nanomaterials. Her work demonstrates expertise in nanocrystal formation, memory device development, and optoelectronic applications, with increasing emphasis on SiGeSn alloys that extend detection capabilities beyond pure Ge systems. The publications show a progression from fundamental material properties to practical device applications, with strong emphasis on the relationship between structure, morphology, and functional performance.

• "Radu Grigorovici" Award of the Romanian Academy (2013)
• Diploma of Excellence & ProInvent Medal - ProInvent International Exhibition (2019)
• Best Poster presented during E-MRS 2013 Spring Meeting, Symposium J Prize (2013)
• Multiple Best Paper Awards at IEEE International Semiconductor Conference editions (2009-2018)
• Diploma of Excellence - EuroInvent European Exhibition (2019)

Dr. Lepadatu has contributed to several research projects including 'SiGeSn nanocrystals with charge storage properties at nanoscale – SIGESNANOMEM' (2019-2021). She has co-authored multiple book chapters on nanostructured materials and holds several patents related to nanocrystal-based memory devices and photosensitive structures. Her work demonstrates strong collaboration with researchers across Romania's materials science community.

She leads the 'Group of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures based on SiGeSn' at Laboratory 30 'Nanoscale Condensed Matter', focusing on fabrication and characterization of Group IV semiconductor nanostructures. The group utilizes advanced techniques including magnetron sputtering deposition, rapid thermal annealing for nanostructuring, and comprehensive electrical and optical characterization to develop novel materials for memory and sensing applications.