NIMP| Anca STANCULESCU, Author at NIMP

Expertize

1. Organic materials:

Thin films:

· organic multifunctional materials;

· organic (nano)composite materials;

· organic thin films and heterostructures for photovoltaic cells, OLEDs and transistors;

· flexible organic optoelectronics and photovoltaics;

· oligomers and polymers for photonics and bulk heterojunction solar cells;

· nucleic acid bases thin films and heterostructures.

Crystal growth:

· Pure/doped organic crystals growth from melt and characterization for optical non-linear applications;

· Study of the transport phenomena in the vapour phase for application in crystal growth;

2. Inorganic materials:

ü transparent conducting oxides;

ü III-V and II-VI binary and ternary semiconductor compounds crystals growth from melt and characterization;

ü single crystal silicon technology (crystal growth, orientation, wafer processing)

ü II-VI compounds crystals growth from vapour phase;

3. Characterization methods:

§ Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM);

§ Near Scanning Optical Microscopy (SNOM);

§ UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-VIS);

§ Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR);

§ Photoluminescence;

§ Electrical characterization: I-V characteristics;

Books

1. M. Socol, N. Preda, A. Stanculescu, F. Stanculescu, G. Socol, “Heterostructures based on porphyrin / phthalocyanine thin films for organic device” in “Phthalocyanines and some current applications” (Chapter 5), Ed. Y. Yilmaz, InTech, Publisher, Rijeka, ISBN 978-953-51-3255-4, (2017), p. (85-118).

2. M. Socol, G. Socol, N. Preda, A. Stanculescu, F. Stanculescu, “Laser prepared thin films for optoelectronic applications” in “Nanoscaled films and layers” (Chapter 3), Ed. L. Nanai, InTech, Publisher, Rijeka, ISBN 978-953-51-3143-4, (2017), p. 51-80.

3. Anca Stanculescu and Florin Stanculescu, "Organic semiconductors for non-linear optical applications" in "Optoelectronics - Materials and Devices" (Chapter 10), Eds. Sergei Pyshkin and John Ballato, InTech, Publisher, Rijeka, ISBN 978-953-51-2174-9, (2015), p.235-273.

4. Florin Stanculescu and Anca Stanculescu, "Aromatic Derivatives Based Materials for Optoelectronic Applications", in "Optoelectronics - Advanced Materials and Devices"(Chapter 12) Eds. Sergei L. Pyshkin and John M. Ballato, InTech Publisher, Rijeka, ISBN 978-953-51-0922-8, (2013), p.291-336.

5. Anca Stanculescu and Florin Stanculescu, "Organic semiconductor based heterostructures for optoelectronic devices"in Optoelectronic Devices and Properties (Chapter 3) Ed. Oleg Sergiyenko, InTech Publisher, Rijeka, ISBN978-953-307-204-3, (2011), p.41-72.

Patents

Patent request:

Recipe for increasing PEG based coating adhesion on the surface of the Ti implants obtained from aqueous solutions, (Rețeta de creștere a aderenței acoperirilor pe bază de PEG pe suprafața implanturilor de titan obținute din soluții apoase),Gabriel Socol, Valentina Grumezescu, Anca Stanculescu, Marcela Socol, BOPI 6/2018

Projects

1. Tranzistor cu efect de camp organic flexibil si nanostructurat pentru detectie UV-VIS

Project Type: PED, Start Date: 2022-06-30 End Date: 2024-06-30

2. Flexible and nanostructured Organic Field Effect Transistor for UV-VIS detection

Project Type: PED, Start Date: 2022-06-30 End Date: 2024-06-30

3. Investigation of the properties of deposited on different plastic substrates organic thin films after high-energy ion and neutron irradiation

Project Type: Dubna, Start Date: 2020-05-20 End Date: 2020-12-10

Publications

1. Organic Heterostructures with Dendrimer Based Mixed Layer for Electronic Applications

Authors: Rasoga, O; Yonkeu, ALD; Breazu, C; Socol, M; Preda, N; Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A; Iwuoha, E

Published: SEP 2024, MOLECULES, 29, 4155, DOI: 10.3390/molecules29174155

Recently, much research has focused on the search for new mixed donor-acceptor layers for applications in organic electronics. Organic heterostructures with layers based on the generation 1 poly(propylene thiophenoimine) (G1PPT) dendrimer, N,N '-diisopropylnaphthalene diimide (MNDI), and a combination of the two were prepared and their electrical properties were investigated. Single layers of G1PPT and MNDI and a mixed layer (G1PPT:MNDI) were obtained via spin coating on quartz glass, silicon, and glass/ITO substrates, using chloroform as a solvent. The absorption mechanism was investigated, the degree of disorder was estimated, and the emission properties of the layers were highlighted using spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis transmission and photoluminescence). The effects of the concentration and surface topographical particularities on the properties of the layers were analyzed via atomic force microscopy. All of the heterostructures realized with ITO and Au electrodes showed good conduction, with currents of the order of mA. Additionally, the heterostructure with a mixed layer exhibited asymmetry in the current-voltage curve between forward and reverse polarization in the lower range of the applied voltages, which was more significant at increased concentrations and could be correlated with rectifier diode behavior. Consequently, the mixed-layer generation 1 poly(propylene thiophenoimine) dendrimer with N,N '-diisopropylnaphthalene diimide can be considered promising for electronic applications.

2. MAPLE-Deposited Perylene Diimide Derivative Based Layers for Optoelectronic Applications

Authors: Breazu, C; Girtan, M; Stanculescu, A; Preda, N; Rasoga, O; Costas, A; Catargiu, AM; Socol, G; Stochioiu, A; Popescu-Pelin, G; Iftimie, S; Petre, G; Socol, M

Published: NOV 2024, NANOMATERIALS, 14, 1733, DOI: 10.3390/nano14211733

Nowadays, the development of devices based on organic materials is an interesting research challenge. The performance of such devices is strongly influenced by material selection, material properties, design, and the manufacturing process. Usually, buckminsterfullerene (C60) is employed as electron transport material in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices due to its high mobility. However, considering its low solubility, there have been many attempts to replace it with more soluble non-fullerene compounds. In this study, bulk heterojunction thin films with various compositions of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), a perylene diimide derivative, or C60 were prepared by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique to assess the influence of C60 replacement on fabricated heterostructure properties. The investigations revealed that the optical features and the electrical parameters of the organic heterostructures based on this perylene diimide derivative used as an organic acceptor were improved. An increase in the JSC value (4.3 x 10-4 A/cm2) was obtained for the structures where the perylene diimide derivative acceptor entirely replaced C60 compared to the JSC value (7.5 x 10-8 A/cm2) for the heterostructure fabricated only with fullerene. These results are encouraging, demonstrating the potential of non-fullerene compounds as electron transport material in OPV devices.

3. Macrocyclic Compounds: Metal Oxide Particles Nanocomposite Thin Films Deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Costas, A; Rasoga, O; Petre, G; Popescu-Pelin, G; Iftimie, S; Stochioiu, A; Socol, G; Stanculescu, A

Published: MAR 2023, MATERIALS, 16, 2480, DOI: 10.3390/ma16062480

Nanocomposite films based on macrocyclic compounds (zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl) 21H,23H-porphyrin (TPyP)) and metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO or CuO) were deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). 1,4-dioxane was used as a solvent in the preparation of MAPLE targets that favor the deposition of films with a low roughness, which is a key feature for their integration in structures for optoelectronic applications. The influence of the addition of ZnO nanoparticles (similar to 20 nm in size) or CuO nanoparticles (similar to 5 nm in size) in the ZnPc:TPyP mixture and the impact of the added metal oxide amount on the properties of the obtained composite films were evaluated in comparison to a reference layer based only on an organic blend. Thus, in the case of nanocomposite films, the vibrational fingerprints of both organic compounds were identified in the infrared spectra, their specific strong absorption bands were observed in the UV-Vis spectra, and a quenching of the TPyP emission band was visible in the photoluminescence spectra. The morphological analysis evidenced agglomerated particles on the composite film surface, but their presence has no significant impact on the roughness of the MAPLE deposited layers. The current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the structures based on the nanocomposite films deposited by MAPLE revealed the critical role played by the layer composition and component ratio, an improvement in the electrical parameters values being achieved only for the films with a certain type and optimum amount of metal oxide nanoparticles.

4. Effects of Solvent Additive and Micro-Patterned Substrate on the Properties of Thin Films Based on P3HT:PC70BM Blends Deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Petre, G; Stanculescu, A; Stavarache, I; Popescu-Pelin, G; Stochioiu, A; Socol, G; Iftimie, S; Thanner, C; Rasoga, O

Published: JAN 2023, MATERIALS, 16, 144, DOI: 10.3390/ma16010144

Lately, there is a growing interest in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells due to the organic materials' properties and compatibility with various types of substrates. However, their efficiencies are low relative to the silicon ones; therefore, other ways (i.e., electrode micron/nanostructuring, synthesis of new organic materials, use of additives) to improve their performances are still being sought. In this context, we studied the behavior of the common organic bulk heterojunction (P3HT:PC70BM) deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) with/without 0.3% of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) additive on flat and micro-patterned ITO substrates. The obtained results showed that in the MAPLE process, a small quantity of additive can modify the morphology of the organic films and decrease their roughness. Besides the use of the additive, the micro-patterning of the electrode leads to a greater increase in the absorption of the studied photovoltaic structures. The inferred values of the filling factors for the measured cells in ambient conditions range from 19% for the photovoltaic structures with no additive and without substrate patterning to 27% for the counterpart structures with patterning and a small quantity of additive.

5. Pseudo-dielectric function spectra of the near surface layer of GaAs implanted with various fluence of Xe+ ions

Authors: Tuan, PL; Kulik, M; Phuc, TV; Madadzada, AI; Zelenyak, TY; Turek, M; Zuk, J; Mita, C; Stanculescu, A; Doroshkevich, AS; Jasinska, B; Khiem, LH; Anh, NN; My, NTB

Published: AUG 31 2022, THIN SOLID FILMS, 756, 139376, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2022.139376

Monocrystalline (100) semi-insulating gallium arsenide (GaAs) samples were irradiated with a 250-keV Xe+ ion beam at room temperature. To investigate the effect of ion irradiation on GaAs samples, the ion fluence was varied from 1 x 1012 to 3 x 1016 ions/cm2. The spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) method and the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) with nuclear reaction (NR) method were used to determine the properties of the virgin and implanted samples. The SE approach reveals that the pseudo-dielectric function of implanted GaAs samples varies with ion fluence. The RBS approach, which exposes the depth-profile of As, Ga, and Xe in the implanted samples, allows us to correlate changes in the pseudo-dielectric function with structural modifications caused by the ion irradiation. The NR approach points out the existence of an oxygen-enriched layer on the surface of implanted GaAs samples. Lastly, the optical study involving the Cauchy and Urbach dispersion model measures the refractive index n and extinction coefficient k of the native oxide layer on the surface of GaAs samples.

6. Electric Energy Storage Effect in Hydrated ZrO2-Nanostructured System

Authors: Doroshkevich, AS; Lyubchyk, AI; Oksengendler, BL; Zelenyak, TY; Appazov, NO; Kirillov, AK; Vasilenko, TA; Tatarinova, AA; Gorban, OO; Bodnarchuk, VI; Nikiforova, NN; Balasoiu, M; Mardare, DM; Mita, C; Luca, D; Mirzayev, MN; Nabiyev, AA; Popov, EP; Stanculescu, A; Konstantinova, TE; Aleksiayenak, YV

Published: JUN 2022, NANOMATERIALS, 12, 1783, DOI: 10.3390/nano12111783

The dimensional effect of electric charge storage with a density of up to 270 mu F/g by the hydrated ZrO2-nanoparticles system was determined. It was found that the place of localization of different charge carriers is the generalized heterophase boundary-nanoparticles surface. The supposed mechanism of the effect was investigated using the theory of dispersed systems, the band theory, and the theory of contact phenomena in semiconductors, which consists of the formation of localized electronic states in the nanoparticle material due to donor-acceptor interaction with the adsorption ionic atmosphere. The effect is relevant for modern nanoelectronics, microsystem technology, and printed electronics because it allows overcoming the basic physical restrictions on the size, temperature, and operation frequency of the device, caused by leakage currents.

7. Effect of dopants on the optical properties of benzil crystals

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Preda, N; Ionita, I; Petre, G; Breazu, C; Stanculescu, A

Published: APR 15 2022, JOURNAL OF CRYSTAL GROWTH, 584, 126577, DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2022.126577

Single-doped [Ag, Na, iodine, naphthalene (Naph), meta-dintrobenzene (m-DNB)] and double-doped, organic-inorganic (Naph + iodine; m-DNB + iodine) benzil (Bz) crystals have been grown from melt in a Bridgman-Stockbarger configuration. All crystals have been grown in the same experimental conditions, temperature variation at the growth interface = 30 K and moving speed of the growth ampoule = 1 mm/h. These conditions have been estimated from the theoretical analysis involving the solution of the classical (conventional) Stefan problem for flat solid-liquid interface in the boundary conditions imposed by our growth system. The effect of doping on the disorder degree, photoluminescence and dielectric constant of the Bz matrix has been investigated. The disorder in the crystals increased with the increase of dopant concentration. The highest disorder was induced by the organic dopant m-DNB, whose molecules does not show an adequate geometrical similarity with Bz molecules. The position of the photoluminescence peak, both at excitation with 335 nm and 435 nm, has not been affected by the presence of dopant(s). All doped samples show Second Harmonic Generation, even those with a significant degree of disorder. The effect of the single and double-doping on the second-order ONL co-efficient was analyzed by comparison with the second-order ONL coefficient of pure Bz crystals. In the case of the double-doping, the highest second-order optical nonlinear coefficient has been evidenced in the Bz crystals simultaneously doped with m-DNB and iodine in the same concentration (1%).

8. Arylenevinylene Oligomer-Based Heterostructures on Flexible AZO Electrodes

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Breazu, C; Preda, N; Stanculescu, F; Socol, G; Vacareanu, L; Girtan, M; Doroshkevich, AS

Published: DEC 2021, MATERIALS, 14, DOI: 10.3390/ma14247688

We investigated the optical and electrical properties of flexible single and bi-layer organic heterostructures prepared by vacuum evaporation with a p-type layer of arylenevinylene oligomers, based on carbazole, 3,3 ' bis(N hexylcarbazole)vinylbenzene = L13, or triphenylamine, 1,4 bis [4 (N,N' diphenylamino)phenylvinyl] benzene = L78, and an n-type layer of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyrydil)21H,23H-porphyne = TPyP. Transparent conductor films of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) with high transparency, >90% for wavelengths > 400 nm, and low resistivity, between 6.9 x 10(-4) ohm center dot cm and 23 x 10(-4) ohm center dot cm, were deposited by pulsed laser deposition on flexible substrates of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The properties of the heterostructures based on oligomers and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) were compared, emphasizing the effect of the surface morphology. The measurements revealed a good absorption in the visible range of the PET/AZO/arylenevinylene oligomer/TPyP heterostructures and a typical injection contact behavior with linear (ZnPc, L78) or non-linear (L13) J-V characteristics in the dark, at voltages < 0.4 V. The heterostructure PET/AZO/L78/TPyP/Al showed a current density of ~1 mA/cm(2) at a voltage of 0.3 V. The correlation between the roughness exponent, evaluated from the height-height correlation function, grain shape, and electrical behavior was analyzed. Consequently, the oligomer based on triphenylamine could be a promising replacement of donor ZnPc in flexible electronic applications.

9. The effect of fullerene layer on the aggregates formation in amyloid beta Langmuir-Blodgett films

Authors: Breazu, C; Rasoga, O; Socol, M; Ganea, P; Tite, T; Matei, E; Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A

Published: JAN 30 2021, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 537, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.147800

The investigation of the effect of carbon nanomaterials and lipids on the aggregation particularities of the amyloid beta/A beta(1-42) layers is important for understanding the generation mechanism of neuronal disorder and how it can be inhibited. Additionally, amyloids are nanomaterials with a wide area of potential applications from nanotechnology to biotechnology. This paper presents a study about the preparation of A beta(1-42) layer by two different methods, Langmuir-Blodgett (L-B) and drop cast (DC), on Si and Si covered by a layer of Buckminster fullerene, C-60, and on the effect of fullerene layer or/and cholesterol (Ch) on the generation of A beta(1-42) secondary structure forms, relevant for specific applications. AFM, SEM FTIR and Raman analysis offered details about the layer surface topography, morphology and particularities of the secondary structure generated in the process of A beta(1-42) molecules aggregation. This study showed that the presence of Ch inhibited the formation of fibrils in A beta(1-42) film deposited by L-B on Si covered by C-60 The structures developed during aggregation were correlated with the topography and roughness of the films. The presence of Ch determined a decrease in roughness for L-B film and increase in roughness for DC film deposited on Si covered by C-60 layer.

10. Silicon Metalens Fabrication from Electron Beam to UV-Nanoimprint Lithography

Authors: Baracu, AM; Avram, MA; Breazu, C; Bunea, MC; Socol, M; Stanculescu, A; Matei, E; Thrane, PCV; Dirdal, CA; Dinescu, A; Rasoga, O

Published: SEP 2021, NANOMATERIALS, 11, DOI: 10.3390/nano11092329

This study presents the design and manufacture of metasurface lenses optimized for focusing light with 1.55 mu m wavelength. The lenses are fabricated on silicon substrates using electron beam lithography, ultraviolet-nanoimprint lithography and cryogenic deep reactive-ion etching techniques. The designed metasurface makes use of the geometrical phase principle and consists of rectangular pillars with target dimensions of height h = 1200 nm, width w = 230 nm, length l = 354 nm and periodicity p = 835 nm. The simulated efficiency of the lens is 60%, while the master lenses obtained by using electron beam lithography are found to have an efficiency of 45%. The lenses subsequently fabricated via nanoimprint are characterized by an efficiency of 6%; the low efficiency is mainly attributed to the rounding of the rectangular nanostructures during the pattern transfer processes from the resist to silicon due to the presence of a thicker residual layer.

11. Electro-active properties of nanostructured films of cytosine and guanine nucleobases

Authors: Socol, M; Trupina, L; Galca, AC; Chirila, C; Stan, GE; Vlaicu, AM; Stanciu, AE; Boni, AG; Botea, M; Stanculescu, A; Pintilie, L; Borca, B

Published: OCT 8 2021, NANOTECHNOLOGY, 32, DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac10e4

The discovery of multifunctional properties related to electro-activity of organic systems of biomolecules is important for a variety of applications, especially for devices in the realm of biocompatible sensors and/or bioactuators. A further step towards such applications is to prepare thin films with the required properties. Here, the investigation is focused on the characterization of films of guanine and cytosine nucleobases, prepared by thermal evaporation-an industrial accessible deposition technique. The cytosine films have an orthorhombic non-centrosymmetric structure and grow in two interconnected nanostructured fractal patterns, of nearly equal proportion. Piezoresponse force microscopy images acquired at room temperature on the cytosine films display large zones with antiparallel alignment of the vertical components of the polarization vector. Guanine films have a dense nano-grained morphology. Our studies reveal electrical polarization switching effects which can be related to ferroelectricity in the films of guanine molecules. Characteristic ferroelectric polarization-electric-field hysteresis loops showing large electrical polarization are observed at low temperatures up to 200 K. Above this temperature, the guanine films have a preponderant paraelectric phase containing residual or locally induced nano-scopic ferroelectric domains, as observed by piezoresponse force microscopy at room temperature.

12. Nucleobases thin films deposited on nanostructured transparent conductive electrodes for optoelectronic applications

Authors: Breazu, C; Socol, M; Preda, N; Rasoga, O; Costas, A; Socol, G; Petre, G; Stanculescu, A

Published: APR 6 2021, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 11, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87181-3

Environmentally-friendly bio-organic materials have become the centre of recent developments in organic electronics, while a suitable interfacial modification is a prerequisite for future applications. In the context of researches on low cost and biodegradable resource for optoelectronics applications, the influence of a 2D nanostructured transparent conductive electrode on the morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of nucleobases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine and uracil) thin films obtained by thermal evaporation was analysed. The 2D array of nanostructures has been developed in a polymeric layer on glass substrate using a high throughput and low cost technique, UV-Nanoimprint Lithography. The indium tin oxide electrode was grown on both nanostructured and flat substrate and the properties of the heterostructures built on these two types of electrodes were analysed by comparison. We report that the organic-electrode interface modification by nano-patterning affects both the optical (transmission and emission) properties by multiple reflections on the walls of nanostructures and the electrical properties by the effect on the organic/electrode contact area and charge carrier pathway through electrodes. These results encourage the potential application of the nucleobases thin films deposited on nanostructured conductive electrode in green optoelectronic devices.

13. Synthesis and characterization of conducting aniline and o-anisidine nanocomposites based on montmorillonite modified clay

Authors: Kenane, A; Galca, AC; Matei, E; Yahiaoui, A; Hachemaoui, A; Benkouider, AM; Bartha, C; Istrate, MC; Galatanu, M; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, A

Published: JAN 2020, APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE, 184, DOI: 10.1016/j.clay.2019.105395

A study on clay mineral polymer nanocomposites (CPN), namely polyaniline/montmorillonite-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (PANI/Mt-CTAB), poly o-anisidine/montmorillonite-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (poly(o-ANIS)/Mt-CTAB) and poly o-anisidine-co-aniline/montmorillonite-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (poly(o-ANIS-co-ANI)/Mt-CTAB), synthesized by oxidative chemical polymerization method is presented. The nanocomposites have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. By UV-vis measurements different electronic transitions for the CPNs were pointed out. The voltammograms indicate that the synthetized materials are electroactive. The FTIR analysis reveals the characteristic bands of the polymers and of the Mt-CTAB. The shift of the bands to higher/lower wavenumbers demonstrate the interaction between the pristine polymers macromolecular chains and the montmorillonite (Mt). The intercalation of the polymers inside the mineral clay was confirmed by the increased interlayer distance connected with the position of the 011 diffraction plane of the Mt., and the intercalation and exfoliation states were highlighted in the scanning and transmission electron microscopy images. The obtained results are encouraging in respect with the purpose to use them in the field of photovoltaic applications.

14. Organic Thin Films Based on DPP-DTT:C60 Blends Deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Costas, A; Petre, G; Stanculescu, A; Popescu-Pelin, G; Mihailescu, A; Socol, G

Published: DEC 2020, NANOMATERIALS, 10, DOI: 10.3390/nano10122366

The matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique was used for depositing thin films based on a recently developed conjugated polymer, poly[2,5-(2-octyldodecyl)-3,6-diketopyrrolopyrrole-alt-5,5-(2,5-di(thien-2-yl)thieno [3,2-b]thiophene)] (DPP-DTT) and fullerene C60 blends. The targets used in the MAPLE process were obtained by freezing chloroform solutions with different DPP-DTT:C60 weight ratios, with the MAPLE deposition being carried at a low laser fluence, varying the number of laser pulses. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the DPP-DTT:C60 blend layers deposited by MAPLE were investigated in order to emphasize the influence of the DPP-DTT:C60 weight ratio and the number of laser pulses on these features. The preservation of the chemical structure of both DPP-DTT and C60 during the MAPLE deposition process is confirmed by the presence of their vibrational fingerprints in the FTIR spectra of the organic thin films. The UV-VIS and photoluminescence spectra of the obtained organic layers reveal the absorption bands attributed to DPP-DTT and the emission bands associated with C60, respectively. The morphology of the DPP-DTT:C60 blend films consists of aggregates and fibril-like structures. Regardless the DPP-DTT:C60 weight ratio and the number of laser pulses used during the MAPLE process, the current-voltage characteristics recorded, under illumination, of all structures developed on the MAPLE deposited layers evidenced a photovoltaic cell behavior. The results proved that the MAPLE emerges as a viable technique for depositing thin films based on conjugated polymers featured by a complex structure that can be further used to develop devices for applications in the solar cell area.

15. MAPLE Deposition of Binary and Ternary Organic Bulk Heterojunctions Based on Zinc Phthalocyanine

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Petre, G; Costas, A; Rasoga, O; Popescu-Pelin, G; Mihailescu, A; Stanculescu, A; Socol, G

Published: OCT 2020, COATINGS, 10, DOI: 10.3390/coatings10100956

Organic bulk heterojunctions (BHJ) based on zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), fullerene compounds (C60 fullerene and [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM)), and 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene (rubrene) were fabricated through the matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Thus, ZnPc:C60 and ZnPc:PC70BM binary BHJ and ZnPc:rubrene:PC70BM ternary BHJ were deposited as thin films on various substrates. The preservation of the chemical structure of the organic compounds during the MAPLE deposition was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the deposited layers were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Further, the electrical properties of the developed structures based on ZnPc:C60, ZnPc:PC70BM, and ZnPc:rubrene:PC70BM were evaluated. The J-V characteristics of the organic structures, recorded under illumination, show that an increase in the open-circuit voltage (V-OC) is achieved in the case of the ternary blend in comparison with that obtained for the binary blends. The results evidenced that MAPLE-deposited thin films containing binary and ternary organic bulk heterojunctions can find applications in the field of photovoltaic devices.

16. Hybrid organic-inorganic thin films based on zinc phthalocyanine and zinc oxide deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Costas, A; Breazu, C; Stanculescu, A; Rasoga, O; Popescu-Pelin, G; Mihailescu, A; Socol, G

Published: FEB 15 2020, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 503, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.144317

Hybrid organic-inorganic thin films based on zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and ZnO nanoparticles were deposited by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE). Synthesized by a simple wet chemical precipitation method, the ZnO nanoparticles were featured by a hexagonal wurtzite structure, a band-gap value of similar to 3.3 eV and emission bands typical for this semiconductor. The hybrid films containing ZnPc and various amounts of ZnO nanoparticles were evaluated from morphological, compositional, structural, optical and electrical point of view. No chemical decomposition of the organic compound was observed in the FTIR spectra of the deposited layers. The transmittance and photoluminescence spectra recorded on hybrid films disclose the optical signature of both organic (ZnPc) and inorganic (ZnO) components. The electrical measurements carried out under illumination emphasized the importance of the quantity of the inorganic component on the performance parameters of the structures prepared with the hybrid films. Our study provides new insight in the MAPLE deposition of the organic-inorganic hybrid films with potential applications in the photovoltaic cells area.

17. On the Physical Properties PEDOT:PSS Thin Films

Authors: Girtan, M; Mallet, R; Socol, M; Stanculescu, A

Published: MAR 2020, MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS, 22, DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2019.100735

A complete characterization from optical, morphological, electrical, photo-electrical and thermo-electrical point of view was done for PEDOT:PSS thin films and DMSO and EG sensitized PEDOT:PSS films. The studies on the electrical conductivity and electrical photoconductivity allowed the calculation of different relaxation times. The relaxation time of the electrical conductivity is of order of femtosecond and is multiplied by a factor 10 when PEDOT: PSS thin films were deposited on surfaces sensitized with DMSO and EG. Besides, the photoconduction excitation and relaxation times are of order of seconds. An increase in the relaxation photoconduction time by 2 was observed for films deposited on surfaces sensitized with DMSO and by 1.2 for films deposited on surfaces sensitized with EG. The time response of electrical conductivity after exposure to light adds supplementary knowledge for the understanding of the inertial processes, or hysteresis behavior of organic or perovskite solar cells involving PEDOT:PSS films. The electrical conductivity increases with the temperature and the use of DMSO and EG as surfactants lead to higher values of electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. A better stability of the electrical conductivity with the temperature increase, was noticed for films deposited on surfaces sensitized with DMSO.

18. Effect of ITO electrode patterning on the properties of organic heterostructures based on non-fullerene acceptor prepared by MAPLE

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Breazu, C; Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Preda, N; Petre, G; Solonaru, AM; Grigoras, M; Stanculescu, F; Socol, G; Popescu-Pelin, G; Girtan, M

Published: APR 15 2020, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 509, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.145351

This paper presents some studies on the organic heterostructures realized by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation in both bi-layer and mixed layer configurations on glass substrates covered by flat or nano-patterned ITO. The donor, a star-shaped arylenevinylene compound, 4,4',4 ''-tris[(4'-diphenylamino) styryl] triphenylamine, and acceptor, a non-fullerene compound, N,N'-bis-(1-dodecyl)perylene-3,4,9,10 tetracarboxylic diimide, were blended in three weight ratios: 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. A grating of cylindrical pillars with a periodicity of 1.1 mu m has been developed by UV-Nanoimprint Lithography in a polymer layer. The shape of the nanostructures changed to cone trunk by the Pulsed Laser Deposition of ITO on this nanostructured surface. The effect of the nanostructures and composition on the optical and electrical properties of the heterostructures was analyzed. The nano-patterning affected both the UV-Vis transmission and photoluminescence through the multiple reflections inside the cavities and at interfaces and the particularities of the molecular arrangement. The patterning was preserved independently of composition, but the roughness increased with increasing acceptor amount. The I-V characteristics drawn at room temperature in dark revealed an ohmic contact behavior for all heterostructures. The nano-patterning had a similar effect on the current in the heterostructures with mixed layer (1:2) and stacked bi-layer.

19. Thin Films Based on Cobalt Phthalocyanine:C60 Fullerene:ZnO Hybrid Nanocomposite Obtained by Laser Evaporation

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Costas, A; Borca, B; Popescu-Pelin, G; Mihailescu, A; Socol, G; Stanculescu, A

Published: MAR 2020, NANOMATERIALS, 10, DOI: 10.3390/nano10030468

Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was used to deposit hybrid nanocomposite thin films based on cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), C60 fullerene and ZnO nanoparticles. The inorganic nanoparticles, with a size of about 20 nm, having the structural and optical properties characteristic of ZnO, were chemically synthesized by a simple precipitation method. Furthermore, ZnO nanoparticles were dispersed in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution in which CoPc and C60 had been dissolved, ready for the freezing MAPLE target. The effect of the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the CoPc:C60:ZnO hybrid nanocomposite layers deposited by MAPLE was evaluated. The infrared spectra of the hybrid nanocomposite films confirm that the CoPc and C60 preserve their chemical structure during the laser deposition process. The CoPc optical signature is recognized in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra of the obtained layers, these being dominated by the absorption bands associated to this organic compound while the ZnO optical fingerprint is identified in the photoluminescence spectra of the prepared layers, these disclosing the emission bands linked to this inorganic semiconductor. The hybrid nanocomposite layers exhibit globular morphology, which is typical for the thin films deposited by MAPLE. Current-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the structures developed on CoPc:C60:ZnO layers reveal that the addition of an appropriate amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the CoPc:C60 mixture leads to a more efficient charge transfer between the organic and inorganic components. Due to their photovoltaic effect, structures featuring such hybrid nanocomposite thin films deposited by MAPLE can have potential applications in the field of photovoltaic devices.

20. Pulsed Laser Deposition of Indium Tin Oxide Thin Films on Nanopatterned Glass Substrates

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Rasoga, O; Costas, A; Stanculescu, A; Breazu, C; Gherendi, F; Socol, G

Published: JAN 2019, COATINGS, 9, DOI: 10.3390/coatings9010019

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were grown on nanopatterned glass substrates by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The deposition was carried out at 1.2 J/cm(2) laser fluence, low oxygen pressure (1.5 Pa) and on unheated substrate. Arrays of periodic pillars with widths of similar to 350 nm, heights of similar to 250 nm, and separation pitches of similar to 1100 nm were fabricated on glass substrates using UV nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL), a simple, cost-effective, and high throughput technique used to fabricate nanopatterns on large areas. In order to emphasize the influence of the periodic patterns on the properties of the nanostructured ITO films, this transparent conductive oxide (TCO) was also grown on flat glass substrates. Therefore, the structural, compositional, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of both non-patterned and patterned ITO films were investigated in a comparative manner. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirms that the ITO films preserve the In2O3:SnO2 weight ratio from the solid ITO target. The SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images prove that the deposited ITO films retain the pattern of the glass substrates. The optical investigations reveal that patterned ITO films present a good optical transmittance. The electrical measurements show that both the non-patterned and patterned ITO films are characterized by a low electrical resistivity (<2.8 x 10(-4)). However, an improvement in the Hall mobility was achieved in the case of the nanopatterned ITO films, evidencing the potential applications of such nanopatterned TCO films obtained by PLD in photovoltaic and light emitting devices.

21. ORGANIC HETEROSTRUCTURES DEPOSITED BY MAPLE ON PATTERNED AZO ELECTRODES

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, A; Popescu-Pelin, G; Gherendi, F; Socol, G; Vacareanu, L

Published: OCT-DEC 2018, DIGEST JOURNAL OF NANOMATERIALS AND BIOSTRUCTURES, 13, 1053, DOI:

The paper is focused on the investigation of the properties of some organic heterostructures deposited on patterned AZO electrodes. In the first step, 2D patterned arrays based on commercially photoresist were fabricated on glass substrates using nanoimprint litography. Next, on these periodic nanostructures, the transparent AZO layers were deposited by pulsed laser deposition. Further, heterostructures consisting in organic thin films such as 4,7 diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen) (electron transport layer), N,N'-di(1-naftalenil)-N,N'-diafenil-(1,1'-bifenil)-4,4'-diamina (alpha-NPD) (hole transport layer) and arylenevinylene oligomers (3,3-bis (N-hexylcarbazole)vinylbenzene (P13) and 1,4-bis [4-(N,N-diphenylamino)phenylvinyl] benzene (P78)) were obtained by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation. The fabricated multilayer organic structures have been investigated from optical (UV-VIS spectroscopy), morphological (scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) and electrical (I-V characteristics) point of view. An improvement in the current value recorded on the samples prepared on nanostructured electrode was recorded. The results evidence the possibility to integrate these heterostructures in organic electronic devices.

22. Flexible organic heterostructures obtained by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Stanculescu, A; Costas, A; Stanculescu, F; Girtan, M; Gherendi, F; Popescu-Pelin, G; Socol, G

Published: SEP 2018, APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING, 124, DOI: 10.1007/s00339-018-1960-3

Organic heterostructures based on zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) were deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique on conductive flexible substrate (ITO/PET) in three configurations: ZnPc/PTCDA (stacked layers), ZnPc:PTCDA (blend) and ZnPc/ZnPc:PTCDA/PTCDA. The effect of the configuration on the optical and electrical properties of the obtained heterostructures was investigated. For all heterostructures was observed an improved optical absorption in visible domain. The I-V characteristics recorded under illumination, revealed higher short circuit current (I (SC)) values for the ZnPc:PTCDA and ZnPc/ZnPc:PTCDA/PTCDA structures in comparison with that of the ZnPc/PTCDA structure. The results proved that by MAPLE can be obtained flexible organic heterostructures (in different configurations) with properties adequate for applications in flexible electronics and solar cell fields.

23. On the properties of organic heterostructures prepared with nano-patterned metallic electrode

Authors: Breazu, C; Socol, M; Preda, N; Matei, E; Rasoga, O; Girtan, M; Mallet, R; Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A

Published: JUN 15 2018, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 443, 602, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.02.103

This paper presents a comparative study between the properties of the heterostructures realized with single/multi layer organic (zinc phthalocyanine or/and fullerene) prepared on Si substrate between flat or patterned aluminum (Al) layer metallic electrode and multi layer ZnO/Au/ZnO transparent conductor electrode (TCE). The UV-Nanoimprint Lithography was used for the realization of a 2D array of nanostructures (holes/pillars) characterized by a periodicity of 1.1 mu m and cylindrical shape: diameter = 400 nm and depth/height = 300 nm. The effect of the electrode patterning on the properties of the organic heterostructures was analyzed. For the samples with patterned Al electrode was remarked a slight red shift of the peaks in the reflection spectra determined by an increased interaction between the organic molecules in the delimited region of the patterned holes. The shape of the emission spectra at excitation with UV light showed a narrow intense peak around 500 nm associated with the intense resonance phenomena between the energy of the incident light and the surface plasmons in the patterned Al layer. The TCE followed the morphology of the organic film on which it was deposited. The significant differences between the morphology of the top layer in the heterostructures realized on flat and patterned Al are correlated with the total thickness of the successively deposited layers and with the particularities of the molecular arrangement, leading to the preservation or deleting of patterning. An injection contact behavior was evidence for most heterostructures built on flat and patterned Al. The slight increase in current at an applied bias <1 V in the heterostructure Si/Al/ZnPc/TCE is attributed to the larger interfacial area between the patterned Al electrode and ZnPc layer compared to the interface area between flat Al and ZnPc. A buffer layer of 1,4,5,8-naphthalen-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA), sandwiched between the flat metallic electrode and organic film in the heterostructure Si/Al/C60/ZnPc/TCE has determined an increase in the current at low applied voltages. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

24. Organic heterostructures obtained on ZnO/Ag/ZnO electrode

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Florica, C; Costas, A; Istrate, CM; Stanculescu, A; Girtan, M; Gherendi, F

Published: AUG 2018, VACUUM, 154, 370, DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2018.05.039

This work is focused on the use of multilayer transparent conductive electrode (TCE) based on ZnO/Ag/ZnO in the fabrication of the organic heterostructures. The ZnO/Ag/ZnO obtained combining sputtering/thermal evaporation/sputtering techniques is featured by a good optical transmittance, a low electrical resistivity and a reduced roughness. All these characteristics recommend it as a viable alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) for different applications. The organic materials, N,N' - diphenyl N,N' - bis (1 - aphthyl) 1,1' - biphenyl 4,4' - diamine (alpha-NPD), 5,12-Dihydro-5-12-dimethylquino [2,3-b]acridine-7,14dione (DMQA) and 4,7 diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen) were deposited by vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) method, the properties of the obtained layers being investigated by FTIR, UV-VIS and PL) spectroscopy. The I-V characteristic (recorded in dark) of the organic heterostructure fabricated on the ZnO/Ag/ZriO electrode shows diode behavior, revealing its potential applications in the organic light emitting devices (OLED).

25. Biocomposite coatings based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/calcium phosphates obtained by MAPLE for bone tissue engineering

Authors: Rasoga, O; Sima, L; Chiritoiu, M; Popescu-Pelin, G; Fufa, O; Grumezescu, V; Socol, M; Stanculescu, A; Zgura, I; Socol, G

Published: SEP 30 2017, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 417, 212, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.01.205

The aim of our research was to synthesize and investigate the physico-chemical and biological features of composite coatings based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and commercial calcium phosphates (CaPs), hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate, obtained by means of matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. In this respect, laser fluence and dropcast studies were performed for pristine polymer and PHBV-CaPs composites. The microstructure of the synthesized coatings was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while for the chemical structure and functional integrity we performed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comparative analysis. By using the X-ray diffraction measurements we experimentally evaluated the crystalline nature of the obtained composite materials, while relevant data regarding the hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior of the synthesized coatings were obtained by performing static CA measurements. The biocompatibility of PHBV/CaPs coatings was evaluated by performing cellular adhesion and differentiation in vitro assays on mesenchymal stem cells. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

26. IZO deposited by PLD on flexible substrate for organic heterostructures

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Stanculescu, A; Breazu, C; Florica, C; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, F; Socol, G

Published: MAY 2017, APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING, 123, DOI: 10.1007/s00339-017-0992-4

In: ZnO (IZO) thin films were deposited on flexible plastic substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The obtained layers present adequate optical and electrical properties competitive with those based on indium tin oxide (ITO). The figure of merit (9 X 10(-3) Omega(-1)) calculated for IZO layers demonstrates that high quality coatings can be prepared by this deposition technique. A thermal annealing (150 degrees C for 1 h) or an oxygen plasma etching (6 mbar for 10 min.) were applied to the IZO layers to evaluate the influence of these treatments on the properties of the transparent coatings. Using vacuum evaporation, organic heterostructures based on cooper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) were deposited on the untreated and treated IZO layers. The optical and electrical properties of the heterostructures were investigated by UVVis, FTIR and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. For the heterostructure fabricated on IZO treated in oxygen plasma, an improvement in the current value with at least one order of magnitude was evidenced in the I-V characteristics recorded in dark conditions. Also, an increase in the current value for the heterostructure deposited on untreated IZO layer can be achieved by adding an organic layer such as tris-8-hydroxyquinoline aluminium (Alq(3)).

27. Effect of heavy ions irradiation on the properties of benzil crystals

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Socol, M; Matei, E; Stanculescu, A

Published: AUG 2017, CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, 52, DOI: 10.1002/crat.201700047

Thick slices mechanically polished cut from a pure benzil ingot grown from melt in a modified Bridgman-Stockbarger configuration were irradiated with Ni ions having a specific energy of 11.4 MeV/u at different fluences. The effect of radiation on the properties of bulk benzil has been investigated. The chemical structure was not substantially affected as shown by infrared spectrum. The changes induced on the disorder degree have been evaluated from the Urbach law and X Ray Diffraction measurements. The morphology and surface topography have been analyzed emphasising a decrease in the size of granules and an increase in the surface roughness by irradiation. No effect of irradiation on the photoluminescence emission and optical nonlinear properties has been evidenced. These results recommend benzil as candidate for applications in space technology.

28. MAPLE prepared heterostructures with oligoazomethine: Fullerene derivative mixed layer for photovoltaic applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Rasoga, O; Socol, M; Vacareanu, L; Grigoras, M; Socol, G; Stanculescu, F; Breazu, C; Matei, E; Preda, N; Girtan, M

Published: SEP 30 2017, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 417, 195, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.03.053

Mixed layers of azomethine oligomers containing 2,5-diamino-3,4-dicyanothiophene as central unit and triphenylamine (LV5) or carbazol (LV4) at both ends as donor and fullerene derivative, [6,6]-phenylC61 butyric acid butyl ester ([C60] PCB-C4) as acceptor, have been prepared by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) on glass/ITO and Si substrates. The effect of weight ratio between donor and acceptor (1: 1; 1: 2) and solvent type (chloroform, dimethylsulphoxide) on the optical (UV-vis transmission/absorption, photoluminescence) and morphological properties of LV4 (LV5): [C60] PCB-C4 mixed layers has been evidenced. Dark and under illumination I-V characteristics of the heterostructures realized with these mixed layers sandwiched between ITO and Al electrodes have revealed a solar cell behavior for the heterostructures prepared with both LV4 and LV5 using chloroform as matrix solvent. The solar cell structure realized with oligomer LV5, glass/ITO/LV5: [C60] PCB-C4 (1: 1) has shown the best parameters. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

29. MEASUREMENT OF CHARGE CARRIER MOBILITY IN PEROVSKITE NANOWIRE FILMS BY PHOTO-CELIV METHOD

Authors: Aukstuolis, A; Girtan, M; Mousdis, GA; Mallet, R; Socol, M; Rasheed, M; Stanculescu, A

Published: JAN-MAR 2017, PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROMANIAN ACADEMY SERIES A-MATHEMATICS PHYSICS TECHNICAL SCIENCES INFORMATION SCIENCE, 18, 41, DOI:

In this paper the holes' mobility for the configuration FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/SpiroMeOTAD/Au was measured for the first time by the Photo-CELIV method. The TiO2 dense film was deposited by reactive sputtering at room temperature on FTO glass substrates. High crystalized perovskite films were deposited from solutions in one step by spin coating. Spiro-MeOTAD molecular glass was used as holes transporting layer. The highest holes' mobility from TiO2 thin film through the perovskite and Spiro MeOTAD film to the top gold electrode was of Order 8.5x10(-7) cm(2)/Vs.

30. Organic heterostructures deposited by MAPLE on AZO substrate

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Stanculescu, A; Breazu, C; Florica, C; Stanculescu, F; Iftimie, S; Girtan, M; Popescu-Pelin, G; Socol, G

Published: SEP 30 2017, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 417, 203, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.02.260

Organic heterostructures based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene (C60) as blends or multilayer were deposited on Al:ZnO (AZO) by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The AZO layers were obtained by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) on glass substrate, the high quality of the films being reflected by the calculated figure of merit. The organic heterostructures were investigated from morphological, optical and electrical point of view by atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements, respectively. The increase of the C60 content in the blend heterostructure has as result a high roughness. Compared with the multilayer heterostructure, those based on blends present an improvement in the electrical properties. Under illumination, the highest current value was recorded for the heterostructure based on the blend with the higher C60 amount. The obtained results showed that MAPLE is a useful technique for the deposition of the organic heterostructures on AZO as transparent conductor electrode. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

31. Oxide/metal/oxide electrodes for solar cell applications

Authors: Hrostea, L; Boclinca, M; Socol, M; Leontie, L; Stanculescu, A; Girtan, M

Published: APR 2017, SOLAR ENERGY, 146, 469, DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2017.03.017

In this paper the influence of the heat treatment on the structural and optical properties of oxide single layer and multilayer transparent thin film structures of ITO/Au/ITO, AZO/Au/AZO, TiO2/Au/TiO2 and Bi2O3/Au/Bi2O3 type is studied. The single-layer oxides and respective multilayer structures have been deposited on glass substrates by successive DC magnetron sputtering using metallic targets ln:Sn, Zn:Al, Ti and Bi, in reactive (for the oxide films) or inert (for the metallic Au interlayer films) atmosphere. Good quality transparent conducting thin film structures have been obtained, with resistivity similar to 10(-4) Omega cm and transmittance similar to 75%. The wetting surface properties in function of time exposure at UV radiation (254 nm) have been also studied before and after heat treatment performed at 450 degrees C. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

32. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE PROPERTIES OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL NANOPATTERNED METALLIC FILM

Authors: Breazu, C; Preda, N; Socol, M; Stanculescu, F; Matei, E; Stavarache, I; Iordache, G; Girtan, M; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, A

Published: OCT-DEC 2016, Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures, 11, 1229, DOI:

This paper presents some investigations of the effect of nanopatterning on the properties of aluminum layer deposited by sputtering. UV-Nanoimprint Lithography technique has been used for the realization of a 2D array of nanostructures (pillars) in aluminum film characterized by cylindrical shape and the following structural parameters: diameter between 400 nm and 490 nm, depth between 320 nm and 420 nm and periodicity of 1.1 mu m, which have been revealed by SEM and AFM measurements. The UV-Vis transmission, reflection and photoluminescence measurements have evidenced the effect of the nanopatterning on the optical properties of the A1 layer.

33. Polycarbonate-Based Blends for Optical Non-linear Applications

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A

Published: FEB 13 2016, NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS, 11, DOI: 10.1186/s11671-016-1256-5

This paper presents some investigations on the optical and morphological properties of the polymer (matrix): monomer (inclusion) composite materials obtained from blends of bisphenol A polycarbonate and amidic monomers. For the preparation of the composite films, we have selected monomers characterised by a maleamic acid structure and synthesised them starting from maleic anhydride and aniline derivatives with -COOH, -NO2, -N(C2H5)(2) functional groups attached to the benzene ring. The composite films have been deposited by spin coating using a mixture of two solutions, one containing the matrix and the other the inclusion, both components of the composite system being dissolved in the same solvent. The optical transmission and photoluminescence properties of the composite films have been investigated in correlation with the morphology of the films. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy have revealed a non-uniform morphology characterised by the development of two distinct phases. We have also investigated the generation of some optical non-linear (ONL) phenomena in these composite systems. The composite films containing as inclusions monomers characterised by the presence of one -COOH or two -NO2 substituent groups to the aromatic nucleus have shown the most intense second-harmonic generation (SHG). The second-order optical non-linear coefficients have been evaluated for these films, and the effect of the laser power on the ONL behaviour of these materials has also been emphasised.

34. MAPLE preparation and characterization of mixed arylenevinylene based oligomers:C-60 layers

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, G; Vacareanu, L; Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Breazu, C; Girtan, M; Stanculescu, F

Published: JUN 30 2016, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 374, 289, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.11.250

This paper presents some studies about the preparation by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) of mixed layers based on two arylenevinylene oligomers, 1,4-bis [4-(N,N'-diphenylamino)phenylvinyl] benzene (L78) and 3,3'-bis(N-hexylcarbazole)vinylbenzene (L13) as donor and buckminsterfullerene (C-60) as acceptor, blended in three different weight ratios: 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. The optical, morphological, structural and electrical properties of these mixed layers have been investigated emphasizing the effect of the layer composition and of the significant degree of disorder. I-V characteristics have revealed typically solar cell behaviour for the heterostructures prepared with mixed layers containing L78 (L13) and fullerene blended in a weight ratio of 1:2. The solar cell structure glass/ITO/L13:C-60/Al has shown the best parameters. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

35. MAPLE fabrication of thin films based on kanamycin functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with anti-pathogenic properties

Authors: Grumezescu, V; Andronescu, E; Holban, AM; Mogoanta, L; Mogosanu, GD; Grumezescu, AM; Stanculescu, A; Socol, G; Iordache, F; Maniu, H; Chifiriuc, MC

Published: MAY 1 2015, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 336, 195, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.10.177

In this study we aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of kanamycin functionalized 5 nm-magnetite (Fe3O(4)@ KAN) nanoparticles thin films deposited by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. A laser deposition regime was established in order to stoichiometrically transfer Fe3O4@ KAN thin films on silicone and glass substrates. Morphological and physico-chemical properties of powders and coatings were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, AFM and IR microscopy(IRM). Our nanostructured thin films have proved efficiency in the prevention of microbial adhesion and mature biofilms development as a result of antibiotic release in its active form. Furthermore, kanamycin functionalized nanostructures exhibit a good biocompatibility, both in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating their potential for implants application. This is the first study reporting the assessment of the in vivo biocompatibility of a magnetite-antimicrobial thin films produced by MAPLE technique. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

36. MAPLE prepared heterostructures with arylene based polymer active layer for photovoltaic applications

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Rasoga, O; Catargiu, AM; Vacareanu, L; Socol, M; Breazu, C; Preda, N; Socol, G; Stanculescu, A

Published: MAY 1 2015, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 336, 248, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.11.146

This paper presents some studies about the preparation by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique of heterostructures with single layer of arylene based polymer, poly[N-(2-ethylhexy1)2.7-carbazoly1 vinylene]/AMC16 and poly[N-(2-ethylhexy1)2.7-carbazolyl 1.4-phenylene ethynylene]/AMC22, and with layers of these polymers mixed with Buckminsterfullerene/C-60 in the weight ratio of 1:2 (AMC16: C60) and 1:3 (AMC22: C60). The deposited layers have been characterized by spectroscopic (UV-Vis-NIR, PL, FTIR) and microscopic (SEM, AFM) methods. The effect of the polymer particularities on the optical and electrical properties of the structures based on polymer and polymer: C-60 mixed layer has been analyzed. The study of the electrical properties has revealed typical solar cell behavior for the heterostructure prepared by MAPLE on glass/ITO/PEDOT-PSS with AMC16, AMC22 and AMC22: C-60 layer, confirming that this method is adequate for the preparation of polymeric and mixed active layers for solar cells applications. The highest photovoltaic effect was shown by the solar cell structure realized with single layer of AMC16 polymer: g1a55/ITO/PEDOT-PSSIA1VIC16/A1. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

37. Studies on Pr3+-Yb3+ codoped ZBLA as rare earth down convertor glasses for solar cells encapsulation

Authors: Merigeon, J; Maalej, O; Boulard, B; Stanculescu, A; Leontie, L; Mardare, D; Girtan, M

Published: OCT 2015, OPTICAL MATERIALS, 48, 246, DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2015.08.008

The non-absorption of photons with energies below the bandgap (E-g) and the thermalization of photons with energies higher than E-g are the dominant loss processes of single-junction solar cells. Rare earth doped glasses give the opportunity to convert the incident photons wavelength and hence to increase or decrease their energies. The conversion of photons energies by "up or down conversion" leads to the possibility to increase the efficiencies of all classes of single-junction solar cells. Depending on the nature of doping materials, two low energy photons can be converted into one high-energy photon (up-conversion), or one high energy photon, can be converted into two low energy photons (down-conversion). In this paper, Pr3+-Yb3+ down-conversion co-doped ZBLA glasses were tested as encapsulation materials for silicon solar cells. The J-V characterizations were done under solar simulator irradiation. The influence of Yb3+ concentration on the solar cells performances was investigated, showing that an optimum value between 0.5 and 2 mol% conducts to an increase of the device efficiency comparing to mono-doped ZBLA material. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

38. EFFECT OF CHOLESTEROL ON THE DEPOSITION OF BETA-AMYLOID 1-40 AND 1-42 FILMS

Authors: Breazu, C; Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Rasoga, O

Published: JAN-MAR 2015, DIGEST JOURNAL OF NANOMATERIALS AND BIOSTRUCTURES, 10, 313, DOI:

We report the pressure vs area isotherms of Langmuir films of pure and doped with cholesterol (Ch) amyloid beta, A beta (1-40) and (1-42) at the air-water interface and, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of A beta (1-40) and (1-42) layers deposited from solution by drop cast and/or dipping and/or Langmuir-Blodgett on substrates of quartz and Si. The particularity of the substrate surface morphology determines the adhesion forces and plays an important role in the formation and stability of the multilayer films which are deposited on these substrates. The effect of cholesterol on the morphology of amyloids films and appearance of fibril structures is also analysed. AFM investigations have revealed the particularities of the aggregation process of the strongly hydrophobic A beta (1-42) on cholesterol films deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett on solid support of quartz and Si.

39. Organic heterostructures based on arylenevinylene oligomers deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Vacareanu, L; Grigoras, M; Socol, G; Mihailescu, N; Stanculescu, F; Jelinek, M; Stanculescu, A; Stoicanescu, M

Published: MAY 30 2014, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 302, 222, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.12.091

Organic heterostructures were fabricated by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) method using arylenevinylene oligomers based on triphenylamine (P78)/carbazole (P13) group and tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum salt (Alq3). Optical properties of the organic multilayer structures were characterized by spectroscopic techniques: FTIR, UV-vis and photoluminescence (PL). A good transparency (over 60%) was remarked for the structures with two organic layers in the 550-800 nm range. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra proved that the emission characteristics of the materials have been preserved. I-V characteristics of (ITO/oligomer/Alq3/Al and ITO/Alq3/Al) heterostructures were symmetrically while rectifying properties of these heterostructures have not been observed. A comparison between the heterostructures made of layers with different thickness reveals that the higher current (8 x 10(-6) A at 1 V) was obtained for the ITO/P78/Alq3/Al heterostructure, which is characterized by a larger thickness of the double organic layer. AFM measurements revealed a similar topography while RMS values of the reported structures depend on the organic material. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40. Organic/inorganic-doped aromatic derivative crystals: Growth and properties

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Ionita, I; Stanculescu, A

Published: SEP 1 2014, JOURNAL OF CRYSTAL GROWTH, 401, 220, DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2014.01.056

Results of a comparative study on the growth from melt by the Bridgman-Slockbarger method of metadinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and benzil (Bz) crystals in the same experimental set-up and the same experimental conditions are presented. The incorporation of an inorganic (iodine) dopant in m-DNB was analyzed in the given experimental conditions from the point of view of the solid-liquid interlace stability. The limits for a stable growth and the conditions that favor the generation of morphological instability are emphasized. These limits for m-DNB are compatible with those previously determined for Bz, and therefore, even for a high gradient concentration at the growth interface, it is possible to grow mDNB and Bz crystals in the same experimental conditions characterized by a high AT and t', The optical properties were investigated in relation with the dopant incorporation in the crystal in the mentioned experimental conditions. Effects of the dopant (m-DNB/iodine in Bz and iodine in m-ONES) on the optical band gap and optical non-linear properties of the crystals are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

41. Laser prepared organic heterostructures based on star-shaped arylenevinylene compounds

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, G; Grigoras, M; Ivan, T; Vacareanu, L; Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Breazu, C; Mihailescu, IN; Iordache, I; Preda, N; Stanculescu, F

Published: OCT 2014, APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING, 117, 268, DOI: 10.1007/s00339-014-8521-1

This paper presents some studies about the preparation by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique of organic bulk heterojunctions made from the mixture of a star-shaped arylenevinylene compound, 4,4',4aEuro(3)-tris[(4'-diphenylamino)styryl] triphenylamine as donor and fullerene derivative, [6, 6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid butyl ester, as acceptor, in the weight ratio 1:2. The mixed layer has been characterized by spectroscopic (UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared) and microscopic (AFM) methods, and the effects of the deposition conditions (number of pulses) and of a buffer layer of poly(aniline-co-aniline propane sulfonic acid) or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) have been analyzed. The study of the electrical properties has revealed a typical solar cell behavior for the heterostructure glass/ITO/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/4,4',4aEuro(3)-tris[(4'-diphenylamino)styryl] triphenylamine: [6, 6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid butyl ester/Al, confirming that MAPLE could be an adequate method for the preparation of active layer based on bulk heterojunction for solar cells.

42. Laser prepared organic heterostuctures on glass/AZO substrates

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Mihailescu, IN; Socol, G; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Stanculescu, F

Published: MAY 30 2014, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 302, 176, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.01.181

This paper presents some studies about the bi-layer organic heterostructures realized with zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as donor layer and 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) as acceptor layer, on substrate of glass covered by Al doped ZnO (AZO) layer. These heterostructures have been prepared using laser techniques: pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in an atmosphere of oxygen for AZO films deposition and matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) for organic films deposition. The influence of the deposition conditions on the transmission of the organic films has been analysed. The effect of the oxygen plasma treatment, with duration of 5 min and 10 min, on the surface topography, structural and optical properties of AZO layers deposited by PLD and, as consequence, on the optical and electrical properties of the single layer (ZnPc) and bi-layer (ZnPc/NTCDA) organic heterostructure, deposited by MAPLE, was investigated. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

43. Aromatic Derivatives Based Materials for Optoelectronic Applications

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A

Published: 2013, OPTOELECTRONICS - ADVANCED MATERIALS AND DEVICES, 336, DOI: 10.5772/51675

44. MAPLE DEPOSITION OF PLGA MICRO- AND NANOPARTICLES EMBEDDED INTO POLYMERIC COATINGS

Authors: Socol, G; Preda, N; Socol, M; Sima, L; Luculescu, CR; Sima, F; Miroiu, M; Axente, E; Visan, A; Stefan, N; Cristescu, R; Dorcioman, G; Stanculescu, A; Radulescu, L; Mihailescu, IN

Published: APR-JUN 2013, DIGEST JOURNAL OF NANOMATERIALS AND BIOSTRUCTURES, 8, 630, DOI:

We report the film deposition of Poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particle systems by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. PLGA+polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PLGA+PVA+ bovine serum albumin (BSA) and PLGA+PVA+chitosan (CH) nanoparticles were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method. The average diameter of PLGA particles was between 180-250 nm. The coatings were obtained by laser evaporation of frozen targets prepared by mixing appropriate PLGA aqueous suspensions and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in three ratios. Depending on the DMSO content, we deposited PLGA particles embedded into polymeric layer mainly obtained due to the entirely or partially dissolving of nanoparticles into the initial solution. In vitro results showed that the distribution and morphology of osteoblast-like SaOs-2 cells on some PLGA particle coatings were similar with that of the positive control. The purpose of this study was to develop layers of PLGA particles for local controlled drug delivery.

45. On the properties of aluminium doped zinc oxide thin films deposited on plastic substrates from ceramic targets

Authors: Girtan, M; Vlad, A; Mallet, R; Bodea, MA; Pedarnig, JD; Stanculescu, A; Mardare, D; Leontie, L; Antohe, S

Published: JUN 1 2013, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 274, 313, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.03.046

We report on the deposition of Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on unheated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique using a UV excimer laser and Al2O3:ZnO ceramic targets (1.5 and 2 wt% Al2O3). The deposited AZO films have been investigated by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and optical spectrophotometry. Films present excellent optical and electrical properties (transmission in the visible range T > 85%; resistivity at room temperature rho = 1.3 x 10(-3) Omega cm) as electrodes for plastic solar cells. A good correlation was found between deposition conditions (laser fluence) and structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

46. COMBINATORIAL PULSED LASER DEPOSITION OF AG-CONTAINING CALCIUM PHOSPHATE COATINGS

Authors: Socol, G; Socol, M; Sima, L; Petrescu, S; Enculescu, M; Sima, F; Miroiu, M; Popescu-Pelin, G; Stefan, N; Cristescu, R; Mihailescu, CN; Stanculescu, A; Sutan, C; Mihailescu, IN

Published: APR-JUN 2012, DIGEST JOURNAL OF NANOMATERIALS AND BIOSTRUCTURES, 7, 576, DOI:

Embedding silver (Ag) into CaPs one could expect the enhancement of the antimicrobial performances of coatings for load bearing implants. The aim of this research was to evaluate whether the cellular morphology is influenced by the variation of Ag content, as well as by the solubility and morphological features of Ag-containing CaP coatings obtained by combinatorial pulsed laser deposition technique. In this view, we developed compositional libraries of either Ag and hydroxyapatite (HA) or Ag and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP). The Ag content along the length of the combinatorial CaP coatings increased up to a maximum of similar to 1 at.%. SEM and AFM images evidenced the abundant presence of particulates typical for CaP coatings deposited by PLD. AFM histograms showed that the samples were rough with RMS values within 61-209 nm range. Ag content values up to 0.6 at. % into HA coatings were found nontoxic for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) growth.

47. Pulsed laser deposition of transparent conductive oxide thin films on flexible substrates

Authors: Socol, G; Socol, M; Stefan, N; Axente, E; Popescu-Pelin, G; Craciun, D; Duta, L; Mihailescu, CN; Mihailescu, IN; Stanculescu, A; Visan, D; Sava, V; Galca, AC; Luculescu, CR; Craciun, V

Published: NOV 1 2012, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 260, 46, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.02.148

The influence of target-substrate distance during pulsed laser deposition of indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminium-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films grown on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates was investigated. It was found that the properties of such flexible transparent conductive oxide (TCO)/PET electrodes critically depend on this parameter. The TCO films that were deposited at distances of 6 and 8 cm exhibited an optical transmittance higher than 90% in the visible range and electrical resistivities around 5 x 10(-4) Omega cm. In addition to these excellent electrical and optical characteristics the films grown at 8 cm distance were homogenous, smooth, adherent, and without cracks or any other extended defects, being suitable for opto-electronic device applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

48. Effect of the morphology on the optical and electrical properties of polycarbonate film doped with aniline derivatives monomers

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A; Girtan, M; Socol, M; Rasoga, O

Published: JAN 2012, SYNTHETIC METALS, 161, 2597, DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2011.09.012

In this paper we present some comparative studies between the optical and electrical properties of the films prepared by vacuum evaporation from amidic monomeric compounds obtained from maleic anhydride and aniline derivative with different functional groups [CN; NO2], and the composite films prepared by spin-coating from a polycarbonate of bisphenol A matrix embedding clusters of these amidic monomers. We have emphasised the effect of the polymeric matrix on the properties of the synthesised monomers with the purpose to change the physical properties of the films (optical transmission, luminescence, electrical conduction, optical non-linear phenomena). The correlation between the morphology of the films and the optical and electrical properties has also been investigated. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

49. ON TITANIUM OXIDE SPRAY DEPOSITED THIN FILMS FOR SOLAR CELLS APPLICATIONS

Authors: Vaiciulis, I; Girtan, M; Stanculescu, A; Leontie, L; Habelhames, F; Antohe, S

Published: OCT-DEC 2012, PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROMANIAN ACADEMY SERIES A-MATHEMATICS PHYSICS TECHNICAL SCIENCES INFORMATION SCIENCE, 13, 342, DOI:

Titanium oxide is one of the most promising candidate for relatively low cost, simple manufacture and high-performance new generation solar cells and the recent achievements in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) efficiencies and life time confirm the fact that these new generation solar cells becomes one of the future solutions in energy conversion. In DSSCs the presence of a dense titanium oxide layer is necessary in order to avoid short circuits between electrodes. Then, the interest to have a second porous TiO2 layer is determined by the fact that compared to a flat surface, a dye-sensitized porous surface area increase the absorption and hence conduct to the increase of solar cells efficiencies. Generally these two layers are prepared by successive depositions using two different methods. In this paper we present a simple technique to prepare both layers during the same spraying process. Films morphology and structure of titanium oxide deposited on glass and ITO substrate was investigated by AFM, SEM and XRD respectively.

50. Optical and electrical properties of arylenevinylene compounds thin films prepared by vacuum evaporation

Authors: Rasoga, O; Vacareanu, L; Grigoras, M; Enculescu, M; Socol, M; Stanculescu, F; Ionita, I; Stanculescu, A

Published: JAN 2012, SYNTHETIC METALS, 161, 2617, DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2011.10.001

This paper discusses the properties of two arylenevinylene oligomers thin films deposited by vacuum evaporation on different substrates. The morphology of the thin films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and the optical properties by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The optical nonlinear phenomenon of two-photon absorption induced fluorescence has been evidenced in the thin films of these compounds. We have also investigated the electrical properties of semiconductor/insulator/semiconductor (ITO/oligomer/Si) heterostructures in correlation with the contact energetic barriers, morphological and structural properties of the layers. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

51. Influence of Al doping agents nature on the physical properties of Al:ZnO films deposited by spin-coating technique

Authors: Ghomrani, FZ; Iftimie, S; Gabouze, N; Serier, A; Socol, M; Stanculescu, A; Sanchez, F; Antohe, S; Girtan, M

Published: MAR 2011, OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS-RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, 5, 251, DOI:

In this paper we present the morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of aluminium doped zinc oxide films prepared by spin coating technique from a zinc acetate dihydrate and 2-methoxyethanol (0.5M) solution. AlCl3 and Al(NO3)(3) were used as doping agents in different concentrations (1at%, 4at% and 6at% in starting solution). After deposition, films were dried at 100 degrees C and then annealed at temperatures between 400 degrees C and 500 degrees C. The characterization of deposited layer was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results show that the optical and electrical properties of the structures strongly depend on the deposition conditions of ZnO:Al. In addition, the resistivity can be easily varied depending on ZnO:Al annealing temperatures and Al concentration.

52. Maple prepared organic heterostructures for photovoltaic applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Socol, G; Mihailescu, IN; Girtan, M; Stanculescu, F

Published: SEP 2011, APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING, 104, 928, DOI: 10.1007/s00339-011-6440-y

In this study, we present the deposition of ZnPc, Alq3, and PTCDA thin films using Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. We also report the realisation of multilayer structures, made by the successive application of MAPLE. The films have been characterized by spectroscopic (UV-VIS and Photoluminescence) and microscopic (SEM and AFM) methods, and the effect of different deposition conditions such as fluence, number of pulses, and target concentration on the properties has been analysed. This paper also presents some investigations on the electrical conduction in sandwich type structures ITO or Si/organic layer/Au or Cu and ITO/double organic layer/Cu, emphasising the dominant effect of the height of the energetic barriers at the inorganic/organic and organic/organic interfaces.

53. Thin films of arylenevinylene oligomers prepared by MAPLE for applications in non-linear optics

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Vacareanu, L; Grigoras, M; Socol, M; Socol, G; Stanculescu, F; Preda, N; Matei, E; Ionita, I; Girtan, M; Mihailescu, IN

Published: APR 1 2011, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 257, 5302, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.11.094

This paper discusses two arylenevinylene oligomers with optical nonlinear properties. Their trans molecular structure was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Second Harmonic Generation and two-photon fluorescence have been observed on Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation-deposited thin films. We have seen two local maxima in UV-Vis spectra and a red shift of the photoluminescence peak for carbazole-based oligomer, which can be correlated with a higher conformational flexibility and with strong polarization interactions in the solid state. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy images have revealed a grainy morphology of the film deposited on titanium and a higher roughness for carbazole-based oligomer. Second harmonic measurements have shown nearly equal values of the second-order nonlinear optical coefficient for the triphenylamine and carbazole-based oligomers for P-laser < 100 mW. z-Scan and x-scan representations of the carbazole-based oligomer film have shown strong two-photon fluorescence intensity inside the sample confirming a volume process, and a strong second harmonic at the surface of the sample determined by the surface morphology. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

54. Effect of maleic anhydride-aniline derivative buffer layer on the properties of flexible substrate heterostructures: Indium tin oxide/nucleic acid base/metal

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Socol, G; Mihailescu, IN; Girtan, M; Preda, N; Albu, AM; Stanculescu, F

Published: DEC 1 2011, THIN SOLID FILMS, 520, 1258, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2011.04.204

This paper presents some investigations on the properties of guanine (G) and cytosine (C) based heterostructures deposited on flexible substrates. The effects of two types of maleic anhydride-aniline derivatives (maleic anhydride-cyano aniline or maleic anhydride-2,4 dinitroaniline) buffer layer, deposited between indium tin oxide and (G) or (C) layer, on the optical and electrical properties of the heterostructures have been identified. The heterostructures containing a film of maleic anhydride-2,4 dinitroaniline have shown a good transparency and low photoluminescence invisible range. This buffer layer has determined an increase in the conductance only in the heterostructures based on (G) and (C) deposited on biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate substrate. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

55. TAILORING OF OPTICAL, COMPOSITIONAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF THE InxZn1-xO THIN FILMS OBTAINED BY COMBINATORIAL PULSED LASER DEPOSITION

Authors: Socol, G; Galca, AC; Luculescu, CR; Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Stefan, N; Axente, E; Duta, L; Mihailescu, CM; Craciun, V; Craciun, D; Sava, V; Mihailescu, IN

Published: JAN-MAR 2011, DIGEST JOURNAL OF NANOMATERIALS AND BIOSTRUCTURES, 6, 115, DOI:

Indium Zinc Oxide compositional libraries were fabricated by combinatorial pulsed laser deposition technique on glass substrate at room temperature. Two pairs of targets with In atomic concentrations, In/(In+Zn), of 28 at.% and 56 at.% or 42 at.% and 70 at.% were employed. A high transparency was observed for all the coatings with transmittance values better than 95%. The maximum thicknesses of the samples, inferred by spectroscopic ellipsometry, were within the 174-310 nm range for the simple PLD films, whereas in case of combinatorial PLD coatings were 341 or 467 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that In content in the combinatorial films was in the 27-52 at. % range. From atomic force microscopy histograms we evidenced a decrease of the RMS roughness down to 1 nm with the increase of the In content. As a result of the compositional library studies two minimum values of the electrical resistivity were identified at 2.3x10(-3) Omega.cm and 8.6 x 10(-4) Omega.cm, which correspond to 28.8-29.5 at.% and 44-49 at% range of Indium content.

56. Heat transfer process during the crystallization of benzil grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method

Authors: Barvinschi, F; Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F

Published: FEB 15 2011, JOURNAL OF CRYSTAL GROWTH, 317, 27, DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2010.11.028

The temperature distribution and solid-liquid interface shape during benzil growth have been studied both experimentally and numerically. The heat transfer equation with appropriate boundary conditions has been solved by modelling a vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger growth configuration. Two models have been developed, namely a global numerical model and a pseudo-transient approximation in an ideal configuration. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

57. MAPLE deposited thin monomer films of maleimidic derivatives for photonics

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Albu, AM; Socol, G; Stanculescu, F; Socol, M; Preda, N; Rasoga, O; Girtan, M; Iulian, I

Published: MAR 2010, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 12, 739, DOI:

This paper presents a study of some thin monomer films deposited by MAPLE. These monomers have been synthesised from maleic anhydride and aniline derivatives and are characterized by a molecular structure adequate for the generation of optical non-linear phenomena. UV-VIS, FTIR, Raman and Photoluminescence spectroscopy have been used to investigate the influence of the experimental conditions on the properties of the films. X-Ray Diffraction has evidenced a certain degree of disorder in the thin films, which is correlated with the randomly orientated molecules and AFM images have revealed different roughness for different monomer layers and different substrates. Second harmonic measurements have shown a strong signal emitted by the thin film prepared from the monomer with one [-NH-NH-] donor and two [-NO(2)] acceptor groups. This thin film is characterized by good transparency and low photoluminescence emission at excitation with the wavelength of the second harmonic (lambda-400 nm).

58. On the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of sol-gel deposited ZnO In films

Authors: Girtan, M; Socol, M; Pattier, B; Sylla, M; Stanculescu, A

Published: NOV 1 2010, THIN SOLID FILMS, 519, 577, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2010.07.006

Indium-doped zinc oxide thin films deposition was performed by the sol-gel technique using homogeneous and stable solutions of zinc acetate 2-hydrate and indium chloride in ethanol Films were spin coated onto glass substrates After drying and after a heat treatment at 450 degrees C highly transparent (80%-90%) films were obtained The effect on the structural morphological optical and electrical thin films properties of the dopant concentration was investigated The temperature dependencies of the electrical conductivity under vacuum and in open atmosphere were analysed and discussed (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved

59. MAPLE preparation and characterization of benzil thin films

Authors: Socol, M; Socol, G; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A; Mihailescu, I; Ionita, I; Preda, N; Enculescu, M; Antohe, S

Published: NOV 2010, OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS-RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, 4, 1806, DOI:

In this study the Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique was used to prepare thin films from a low melting point (< 100 degrees C) organic compound (benzil). Optical properties of the films have been investigated by UV-VIS, FTIR and PL spectroscopy. Details about crystallinity were obtained by XRD measurements. FTIR spectra have confirmed the preservation of the chemical structure of the compound during the deposition process. SEM and AFM investigation have evidenced a topography of the MAPLE deposited films characterized by different grain size depending on the deposition conditions. Second harmonic generation measurements have revealed that the MAPLE deposited benzil films have preserved the optical nonliniar properties of the bulk crystalline benzil.

60. Photocatalytic activity of pulsed laser deposited TiO2 thin films in N-2, O-2 and CH4

Authors: Socol, G; Gnatyuk, Y; Stefan, N; Smirnova, N; Djokic, V; Sutan, C; Malinovschi, V; Stanculescu, A; Korduban, O; Mihailescu, IN

Published: JUN 1 2010, THIN SOLID FILMS, 518, 4653, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2009.12.051

We report on pulsed laser deposition of TiO2 films on glass substrates in oxygen, methane, nitrogen and mixture of oxygen and nitrogen atmosphere. The nitrogen incorporation into TiO2 lattice was successfully achieved, as demonstrated by optical absorption and XPS measurements. The absorption edge of the N-doped TiO2 films was red-shifted up to similar to 480 nm from 360 nm in case of undoped ones. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films was investigated during toxic Cr(VI) ions photoreduction to Cr(III) state in aqueous media under irradiation with visible and UV light. Under visible light irradiation, TiO2 films deposited in nitrogen atmosphere showed the highest photocatalytic activity, whereas by UV light exposure the best results were obtained for the TiO2 structures deposited in pure methane and oxygen atmosphere. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

61. Kinetical study of the nonstoichiometric vapour growth process in the system ZnSe:I-2

Authors: Stanculescu, A

Published: AUG 2010, CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, 45, 799, DOI: 10.1002/crat.201000059

We have studied the growth of ZnSe crystals by chemical transport in a closed system in nonstoichiometric conditions, and we have deduced that the interface kinetics is the phenomenon limiting the growth process. The effect on the growth process of the deviation from stoichiometry of the II-VI compound was investigated using a mathematical model that involves indirect data computed from directly obtained experimental values. The experimental crystallization rate was compared with the maximum value of the transport flux calculated using the Arizumi-Nishinaga model. The influence of the stoichiometry of the source material and of the variations in the growth parameters (supercooling, geometrical dimension, specific loading of the ampoule and iodine concentration) on the ZnSe crystal growth process has also been studied. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

62. Effect of the morphology on the optical and electrical properties of TPyP thin films deposited by vacuum evaporation

Authors: Socol, M; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, F; Girtan, M; Stanculescu, A

Published: DEC 2010, OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS-RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, 4, 2038, DOI:

We have studied the effect of the morphology on the optical and electrical properties of the TPyP thin films deposited by vacuum evaporation on different substrates (Si with different characteristics, ITO, quartz and glass). The presence of some well-defined B and Q absorption bands has been evidenced. FTIR and photoluminescence measurements have been used to confirm the preservation of the chemical structure of the compound during the evaporation process. The contact Au/TPyP/Si(n) is rectifier, while a blocking behavior has been shown by Si(n)/TPyP/Si(n) and ITO/TPyP/Si(n) and an injector dominated behavior by Si(p)/TPyP/Si(p) and ITO/TPyP/Si(p) heterostructures. The best transmission was obtained on TPyP film deposited on ITO and the highest value of the current in heterostructures Si(n) electrode characterised by a large grain morphology and in consequence by a weak optical and charge carrier scattering at the grain boundaries.

63. Investigations of the Correlation Between the Preparation Method and the Properties of Anilinic Derivative Functionalised Polymer Thin Films for Non-Linear Optical Applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Socol, M; Albu, AM; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, F; Ionita, I; Enculescu, I

Published: 2010, ADVANCED MATERIALS FORUM V, PT 1 AND 2, 636-637, +, DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.636-637.798

This paper presents a study of two copolymers, maleic anhydride and methylmethacrilate/maleic anhydride and vinyl benzyl chloride, functionalised with polar chromophoric groups such as 2,4 dinitroaniline. Thin films have been prepared by vacuum evaporation and spin coating methods on silicon and glass substrates. UV-VIS, FTIR, XRD and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy have been used to comparatively investigate the effect of the preparation method on the properties of the thin films obtained with functionalized copolymer. SEM has evidenced differences in the morphologies of the layers suggesting a degradation of the polymeric chain during the evaporation process to fragments that conserve unchanged the chromophoric group. This explains the presence of two types of non-linear phenomena, the second harmonic emission and two-photon luminescence emissions for both vacuum evaporated and spin coated films.

64. Study of multiphoton absorption processes in a perylenediimide derivative using thermal lensing technique

Authors: Taouri, A; Derbal, H; Mountasser, R; Girtan, M; Stanculescu, A; Sylla, M

Published: JAN 2010, OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS-RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, 4, 85, DOI:

Two multiphoton absorption processes were revealed in a perylenediimide derivative, at the wavelength of 1064 nm, by using the thermal lens technique. One of the observed multiphoton processes is two photon absorption (TPA) while the second is a four photons process. The value of the measured TPA coefficient is beta = 0.12 x 10(-19) cm W-1.

65. MAPLE prepared polymeric thin films for non-linear optic applications

Authors: Socol, G; Mihailescu, IN; Albu, AM; Antohe, S; Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A; Mihut, L; Preda, N; Socol, M; Rasoga, O

Published: MAR 1 2009, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 255, 5614, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.07.206

This paper presents a study of some functionalised copolymers thin films prepared on silicon and quartz substrates by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation ( MAPLE) method. Two polymeric structures have been synthesised by the copolymerisation of maleic anhydride and methyl methacrylate, respectively, maleic anhydride and vinyl benzyl chloride and their subsequent functionalisation with 2,4-dinitroaniline. UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy have been used to investigate the influence on the properties of the films of different substrate temperature ( 150 degrees C and 250 degrees C), background N-2 pressure (5-30 Pa) and polymer concentration in target (2% and 3%). We have evidenced that this deposition process does not damage the chemical structure of the polymers. SEM investigations revealed the droplets type morphology of the polymeric films with thickness between 41 nm and 105 nm calculated from ellipsometric measurements. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

66. Preparation and Characterization of Polar Aniline Functionalized Copolymers Thin Films for Optical Non-Linear Applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Rasoga, O; Preda, N; Socol, M; Stanculescu, F; Ionita, I; Albu, AM; Socol, G

Published: 2009, FERROELECTRICS, 389, 173, DOI: 10.1080/00150190902993291

This paper presents a study of two monomeric structures containing functional groups with different electronegativities [NH/NH-NH and NO2] and two different polymeric structures prepared by the copolymerisation of maleic anhydride and methylmethacrylate/maleic anhydride and vinyl benzyl chloride, and subsequent functionalization with 2,4 dinitroaniline. Thin films have been prepared by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) and UV-VIS, FTIR, Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy have been used to comparatively investigate the properties of the synthesised compounds. We have evidenced the second harmonic emission (SHG), process sustained by the asymmetry of the chemical structure, which is correlated with the crystallization in non-centrosymmeric structures.

67. On morphological, structural and electrical properties of vacuum deposited pentacene thin films

Authors: Girtan, M; Dabos-Seignon, S; Stanculescu, A

Published: MAY 22 2009, VACUUM, 83, 1163, DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2009.03.001

Films of different thickness (50,100,150 and 200 nm) were deposited by thermal evaporation in vacuum on two types of substrates glass and ITO. The deposition was performed under a pressure of 10(-6) mB with a rate of 0.25 nm/s. Films surface investigations showed morphological and structural changes in function of films thickness and the nature of the substrate. Films optical transmission was analysed in the 280-1600 nm spectral range and the electrical measurements were done in low vacuum (10(-1):10(-2) mB) and in dark. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

68. Electrical transport in crystalline perylene derivatives films for electronic devices

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F; Socol, M; Grigorescu, O

Published: DEC 2008, SOLID STATE SCIENCES, 10, 1767, DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2008.03.023

This paper presents investigations on the electrical transport phenomena in perylene and PTCDA emphasising the particularities of the charge carrier injection at the contacts with inorganic semiconductors (Si) and metals (Cu, Al) and the effect of the supplementary organic layer (ZnPc, alpha-NPD) on the electrical conduction. The I-V characteristics for different delay and integration times, at forward and reverse bias, have evidenced a dominant ohmic behaviour of these SIS and MIS structures at low voltage (<0.1 V) and limitations of the current induced by the space charge and trap charge at voltages >1 V. An intermediate organic layer (ZnPc) with higher ionisation potential than PTCDA and lower electron affinity than perylene improves the charge carrier injection and the conduction properties of the Si/PTCDA/Si and forward biased Cu/perylene/Si heterostructures. No increase in the hole injection was obtained in Si(p)/perylene/Si(p) heterostructure introducing an a-NPD layer. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

69. Investigation of emission properties of doped aromatic derivative organic semiconductor crystals

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Mihut, L; Stanculescu, F; Alexandru, H

Published: APR 2008, JOURNAL OF CRYSTAL GROWTH, 310, 1771, DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2007.11.211

Fluorescence measurements have been made on pure and doped bulk, mechanically polished wafers of crystalline m-DNB and benzil obtained by cutting ingots grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method modified for organic compounds crystallization. By comparison with pure matrices, we have investigated the effect of an inorganic dopant (iodine, silver, sodium) and of an organic dopant (m-DNB, naphthalene) on the emission characteristics (position and shape) of these molecular crystals. A slight shift of the emission peaks through high energy and an intense emission peak situated around 2.35 eV correlated with the local trapping level attributed to structural defects, which are involved in radiative processes, have been evidenced in iodine-doped m-DNB. The emission peak of m-DNB-doped benzil situated in the high-energy range (2.97 eV) is associated with direct emission activity of m-DNB, suggesting that this is an active impurity in benzil molecular matrix. We have not observed in benzil any evidence of indirect action of the impurity molecules (atoms) associated with the traps represented by the structural defects that generate changes in the energy levels of the neighbouring molecules and are correlated with different growth conditions. We have not remarked any involvement of the studied inorganic metallic impurities and of some organic impurities, such as naphthalene, in the radiative recombination processes in benzil matrix. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

70. Investigation of the growth process of organic/inorganic doped aromatic derivates crystals

Authors: Stanculescu, A

Published: MAY 2007, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 9, 1336, DOI:

This paper presents a study of the thermal regime associated with the experimental configuration used for the growth of doped organic crystals from the melt in Bridgman-Stockbarger configurations. For different systems, host: metadinitrobenzene (m-DNB), benzil/guest: m-DNB, naphthalene, iodine, I have investigated the effect of the changes in the experimental conditions (dopant type and concentration, c=0.5-3 wt %, thermal gradient at the growth interface, Delta T=6-33 degrees C, moving speed of the solid-liquid interface, V=0.7-2.7 mm/h) on the crystals growth process. I have made comparisons between the particularities of the incorporation mechanism of the big acceptor (atom:iodine c=0.5; 1; 2 wt %; molecule: m-DNB and naphthalene c=1.5; 3 wt %) and clopant segregation mechanism, and the transmission properties of different monocomponent crystalline organic matrix (m-DNB and benzil). I have also investigated the influence of the simultaneous presence of two dopants (m-DNB or naphthalene/iodine) in organic benzil matrix and their effect on the optical properties. have evaluated the growth interface stability in our Bridgman-Stockbarger experimental configuration and analysed the conditions for the generation of the morphological instabilities in benzil-dopant system.

71. Effect of the metallic contact on the electrical properties of organic semiconductor film

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A; Socol, M

Published: MAY 2007, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 9, 1357, DOI:

Sandwich type (MIS) heterostructures based on layers of organic semiconductors as meta-dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and perylene or perylene derivative 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) have been prepared using alternative methods (rapid thermal directional solidification or two-steps, vacuum evaporation and deposition process) on different substrates (single crystal silicon wafer and textolite covered with copper film). Subsequently indium, gallium, aluminium of high purity (5N) and silver have been used for the preparations of the metallic contacts. This paper presents some investigations of the contact between different organic semiconductors and several metals: meta-dinitrobenzene/Cu, perylene/In, peryiene/Al, perylene/Ga, perylene/Ag, PTCDA/AI, PTCDA/Ga, and PTCDA/Ag. The comparative study of the electrical conduction properties of these organic semi conductor/metal contacts has emphasised significant differences depending on the metal type, metal/organic semiconductor interface properties and quality of the contact, which is determined by the preparation method (pressing, melting, vacuum evaporation, painting) and selected contact cinfiguration. The experimental data obtained using the 2 points contact geometry have evidenced linear or power IN dependences of the investigated metallic contacts emphasising the importance of the space-charge phenomenon and defects on the charge carriers' transport in these structures.

72. Investigation of the properties of indiurn tin oxide-organic contacts for optoelectronic applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F

Published: OCT 15 2007, THIN SOLID FILMS, 515, 8737, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2007.03.120

This paper presents some investigations on the electrical transport properties of ITO/single (double) layer organic semiconductor (m-DNB, benzil, PTCDA, Alq3) contacts in SIS-like (ITO/organic/Si) and MIS-like (ITO/organic/metal) heterostructures. The I-V characteristics have emphasised the injection properties of different contacts and the effect of space charge limited currents in correlation with the type and preparation conditions of the contacts. We have studied the influence of the type of contact (In/ITO; In/Al) on the electrical conduction in Alq3/PTCDA/Si/In heterostructure. In a planar grid contact configuration for In/Al/PTCDA/Al/In structure we have observed the effect of the low electric field on the shape of the I-V characteristic. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

73. Light absorption process in CdSxSe1-x doped alumino-phosphate glass

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F; Elisa, M

Published: APR 2007, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 9, 835, DOI:

We present a study of the effect of the crystallites composition and size on the optical properties of vitreous aluminophosphate matrix doped with CdSxSe1-x crystallites. The influences of the glass matrix composition and, heat treatment temperature and duration on the stoichiometry of the crystalline phase have been investigated by optical methods. We have studied the effect of the sodium oxide contained in the matrix, annealing temperature variation from 425 degrees C to 475 degrees C and duration variation from 2 h to 6 h on the light absorption process, evaluating an optical band gap energy between E-g=1.74 eV and E-g=2.29 eV associated with changes in the composition of the crystallites. The blue shift of the absorption edge observed in samples containing Na2O annealed at 425 degrees C for 4 h or at 450 degrees C for 2 h was attributed to a variation in the crystallites' composition because their size is not favourable to the quantum confinement. We have also investigated the effect of individual CdS and CdSe clusters on the absorption properties of the aluminophosphate glass and on the process of zinc incorporation in the crystalline phase. We have made some assumptions concerning the effect of the aluminophosphate glass matrix on the direct band to band light absorption mechanism characterising the II-IV bulk semiconductor.

74. Optical properties of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum salt films prepared by vacuum deposition

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F; Tugulea, L; Socol, M

Published: 2006, ADVANCED MATERIALS FORUM III, PTS 1 AND 2, 514-516, 960, DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.514-516.956

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the optical properties of PTCDA and Alq3 films, prepared by two steps, vacuum evaporation and deposition processes on platelets of glass, quartz, and indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass. We have emphasised the bands structure of the absorption spectra with peaks situated at 358 nm, 374 nm, 475 nm and 552 nm in PTCDA, respectively 232 nm, 261 nm and 380 nm in Alq3 that confirms the dominant presence of Alq3 meridianal molecular isomer. For PTCDA films deposited on glass coated with ITO, the structure of the weak double peak at low wavelength is partially modified, but the positions of the two important absorption peaks situated at 2.25 eV and 2.61 eV are unchanged. The two different luminescence emission peaks obtained in Alq3 for different excitation wavelengths (gimel=360 nm and gimel=520 nm) suggest the existence of the facial isomer beside the meridianal one. We have evidenced a significant Stocks shift in the spectra (Delta E-PTCDA=0.40 eV; Delta E-Alq3=0.9 eV) and a large Frank-Condon shift (0.40-2.3 eV), suggesting important effect associated respectively with the solid state structure and important conformational differences between the ground and excited state.

75. Optical properties of polycarbonate organic matrix/cadmium sulphide clusters composite material

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F; Socol, M

Published: JUN 2006, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 8, 1061, DOI:

This paper presents the investigation of the optical properties of bisphenol A polycarbonate organic matrix/CdS clusters composite material in correlation with the method for the films' preparation using as precursors cadmium acetate (Cd(CH3COO)(2)), respectively ammonium thiocyanate (NH4CNS), and as general solvent for all the components, is dimethyformamide. The effect of the heat treatment temperature (90 degrees C or 150 degrees C) on the position and shape of the fundamental absorption edge was investigated for given substrate, drying conditions and duration (1.5 h or 0.5 h) of the heat treatment. A large blue shift of the absorption edge was evidenced in films prepared in vertical configuration and thermally treated at 90 degrees C for 1.5 h, which can be associated with a small dimension of the CdS crystallites and in consequence with quantum confinement effects. Using the effective mass theory we have deduced a crystallite dimension in the range 8.8-15 nm. We also have studied the interaction of the light with this composite material evaluating an optical band gap between 2.92 and 3.69 eV (depending on the preparation and annealing conditions) and an absorption mechanism in CdS clusters closer to an indirect transition and deviated from the normal direct absorption process in bulk CdS semiconductor.

76. Investigations of the nonhomogeneities in organic molecular crystalline materials using Kubelka-Munk theory

Authors: Socol, M; Stanculescu, A

Published: FEB 2006, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 8, 190, DOI:

This paper presents a study of the nonhomogeneities in doped meta-dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) crystalline films. These growth defects lying in the film plane with dimensions smaller than the films thickness are correlated with the effect of the dopant on the crystallization regime in the dendritic growth conditions. To evaluate the dimension of the growth nonhomogeneities we have used a model based on the Kubelka-Munk theory, emphasising the general constraints imposed to the sample and the experimental set-up, and developing a more complex model through a step-by-step relaxation of these constraints, that ensures a better approximation for our experimental configuration. We have deduced higher scattering coefficients in m-DNB doped with 1,3 dihydroxybenzene (resorcinol) than in m-DNB doped with 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) films prepared by a rapid thermal solidification process. We also have emphasised that for the films of m-DNB doped with oxine the size of the scattering centers is larger than the wavelength of the radiation and in films of m-DNB doped with resorcinol the radiation scattering corresponds to a multiple scattering process leading to the superposition of different scattering mechanisms on centers with different dimensions.

77. Doped aromatic derivatives wide-gap crystalline semiconductor structured layers for electronic application

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Stanculescu, F; Alexandru, H; Socol, M

Published: JAN 20 2006, THIN SOLID FILMS, 495, 393, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2005.08.243

We present some investigations on the electrical conductivity of two benzene substituted derivatives (m-DNB, benzil) emphasizing the correlation between the molecular structure, purity, structural defects and the particularities of the conduction mechanisms. The influence of inorganic/organic doping on the I-V plots of silicon/wide-gap organic semiconductor/silicon heterostructures has been analysed. The most significant increase in the conductance has been obtained for organic crystalline films of benzil doped with 3 wt.% m-DNB and m-DNB films doped with I wt.% oxine or 10 wt.% resorcinol. The influence of the silicon wafer's properties as resistivity, conduction type and surface processing on the carrier transport properties in these structures has been studied. We have remarked an increase in the conductance of the organic films of m-DNB doped with oxine or resorcinol in heterostructures realized with chemically polished, "n" type single crystal silicon wafers, compared to lapped ones. A special type of conduction mechanism given by a Poole-Frenkel dependence was evidenced in resorcinol doped m-DNB in the low voltages range. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

78. Light absorption in meta-dinitrobenzene and benzyl crystalline films

Authors: Stanculescu, F; Stanculescu, A; Socol, M

Published: JUN 2006, JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS, 8, 1056, DOI:

This paper presents the optical absorption properties in crystalline meta-clinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and benzil. The optical band gap as an intrinsic property of these crystalline compounds has been studied using UV-VIS Spectroscopy on thin film. Analysing absorption near the fundamental absorption edge we have deduced the wide band gap semiconductor behaviour of these aromatic derivatives. Processing the experimental transmission data using a function obtained by the superposition of a linear function and a power function we have evaluated the band gap energy in m-DNB, E-g=2.90 eV and emphasised the same two edges patterns of the light absorption spectrum in benzil deposited on glass as for benzil deposited on quartz, with energetic thresholds slowly moved through lower energies, E-g1=2.79 eV and E-g2=3.49 eV. We have also remarked no significant change in the absorption spectrum in benzil induced by the dopant (organic and inorganic).

79. Molecular organic crystalline matrix for hybrid organic-inorganic (nano) composite materials

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Tugulea, L; Alexandru, HV; Stanculescu, F; Socol, M

Published: FEB 15 2005, JOURNAL OF CRYSTAL GROWTH, 275, E1786, DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2004.11.210

Metal-doped benzil crystals have been grown by thermal gradient solidification in a vertical transparent growth configuration to investigate the effect of metallic guest on the ordered organic host. We have identified the conditions for growing homogeneous, optically good crystals of benzil doped with sodium and silver, limiting the effect of supercooling, low thermal conductivity and anisotropy of the growth speed (temperature gradient at the liquid-solid interface: 10-25 degrees C, moving speed of the growth interface 2.0 mm/h). The nature and concentration of the dopant are parameters affecting, through the growth process, the crystalline perfection and the optical properties of the organic matrix. Bulk optical characterisation, by spectrophotometrical methods, has offered details on some intrinsic properties of the system metal particles/benzil crystalline matrix. Analytical processing of the experimental data emphasised that benzil is a wide optical band gap organic semiconductor E-g = 2: 65 eV: We also have investigated the effect of sodium and silver on the properties of benzil crystal as potential transparent semiconductor matrix for (nano) composite metal/molecular organic material. With the increase of sodium concentration from c = 1 to 6 wt%, a small narrowing of the band gap has been remarked. The same behaviour has been found for benzil doped with silver (c = 2wt%) compared to pure benzil. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

80. Fluorescence of substituted aromatic derivatives crystalline materials for optical non-linear applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Tugulea, L; Stanculescu, F; Socol, M

Published: 2004, ROMOPTO 2003: SEVENTH CONFERENCE ON OPTICS, 5581, 607, DOI: 10.1117/12.583028

Our fluorescence study gave information on the presence of chemical defects and irregularities in crystal structure, offering a good tool for quality evaluation of organic crystalline materials. We have analysed the correlation between the bulk or thin film samples' quality determined by experimental parameters (thermal gradient, moving speed of the growth interface, crucible configuration, slow or fast solidification rates) and the fluorescence characteristics for pure meta-dinitrobenzene and meta-dinitrobenzene doped with 8 hydroxyquinoline or 1,3 dihydroxybenzene. The comparative study of the position and shape of the fluorescence emissions for pure and controlled doped materials nave us information on the chemical defects.

81. Effect of dopant on the intrinsic properties of some multifunctional aromatic compounds films for target applications

Authors: Stanculescu, A; Antohe, S; Alexandru, HV; Tugulea, L; Stanculescu, F; Socol, M

Published: DEC 7 2004, SYNTHETIC METALS, 147, 220, DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2004.07.010

UV-VIS transmission and fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to study some intrinsic properties of crystalline films of pure metadinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and, pure and doped benzil. We have evaluated the band gap energy, E-g = 2.92 eV, emphasising the near classical semiconductor behaviour of m-DNB. The two bands split of the (n, pi*) level is assumed to be the origin the two edges absorption in benzil films with the energetic thresholds at E-g1 = 2.84 eV and E-g2 = 3.55 eV. The red shift of the emission peak in m-DNB films has been correlated with the process of self-absorption of the emitted radiation in the thicker film. The effect of the impurities on the shape and position of the emission peaks in benzil has been investigated and we have observed no significant shift of the absorption peak situated at 3.25 eV. We also have identified a three steps process for the relaxation of the excited crystalline lattice of benzil involving the geometrical change of the (S-1) excited state, the intersystem crossing and the radiative decay by phosphorescence with a peak at 2.30 eV. The small blue shift of this emission peak in benzil highly doped with sodium has been attributed to the modification of the molecular geometry of benzil as a result of the change in the trans-planar molecular configuration induced by the chemical reaction between the atoms of alkali metal and the carbonyl groups. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

82. Chemical composition of structures obtained inside quartz crystals by sodium electrodiffusion

Authors: Iliescu, B; Enculescu, I; Pera, I; Alexe, G; Polosan, S; Stanculescu, A

Published: 2001, CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, 36, 410, DOI: 10.1002/1521-4079(200106)36:4/5<403::AID-CRAT403>3.0.CO;2-H

Dendritic structures were grown inside quartz crystals by electrodiffusion of sodium ions from a NaCl layer at the anode. An experimental arrangement using a point cathode and a graphite plate anode was employed. X-ray diffraction experiments were carried out, the structures chemical composition was found to be a mixture of sodium silicates. The chemical composition evolution in time was observed. There were made VIS and UV optical absorption spectroscopy measurements of these structures, a colloidal band being found. Thermoluminescence glow curves were measured. Based on the experimental results and observations a growth model is proposed.

83. Organic Heterostructures with Indium-Free Transparent Conductor Electrode for Optoelectronic Applications

Authors: Petre, G; Stanculescu, A; Girtan, M; Socol, M; Breazu, C; Vacareanu, L; Preda, N; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, F; Doroshkevich, AS

Published: DEC 2021 , PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, DOI: 10.1002/pssa.202100521

Herein, the properties of the organic heterostructures with triple-layer ZnO/Ag/ZnO as a replacement for ITO and mixed layer containing arylenevinylene oligomer (based on triphenylamine or carbazole) donor and nonfullerene (perylene diimide) acceptor mixed in the ratio 1:2 and the effect of a buffer layer of PEDOT-PSS intercalated between triple layer and mixed organic layer are discussed. The UV-vis transmission and photoluminescence (PL) properties are investigated in correlation with the surface topography and reveal a good match between the absorption and emission domain, which can favor the generation of the charge carriers. The heterostructure with the mixed layer based on triphenylamine oligomer shows the widest absorption domain, and the PL spectra of the heterostructures realized with either triphenylamine or carbazole oligomer show peaks corresponding to the radiative decay of the donor and acceptor. The I-V characteristics in the dark indicate a slightly nonlinear behavior and the current is affected by the charge carriers recombination on the defects present in the thick mixed layer deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation. The effect of the PEDOT-PSS buffer layer on the electrical properties of the organic heterostructure with ZnO/Ag/ZnO electrode is also investigated.

84. Organic Heterostructures with Indium-Free Transparent Conductor Electrode for Optoelectronic Applications

Authors: Petre, G; Stanculescu, A; Girtan, M; Socol, M; Breazu, C; Vacareanu, L; Preda, N; Rasoga, O; Stanculescu, F; Doroshkevich, AS

Published: , PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, DOI: 2100521

Dr. Anca STANCULESCU

Scientific Researcher I

Expertize

Books

Patents

Projects

1. Tranzistor cu efect de camp organic flexibil si nanostructurat pentru detectie UV-VIS

2. Flexible and nanostructured Organic Field Effect Transistor for UV-VIS detection

3. Investigation of the properties of deposited on different plastic substrates organic thin films after high-energy ion and neutron irradiation

Publications

1. Organic Heterostructures with Dendrimer Based Mixed Layer for Electronic Applications

2. MAPLE-Deposited Perylene Diimide Derivative Based Layers for Optoelectronic Applications

3. Macrocyclic Compounds: Metal Oxide Particles Nanocomposite Thin Films Deposited by MAPLE

4. Effects of Solvent Additive and Micro-Patterned Substrate on the Properties of Thin Films Based on P3HT:PC70BM Blends Deposited by MAPLE

5. Pseudo-dielectric function spectra of the near surface layer of GaAs implanted with various fluence of Xe+ ions

6. Electric Energy Storage Effect in Hydrated ZrO2-Nanostructured System

7. Effect of dopants on the optical properties of benzil crystals

8. Arylenevinylene Oligomer-Based Heterostructures on Flexible AZO Electrodes

9. The effect of fullerene layer on the aggregates formation in amyloid beta Langmuir-Blodgett films

10. Silicon Metalens Fabrication from Electron Beam to UV-Nanoimprint Lithography

11. Electro-active properties of nanostructured films of cytosine and guanine nucleobases

12. Nucleobases thin films deposited on nanostructured transparent conductive electrodes for optoelectronic applications

13. Synthesis and characterization of conducting aniline and o-anisidine nanocomposites based on montmorillonite modified clay

14. Organic Thin Films Based on DPP-DTT:C60 Blends Deposited by MAPLE

15. MAPLE Deposition of Binary and Ternary Organic Bulk Heterojunctions Based on Zinc Phthalocyanine

16. Hybrid organic-inorganic thin films based on zinc phthalocyanine and zinc oxide deposited by MAPLE

17. On the Physical Properties PEDOT:PSS Thin Films

18. Effect of ITO electrode patterning on the properties of organic heterostructures based on non-fullerene acceptor prepared by MAPLE

19. Thin Films Based on Cobalt Phthalocyanine:C60 Fullerene:ZnO Hybrid Nanocomposite Obtained by Laser Evaporation

20. Pulsed Laser Deposition of Indium Tin Oxide Thin Films on Nanopatterned Glass Substrates

21. ORGANIC HETEROSTRUCTURES DEPOSITED BY MAPLE ON PATTERNED AZO ELECTRODES

22. Flexible organic heterostructures obtained by MAPLE

23. On the properties of organic heterostructures prepared with nano-patterned metallic electrode

24. Organic heterostructures obtained on ZnO/Ag/ZnO electrode

25. Biocomposite coatings based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/calcium phosphates obtained by MAPLE for bone tissue engineering

26. IZO deposited by PLD on flexible substrate for organic heterostructures

27. Effect of heavy ions irradiation on the properties of benzil crystals

28. MAPLE prepared heterostructures with oligoazomethine: Fullerene derivative mixed layer for photovoltaic applications

29. MEASUREMENT OF CHARGE CARRIER MOBILITY IN PEROVSKITE NANOWIRE FILMS BY PHOTO-CELIV METHOD

30. Organic heterostructures deposited by MAPLE on AZO substrate

31. Oxide/metal/oxide electrodes for solar cell applications

32. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE PROPERTIES OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL NANOPATTERNED METALLIC FILM

33. Polycarbonate-Based Blends for Optical Non-linear Applications

34. MAPLE preparation and characterization of mixed arylenevinylene based oligomers:C-60 layers

35. MAPLE fabrication of thin films based on kanamycin functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with anti-pathogenic properties

36. MAPLE prepared heterostructures with arylene based polymer active layer for photovoltaic applications

37. Studies on Pr3+-Yb3+ codoped ZBLA as rare earth down convertor glasses for solar cells encapsulation

38. EFFECT OF CHOLESTEROL ON THE DEPOSITION OF BETA-AMYLOID 1-40 AND 1-42 FILMS

39. Organic heterostructures based on arylenevinylene oligomers deposited by MAPLE

40. Organic/inorganic-doped aromatic derivative crystals: Growth and properties

41. Laser prepared organic heterostructures based on star-shaped arylenevinylene compounds

42. Laser prepared organic heterostuctures on glass/AZO substrates

43. Aromatic Derivatives Based Materials for Optoelectronic Applications

44. MAPLE DEPOSITION OF PLGA MICRO- AND NANOPARTICLES EMBEDDED INTO POLYMERIC COATINGS

45. On the properties of aluminium doped zinc oxide thin films deposited on plastic substrates from ceramic targets

46. COMBINATORIAL PULSED LASER DEPOSITION OF AG-CONTAINING CALCIUM PHOSPHATE COATINGS

47. Pulsed laser deposition of transparent conductive oxide thin films on flexible substrates

48. Effect of the morphology on the optical and electrical properties of polycarbonate film doped with aniline derivatives monomers

49. ON TITANIUM OXIDE SPRAY DEPOSITED THIN FILMS FOR SOLAR CELLS APPLICATIONS

50. Optical and electrical properties of arylenevinylene compounds thin films prepared by vacuum evaporation

51. Influence of Al doping agents nature on the physical properties of Al:ZnO films deposited by spin-coating technique

52. Maple prepared organic heterostructures for photovoltaic applications

53. Thin films of arylenevinylene oligomers prepared by MAPLE for applications in non-linear optics

54. Effect of maleic anhydride-aniline derivative buffer layer on the properties of flexible substrate heterostructures: Indium tin oxide/nucleic acid base/metal

55. TAILORING OF OPTICAL, COMPOSITIONAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF THE InxZn1-xO THIN FILMS OBTAINED BY COMBINATORIAL PULSED LASER DEPOSITION

56. Heat transfer process during the crystallization of benzil grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method

57. MAPLE deposited thin monomer films of maleimidic derivatives for photonics

58. On the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of sol-gel deposited ZnO In films

59. MAPLE preparation and characterization of benzil thin films

60. Photocatalytic activity of pulsed laser deposited TiO2 thin films in N-2, O-2 and CH4

61. Kinetical study of the nonstoichiometric vapour growth process in the system ZnSe:I-2

62. Effect of the morphology on the optical and electrical properties of TPyP thin films deposited by vacuum evaporation

63. Investigations of the Correlation Between the Preparation Method and the Properties of Anilinic Derivative Functionalised Polymer Thin Films for Non-Linear Optical Applications

64. Study of multiphoton absorption processes in a perylenediimide derivative using thermal lensing technique

65. MAPLE prepared polymeric thin films for non-linear optic applications

66. Preparation and Characterization of Polar Aniline Functionalized Copolymers Thin Films for Optical Non-Linear Applications

67. On morphological, structural and electrical properties of vacuum deposited pentacene thin films

68. Electrical transport in crystalline perylene derivatives films for electronic devices

69. Investigation of emission properties of doped aromatic derivative organic semiconductor crystals

70. Investigation of the growth process of organic/inorganic doped aromatic derivates crystals