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Dr. Ioana-Maria AVRAM DASCALESCU

Scientific Researcher

Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials (LASDAM)

ioana[DOT]dascalescu[AT]infim[DOT]ro
Keywords: Condensed matter physics, Nanomaterials

Education

2020

PhD in Physics

Faculty of Physics / University of Bucharest / Romania

PhD Superviser Prof. Magdalena Lidia Ciurea (https://www.brainmap.ro/lidia-magdalena-ciurea)

2016-2014

Master - Physics of Atom, Nucleus, Elementary Particles, Astrophysics and Applications

Faculty of Physics / University of Bucharest / Romania

2014-2011 

Bachelor Study Program- Biophysics

Faculty of Physics / University of Bucharest / Romania

Positions

2017 - present       Research Assistant, Group of “Nanomaterials and Nanostructures based on SiGeSn”, Laboratory 30 “Nanoscale Condensed Matter” - NIMP

Awards

Best Paper Award CAS 2018

Research interests

(Photo)electrical properties of films and multilayers of SiGe, GeSn and SiGeSn nanocrystals embedded in oxides (SiO2,TiO2, HfO2); memory properties of floating gate memories with Ge nanoparticles in HfO2; 

Expertize

Thin film deposition by magnetron sputtering

Electrical and photoelectrical measurements: Current - Voltage characteristic measurements (I -V); Characteristic measurements Current - Temperature (I -T); Spectral distributions of the photocurrent;

Matallization by vacuum thermal evaporation

 

Patents

Structura capacitor de memorie nevolatila multistrat cu porti flotante din nanocristale de SiGe bogate in Ge separate de straturi de HfO2, Palade Catalin, Lepadatu Ana- Maria, Slav Adrian, Stavarache Ionel, Avram-Dascalescu Ioana-Maria, Stoica Toma, Ciurea Lidia Magdalena, A00685/15.11.2023

 

Procedeu de obținere a unui film subțire de GeSn pasivat cu fotosensibilitate crescuta in SWIR, Slav Adrian, Stoica Toma, Dascalescu Ioana-Maria, Palade Catalin, Lungu George-Adrian, A00646/18.10.2022

 

Film de GeSi – HfO3 nanostructurat fotosensibil in domeniul fereastra de lungimi de unda 1200...1600 nm, Palade Catalin, Stavarache Ionel, Slav Adrian, Lepadatu Ana-Maria, Dascalescu Ioana, Toma Stoica, Ciurea Lidia Magdalena, A00193/22.04.2021

Publications

1. Enhancing SiGeSn nanocrystals SWIR photosensing by high passivation in nanocrystalline HfO2 matrix
Authors: Dascalescu, I; Palade, C; Slav, A; Stavarache, I; Cojocaru, O; Teodorescu, VS; Maraloiu, VA; Lepadatu, AM; Ciurea, ML; Stoica, T

Published: FEB 12 2024, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 14, 3532, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53845-z

SiGeSn nanocrystals (NCs) in oxides are of considerable interest for photo-effect applications due to the fine-tuning of the optical bandgap by quantum confinement in NCs. We present a detailed study regarding the silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) NCs embedded in a nanocrystalline hafnium oxide (HfO2) matrix fabricated by using magnetron co-sputtering deposition at room temperature and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The NCs were formed at temperatures in the range of 500-800 degrees C. RTA was performed to obtain SiGeSn NCs with surfaces passivated by the embedding HfO2 matrix. The formation of NCs and beta-Sn segregation were discussed in relation to the deposition and processing conditions by employing HRTEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies. The spectral photosensitivity exhibited up to 2000 nm in short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) depending on the Sn composition was obtained. Comparing to similar results on GeSn NCs in SiO2 matrix, the addition of Si offers a better thermal stability of SiGeSn NCs, while the use of HfO2 matrix results in better passivation of NCs increasing the SWIR photosensitivity at room temperature. These results suggest that SiGeSn NCs embedded in an HfO2 matrix are a promising material for SWIR optoelectronic devices.
2. Atomically Thin MoS2 Layers Selectively Grown on Mo Patterned Substrates for Field-Effect-Controlled Photosensors
Authors: Stavarache, I; Palade, C; Slav, A; Dascalescu, I; Lepadatu, AM; Trupina, L; Matei, E; Ciurea, ML; Stoica, T

Published: FEB 28 2024, ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS, 7, DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.3c05809

Selective growth of 2D MoS2 layers on patterned substrates is highly desired for easy fabrication of devices. Selectively grown 2D MoS2 on Mo patterned substrates for the formation of intimate metallic contact was obtained by a Mo-CVD method in which MoO2 from an oxidized Mo pattern and S powder are the growth precursors. Mo films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on SiO2(300 nm)/c-Si substrates and patterned by photolithography techniques for obtaining Mo strips and finger contact structures, with the gap between the strips and finger varied from 5 to 20 mu m. The filling of the gap by selectively grown atomically thin MoS2 plates of 1-2 monolayers (MLs) was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy imaging. Field effect devices for the characterization of the photosensitivity of selectively grown MoS2 have been fabricated from finger contact structures. The dark current is drastically reduced from 10(-9) to 10(-13)-10(-14) A by varying the gate voltage from +7 to -7 V, showing the n-type semiconductor behavior of the selectively grown 2D MoS2. High photosensitivity of 10(5) (%) was obtained for 4.5 x 10(-4) mW/cm(2) at 650 nm wavelength illumination. The spectral responsivity reaches values of 15-25 A/W at 600 nm wavelength and shows an energy onset of 1.72-1.77 eV corresponding to about 2 ML MoS2. The carrier-trapping effect responsible for the slow part of the device response can be caused by structural defects and also by adsorbed molecules like in gas sensors.
3. Enhancing Short-Wave Infrared Photosensitivity of SiGe Nanocrystals-Based Films through Embedding Matrix-Induced Passivation, Stress, and Nanocrystallization
Authors: Lepadatu, AM; Stavarache, I; Palade, C; Slav, A; Dascalescu, I; Cojocaru, O; Maraloiu, VA; Teodorescu, VS; Stoica, T; Ciurea, ML

Published: 2024 MAR 4 2024, JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c06996

The development of new materials for short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) optical sensors is of high importance for the fast development of different applications, as, for example, Internet of Things, road safety, and pollution monitoring. Group IV SiGe provides more sustainable As-, Cd-, and Pb-free nanomaterials that are cheaper and ecologic and offer easy integration with CMOS technology. This Review is on Ge and SiGe quantum dots/nanocrystals (QDs/NCs) embedded in dielectrics for VIS-SWIR photodetection, in which we highlight and discuss photocurrent mechanisms, correlation of photodetection parameters and characteristics with crystalline structure, morphology and energy bandgap, and applications as photodetectors, optical sensors, phototransistors, and solar cells. The embedding matrix induces NC surface passivation, stress field, and nanocrystallization effects and brings specific advantages depending on the matrix material. SiGe NCs in oxides for VIS-SWIR sensing represents a niche domain, showing high photosensitivity (photocurrent) in SWIR up to 1.8 mu m at room temperature and 2 mu m at 100 K, deeper in SWIR than Ge. By alloying Ge with a small content of Si, NC thermal stability is much improved as the detrimental Ge fast diffusion in oxides is hindered and SWIR photosensing is enhanced due to light absorption in Ge-rich SiGe NCs.
4. GeSn/SiO2 Multilayers by Magnetron Sputtering Deposition for Short-Wave Infrared Photonics
Authors: Slav, A; Dascalescu, I; Lepadatu, AM; Palade, C; Zoita, NC; Stroescu, H; Iftimie, S; Lazanu, S; Gartner, M; Buca, D; Teodorescu, VS; Ciurea, ML; Braic, M; Stoica, T

Published: DEC 16 2020, ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES, 12, 56171, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c15887

The development of short-wave infrared (SWIR) photonics based on GeSn alloys is of high technological interest for many application fields, such as the Internet of things or pollution monitoring. The manufacture of crystalline GeSn is a major challenge, mainly because of the low miscibility of Ge and Sn. The use of embedded GeSn nanocrystals (NCs) by magnetron sputtering is a cost-effective and efficient method to relax the growth conditions. We report on the use of GeSn/SiO2 multilayer deposition as a way to control the NC size and their insulation. The in situ prenucleation of NCs during deposition was followed by ex situ rapid thermal annealing. The nanocrystallization of 20X(11nm_Ge0.865S0.135/1.5nm_SiO2) multilayers leads to formation of GeSn NCs with similar to 16% Sn concentration and similar to 9 nm size. Formation of GeSn domes that are vertically correlated contributes to the nanocrystallization process. The absorption limit of similar to 0.4 eV in SWIR found by ellipsometry is in agreement with the spectral photosensitivity. The ITO/20x(GeSn NC/SiO2)/p-Si/Al diodes show a maximum value of the SWIR photosensitivity at a reverse voltage of 0.5 V, with extended sensitivity to wavelengths longer than 2200 nm. The multilayer diodes have higher photocurrent efficiency compared to diodes based on a thick monolayer of GeSn NCs.
5. Epitaxial GeSn Obtained by High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering and the Heterojunction with Embedded GeSn Nanocrystals for Shortwave Infrared Detection
Authors: Dascalescu, I; Zoita, NC; Slav, A; Matei, E; Iftimie, S; Comanescu, F; Lepadatu, AM; Palade, C; Lazanu, S; Buca, D; Teodorescu, VS; Ciurea, ML; Braic, M; Stoica, T

Published: JUL 29 2020, ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES, 12, 33886, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c06212

GeSn alloys have the potential of extending the Si photonics functionality in shortwave infrared (SWIR) light emission and detection. Epitaxial GeSn layers were deposited on a relaxed Ge buffer on Si(100) wafer by using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPI-MS). Detailed X-ray reciprocal space mapping and HRTEM investigations indicate higher crystalline quality of GeSn epitaxial layers deposited by Ge HiPI-MS compared to commonly used radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RF-MS). To obtain a rectifying heterostructure for SWIR light detection, a layer of GeSn nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in oxide was deposited on the epitaxial GeSn one. Embedded GeSn NCs are obtained by cosputtering deposition of (Ge1-xSnx)(1-y)(SiO2)(y) layers and subsequent rapid thermal annealing at a low temperature of 400 degrees C. Intrinsic GeSn structural defects give p-type behavior, while the presence of oxygen leads to the n-character of the embedded GeSn NCs. Such an embedded NCs/epitaxial GeSn p-n heterostructure shows superior photoelectrical response up to 3 orders of magnitude increase in the 1.2-2.5 mu m range, as compared to performances of diode based only on embedded NCs.
6. SWIR photoresponse of SiGe/TiO2 multilayers with Ge-rich SiGe nanocrystals
Authors: Lepadatu, AM; Palade, C; Slav, A; Dascalescu, I; Cojocaru, O; Iftimie, S; Teodorescu, VS; Stoica, T; Ciurea, ML

Published: 2020, CAS 2020 PROCEEDINGS: 2020 INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CONFERENCE, 238, DOI:

The 1600 nm-extended SWIR photoresponse of SiGe/TiO2 multilayers with Ge-rich SiGe nanocrystals (NCs) is demonstrated. The SiGe NCs based multilayers are obtained by magnetron sputtering deposition of TiO2/ 6x(Ge/SiGe/Ge/TiO2) layers on heated p-Si substrate followed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy evidence the formation of cubic Ge-rich SiGe NCs and anatase TiO2. ITO/Ge-rich SiGe NCs based multilayer /p-Si heterostructure diodes, fabricated by depositing top ITO and bottom Al contacts, show n-p behavior. Photocurrent-voltage characteristics measured at 100 K under integral light illumination of reverse biased diode present a photocurrent higher with up to 2 orders of magnitude than the dark current. Spectral photocurrent increases with bias voltage increase and presents a bandgap-related cutoff wavelength of similar to 1600 nm due to the high Ge content of SiGe NCs.
7. GeSn Nanocrystals in GeSnSiO2 by Magnetron Sputtering for Short-Wave Infrared Detection
Authors: Slav, A; Palade, C; Logofatu, C; Dascalescu, I; Lepadatu, AM; Stavarache, I; Comanescu, F; Iftimie, S; Antohe, S; Lazanu, S; Teodorescu, VS; Buca, D; Ciurea, ML; Braic, M; Stoica, T

Published: JUN 2019, ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS, 2, +, DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.9b00571

Detection in short-wave infrared (SWIR) has become a very stringent technology requirement for developing fields like hyperspectral imaging or climate changes. In a market dominated by III-V materials, GeSn, a Si compatible semiconductor, has the advantage of cost efficiency and inerrability by using the mature Si technology. Despite the recent progress in material growth, the easy fabrication of crystalline GeSn still remains a major challenge, and different methods are under investigation. We present the formation of GeSn nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in oxide matrix and their SWIR characterization. The simple and cost-effective fabrication method is based on thermal treatment of amorphous (Ge1-xSnx)(y)(SiO2)(1-y) layers deposited by magnetron sputtering. The nanocrystallization for Ge1-xSnx with 9-22 at. % Sn composition in SiO2 matrix with 9% to 15% mole percent was studied under low thermal budget annealing in the 350-450 degrees C temperature range. While the Sn at.% content is the main parameter influencing the band-structure of the NCs, the SWIR sensitivity can be optimized by SiO2 content and H-2 gas component in the deposition atmosphere. Their role is not only changing the crystallization parameters but also to reduce the carrier recombination by passivation of NCs defects. The experiments indicate a limited composition dependent temperature range for GeSn NCs formation before beta-Sn phase segregation occurs. NCs with an average size of 6 nm are uniformly distributed in the film, except the surface region where larger GeSn NCs are formed. Spectral photovoltaic current measured on SiO2 embedded GeSn NCs deposited on p-Si substrate shows extended SWIR sensitivity up to 2.4 mu m for 15 at. % Sn in GeSn NCs. The large extension of the SWIR detection is a result of many factors related to the growth parameters and also to the in situ or ex situ annealing procedures that influence the uniformity and size distribution of NCs.
8. Controlling SWIR photosensitivity limit by composition engineering: from Ge to GeSi nanocrystals embedded in TiO2
Authors: Dascalescu, I; Cojocaru, O; Lalau, I; Palade, C; Slav, A; Lepadatu, AM; Lazanu, S; Stoica, T; Ciurea, ML

Published: 2019, 2019 INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CONFERENCE (CAS 2019), 42ND EDITION, 40, DOI:

The VIS-SWIR photosensing properties of Ge and GeSi NCs embedded in TiO2 films are investigated. For this, we deposit GeTiO2 and GeSiTiO2 films, respectively by magnetron sputtering and then we perform rapid thermal annealing (RTA) for Ge NCs and GeSi NCs formation, respectively. Raman studies and spectral photocurrent measurements were carried out. Ge NCs formation is evidenced in the Raman spectrum of GeTiO2 film annealed at 550 degrees C. The photocurrent spectra measured on the Ge NCs-TiO2 film present four peaks separated by deconvolution. The broad peaks at similar to 700, 890, 1010 nm are due to photo-effects in the Ge NCs-TiO2 film. More than that, the photocurrent increases exponentially with the increase of bias voltage. The cut-off wavelength is similar to 1240 nm. We achieve the extension of the photosensitivity limit to similar to 1310 nm in GeSi NCs-TiO2 films (800 degrees C RTA).
9. Orthorhombic HfO2 with embedded Ge nanoparticles in nonvolatile memories used for the detection of ionizing radiation
Authors: Palade, C; Slav, A; Lepadatu, AM; Stavarache, I; Dascalescu, I; Maraloiu, AV; Negrila, C; Logofatu, C; Stoica, T; Teodorescu, VS; Ciurea, ML; Lazanu, S

Published: NOV 1 2019, NANOTECHNOLOGY, 30, DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab352b

Trilayer memory capacitors of control HfO2/floating gate of Ge nanoparticles in HfO2/tunnel HfO2/Si substrate deposited by magnetron sputtering and subsequently annealed are investigated for the first time for applications in radiation dosimetry. In the floating gate (FG), amorphous Ge nanoparticles (NPs) are arranged in two rows inside the HfO2 matrix. The HfO2 matrix is formed of orthorhombic/tetragonal nanocrystals (NCs). The adjacent thin films to the FG are also formed of orthorhombic/tetragonal HfO2 NCs. This phase is formed during annealing, in samples with thick control HfO2, in the presence of Ge, being induced by the stress. In the rest of the control oxide, HfO2 NCs are monoclinic. Orthorhombic HfO2 has ferroelectric properties and therefore enhances the memory window produced by charge storage in Ge NPs to above 6 V. The high sensitivity of 0.8 mV Gy(-1) to a particle irradiation from a Am-241 source was measured by monitoring the flatband potential during radiation exposure after electrical writing of the memory.
10. Dense Ge nanocrystals embedded in TiO2 with exponentially increased photoconduction by field effect
Authors: Lepadatu, AM; Slav, A; Palade, C; Dascalescu, I; Enculescu, M; Iftimie, S; Lazanu, S; Teodorescul, VS; Ciurea, ML; Stoica, T

Published: MAR 20 2018, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 8, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23316-3

Si and Ge nanocrystals in oxides are of a large interest for photo-effect applications due to the fine-tuning of the optical bandgap by quantum confinement in nanocrystals. In this work, dense Ge nanocrystals suitable for enhanced photoconduction were fabricated from 60% Ge in TiO2 amorphous layers by low temperature rapid thermal annealing at 550 degrees C. An exponential increase of the photocurrent with the applied voltage was observed in coplanar structure of Ge nanocrystals composite films deposited on oxidized Si wafers. The behaviour was explained by field effect control of the Fermi level at the Ge nanocrystals-TiO2 layer/substrate interfaces. The blue-shift of the absorption gap from bulk Ge value to 1.14 eV was evidenced in both photocurrent spectra and optical reflection-transmission experiments, in good agreement with quantum confinement induced bandgap broadening in Ge nanocrystal with sizes of about 5 nm as found from HRTEM and XRD investigations. A nonmonotonic spectral dependence of the refractive index is associated to the Ge nanocrystals formation. The nanocrystal morphology is also in good agreement with the Coulomb gap hopping mechanism of T-1/2 -type explaining the temperature dependence of the dark conduction.
11. GeSi nanocrystals in SiO2 matrix with extended photoresponse in near infrared
Authors: Stavarache, I; Nedelcu, L; Teodorescu, VS; Maraloiu, VA; Dascalescu, I; Ciurea, ML

Published: 2018, CAS 2018 PROCEEDINGS: 2018 INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CONFERENCE, 256, DOI:

The films of SiGe nanocrystals in SiO2 on Si substrate were obtained by co-sputtering Si, Ge, and SiO2 followed by rapid thermal annealing. The films structure and morphology together with electrical and photoelectrical properties were studied by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, current - voltage and spectral photocurrent measurements. The photocurrent spectra at 300, 200 and 100 K were correlated with results obtained from X-ray diffractograms and transmission electron microscopy. The photocurrent spectra show an extension in near infrared due to the enriching SiGe nanocrystals in Ge.
12. Optoelectric charging-discharging of Ge nanocrystals in floating gate memory
Authors: Palade, C; Slav, A; Lepadatu, AM; Maraloiu, AV; Dascalescu, I; Iftimie, S; Lazanu, S; Ciurea, ML; Stoica, T

Published: NOV 19 2018, APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS, 113, DOI: 10.1063/1.5039554

Photo-induced effects on charging and discharging of nanocrystals (NCs) in capacitor memories with Ge NCs in an HfO2 matrix as a floating gate layer are studied. The sequence of layers HfO2/Ge-HfO2/ HfO2 was deposited on a p-Si substrate using magnetron sputtering. Well separated Ge NCs are obtained after rapid thermal annealing at 600 degrees C. The optoelectric capacitor memories were fabricated with a semi-transparent electrode on top of the structure and an Al electrode on the back side of the Si substrate. Light illumination effects on hysteresis curves were investigated using different operation modes. The hysteresis window increases by increasing the light exposure time. The spectral dependence of the hysteresis window shows the maximum contribution of the light in the wavelength range of 950-1000 nm, corresponding to both contributions from the Si substrate and from Ge NCs. The stored information about the electrical and optical pulses is also investigated in the regime of the flat band potential measurements (retention measurements). It is shown that in our memory structure, the photo-effect on the memory retention corresponds to a tunnelling transfer of negative charges from the Si substrate to Ge NCs, up to a mean value of 1.6 electrons per NC. Published by AIP Publishing.
13. MOS DOSIMETER BASED ON Ge NANOCRYSTALS IN HfO2
Authors: Palade, C; Slav, A; Lepadatu, AM; Stavarache, I; Dascalescu, I; Cojocaru, O; Stoica, T; Ciurea, ML; Lazanu, S

Published: 2018, CAS 2018 PROCEEDINGS: 2018 INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CONFERENCE, 90, DOI:

Trilayer MOS capacitors gate HfO2 / floating gate of Ge nanocrystals in HfO2 / tunnel HfO2 / Si substrate were prepared in the aim to be used for the detection of ionizing radiation. Magnetron sputtering and rapid thermal annealing were used for their fabrication. Capacitance-voltage measurements showed that Ge nanocrystals are the most important charge storage centres in our structure. The possibility to use these trilayer MOS capacitors as dosimeters was investigated, and the sensitivity to alpha particle irradiation was extracted.
14. Photosensitive GeSi/TiO2 multilayers in VIS-NIR
Authors: Palade, C; Dascalescu, I; Slav, A; Lepadatu, AM; Lazanu, S; Stoica, T; Teodorescu, VS; Ciurea, ML; Comanescu, F; Muller, R; Dinescu, A; Enuica, A

Published: 2017, 2017 INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CONFERENCE (CAS), 40TH EDITION, 70, DOI:

The electrical and photosensing properties correlated with structure and morphology of TiO2/(GeSi/TiO2)(2) multilayers are investigated. The multilayers are prepared by magnetron sputtering followed by rapid thermal annealing. Studies of Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction are carried out. Measurements of dark current versus voltage and temperature are done. The photosensing properties are studied by measuring photocurrent spectra at different temperatures. We obtain multilayers with 10 - 15 nm Ge0.6Si0.4 nanocrystals (NCs) by annealing at 800 degrees C. We evidence the tunneling mechanism between neighbor NCs (T-1/2 law) in the dark current-temperature dependence. The photocurrent spectrum has a maximum with position shifting from 940 to 980 nm when the measurement temperature increases from 150 to 300 K, being due to the GeSi NCs.
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