Meropi Mari is a postdoctoral researcher in the Institute of Electronic Structure and Lasers (IESL). She has got a B.Sc. degree in Physics (2005) and a M.Sc. degree in Optoelectronics (2008) from the Physics Department of the University of Crete. She received her PhD degree from the University of Edinburgh (2014). She has published 9 refereed scientific articles in international journals, 4 papers in conference proceedings. She has recently got her own funding by the Hellenic Foundation for Research & Innovation in order to set up a Two-Photon Microscope for in vivo applications on mice.
Education
- 2014, Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Edinburgh
- 2008, M.Sc. in Optoelectronics - Microelectronics, University of Crete
- 2005, B.Sc. in Physics, University of Crete
Interests
- non-linear imaging (Second and Third Harmonic Generation, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering and Two Photon Excitation Fluorescence) at microscopic level applied on biologic specimens
- Thickness identification as well as in depth degradation assessment through THG and MPEF for Cultural Heritage studies
- Raman Spectroscopy on lipids & proteins
- Atomic Force Microscopy; lipid bilayers, interactions with proteins, changes of protein structure (annular & globular shape, fibril formation
- Tip-Enhanced Optical Microscopy optimization
Dr. Theodoros Manouras is currently a research associate in the Department of Materials Science and Technology of the University of Crete and a member of the Hybrid Nanostructures Group of the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology. He received his B.Sc in Materials Science from the University of Patras (Greece) in 2005 and his M.Sc. and PhD in Polymer Science from the University of Athens (Greece) in 2007 and 2012, respectively. He was a PhD scholar in the National Center of Scientific Research “Demokritos” (Greece) working on the development of novel polymeric materials for lithographic applications and bioapplications.
Career
- 2012, PhD, Chemistry Department, University of Athens, Greece and Institute of Microelectronics, National Center of Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Greece
- 2007, M.Sc, Chemistry Department, University of Athens, Greece
- 2005, B.Sc, Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, Greece
Interests
- Design and synthesis of novel ‘smart’ polymers of various architectures (linear, star, bottlebrush, brushes, etc)
- Biocidal and antifouling materials
- Self-assembly of polymeric materials
- Polymer electrolytes
- Polymers for drug delivery
- Lithographic applications (EUV, laser, DUV, hot tip lithography etc)
- Organic photochemistry
Awards/Prizes/Distinctions
- 2018 - Research scholarship for 2 years through the ‘support of new scientist’ program from the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Education
- 2018 - Best poster award, 12th Hellenic Polymer Society International Conference, Ioannina
- 2015 - Best poster award, QualityNano Conference, Crete
- 2014 - Best poster award, 10th Hellenic Polymer Society Conference, Patras
- 2007 - PhD scholar in Institute of Microelectronics (IMEL) of National Center of Scientific Research "Demokritos" (Greece)
Dr Athanasia Kostopoulou received her B.Sc. degree in Physics (2004) and her M.Sc. degree (2006) on Materials Physics & Technology from the Physics Department at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Since 2012, when received her Ph.D. from the Chemistry Department at the University of Crete, she is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser at FORTH (Heraklion). Since 2018 and for the next three years, she is coordinator of the program for new researchers with title “Low-Temperature Growth of Perovskite Nanosystems for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells” financially supported by General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) and the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI). She is working on the chemical synthesis and elucidation of the microscopic physical mechanisms involving nanocrystal systems of different chemical phases and morphologies (magnetic and semiconducting).
Education
- 2012 Ph.D. in Chemistry – Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Greece
- 2006 Master in “Materials Physics and Technology” – Physics Department – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
- 2004 Bachelor in Physics – Physics Department – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Career
- 10/2018 -Today, Coordinator of the program “Low-Temperature Growth of Perovskite Nanosystems for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells” financially supported by General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) and the Hellenic Foundation for Resea
- 9/2016 – 09/2018, Post-doc Fellow, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- 1/2013 – 12/2014 Post-doc Fellow, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- 10/2003 – 06/2004 Program, “ePhys: Towards and effective use of ICT for Open Learning in Teaching of Physics in Europe”, Physics Department, AUTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
- 09/2005 – 12/2005 Program, “ePhys: Towards and effective use of ICT for Open Learning in Teaching of Physics in Europe”, Physics Department, AUTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests
- Synthesis of nanocrystals by using Glove-Box and Schlenk techniques for applications in biology (MRI, hyperthermia, theranostics), energy conversion (photovoltaics) and storage (batteries)
- Magnetic, metallic or semiconducting nanocrystals of one or more chemical phases in centrosymmetric or anisotropic structures
- Laser-induced synthesis of nanocrystals
- Films of nanoparticulate systems
- Structural analysis of the nanocrystals by using Powder X-Ray Diffraction and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM)
- Optical characterization by using UV-Vis and PL Spectroscopy
- Magnetic characterization by using SQUID Magnetometry
- Elucidation of the microscopic physical mechanisms involving nanocrystal systems of different chemical phases and morphologies (magnetic and semiconducting)
Awards/Prizes/Distinctions
- 2018, Coordinator of the program for young researchers with title “Low-Temperature Growth of Perovskite Nanosystems for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells” financially supported by General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) and the Hellen
- 2016, Team leader that excelled in the 10 best in the category for Applied Research in the 3rd Competition "Greece innovates!" Organized by Eurobank and SEV
- 2016 - 2017 FELLOWSHIP OF EXCELLENCE FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN GREECE- SIEMENS PROGRAM
- 2015, Best poster presentation: 20th International Conference on Magnetism, Barcelona
Dr. Kyriaki Kosma received her Degree in Physics from the Physics Department of the University of Ioannina in 2004. She received her PhD in experimental Physics from the Physics Department of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. Her research focused on ultra-short pulse generation in the near IR and UV/VUV spectral range with applications in laser-matter interactions, and the investigation of femtosecond molecular dynamics during ultrafast photo-induced reactions with the pump-probe technique. She continued her research as a post-doctoral fellow in Berlin, in the Laboratory for Free Clusters and Molecules, in Max-Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short-pulse Spectroscopy. Currently, she is a member of the Institute of Plasma Physics and Lasers.
Career
- IESL -FORTH, Post Doc (2016-2017)
- Technical Educational Institute of Crete, Center for Plasma Physics & Lasers (CPPL), Post Doc (2017-today)
Interests
- Optical physics/non linear optics
- Molecular spectroscopy
Maria Konstantaki received the B.S. degree in Physics from Crete University, Greece in 1993 and the PhD in Electrical Engineering from Strathclyde University, Scotland in 1997. From 1994 to 1997 she was a Marie Curie PhD research fellow in Strathclyde University investigating optical fibre sensors for Structural Health Monitoring applications. In 1998 she joined the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) where she now holds the position of Principal Application Scientist (ELE B’). She has been involved in research on the non-linear properties of novel materials, photosensitivity studies and grating inscription in standard and photonic crystal optical fibres. Her current scientific interests are focused in the design and development of optical fibre sensors and the endorsement of the technology by end users beyond the laboratory environment. Dr Konstantaki is an author or co-author of more than 100 journal and conference publications.
Education
- 1997, Ph.D., Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Scotland
- 1993, BSc, Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece
Career
- Since 2017, Principal Application Scientist, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Greece
- 2013-2017, Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Crete (TEI), Greece
- 2001-2012, Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Informatics Engineering, TEI, Greece
- 1998-2016, Laboratory Research Scientist, IESL, FORTH, Greece
- 1994-1996, Marie Curie PhD Research Fellow, University of Strathclyde, Scotland
Interests
- Optical fiber sensors
Dr. Ioannis Konidakis is an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH). I. Konidakis was born in Crete, Greece, in 1980. He has a B.Sc. Honours degree in Chemistry from the University of Aberdeen in UK (2002). He received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from the same University in 2006. After spending one year for military service (obligatory in Greece), from June 2008 to August 2011 he has been a Post-doctoral fellow at the Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute (TPCI) of the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF). He joined the IESL of FORTH in September 2011. During his first IESL appointment until April 2016, he was involved in research on the field of micro-structured optical fibers. In his present IESL research appointment he is part of the Ultrafast Laser Micro- and Nano-Processing (ULMNP) Laboratory that runs under the supervision of the Director of Research Dr. E. Stratakis. He leads the subgroup of Lasers in Optoelectronics within ULMNP Laboratory that consists of post-docs, post-graduate students, and undergraduate students. His current research interests are focused on the synthesis and laser diagnostics of composite glasses and energy harvesting materials for advanced photonic, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, and photovoltaic applications. I. Konidakis is a main Researcher in the European Projects “InComEss” (H2020, LC-NMBP-32-2019, 42 months, 258K €), and “APPROACH” (HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-03-01, 42 months, 833K €). In addition, his expertise on the development of advanced composite glasses lead to the successful evaluation of his Glas-A-Fuels proposal (HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01-01, 42 months, 800K €). From 2011 to 2017 he was appointed a part-time Lecturer at the Department of Materials Science and Technology of the University of Crete. He is the main author and co-author of several research articles including one in Nature Nanotechnology, a review paper, and the author of a book chapter.
Education
- 2006- Ph. D., “Activation volumes and ion transport mechanisms in glasses and polymers” - Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, UK.
- 2002-Bachelor, Honours in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, UK.
Career
- 5/2016 - Today, Post-doctoral Researcher, Ultrafast Laser Micro- and Nano-Processing (ULMNP) Laboratory, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- 9/2011 - 9/2017: Part-time Lecturer, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- 9/2011 - 4/2016, Post-doctoral Researcher, Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory (PMDL), Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- 6/2008 – 8/2011, Post-doctoral Researcher, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute (TPCI), National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), Athens, Greece.
Interests
- Development, laser-assisted synthesis and characterization of composite glasses and perovskites for advanced photonic and photovoltaic applications.
- Time resolved femtosecond laser Transient Absorption Spectroscopy in nanocatalysts, photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and optoelectronic materials.
- Non-linear optical properties of oxide glasses and crystals.
- Growth of glassy and crystalline materials inside photonic crystal fibers (PCFs), towards sensing, switching, opto-fluidic and photonic bandgap applications.
- Structure-properties correlation of inorganic oxide glasses.
- Physical chemistry of glasses and polymers - Ion transport and conductivity mechanisms.
- Investigation of ion dynamics in glasses and polymers - Impedance spectroscopy (IS) under Variable Pressure - Variable Temperature (VPVT) conditions.
- Thermal and mechanical properties of glasses and polymers (DSC, DTA, TGA).
Awards/Prizes/Distinctions
- 2023: Successful evaluation of Glas-A-Fuels (GA 101130717), HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01-01 proposal.
- 2022, Co-author of paper in Nature Nanotechnology.
- 2014-IKY Fellowship of Excellence for Post-graduate Research in Greece - Siemens Program, awarded from the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), (24 months, 39K €).
- 2002-Ph.D. Studentship, awarded from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC, UK).
- 2000-COUTTS PRIZE, awarded from the Department of Chemistry for excellent performance in level 2 Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, UK.
Olga Kokkinaki received her Ph.D. on the dynamics of phase transitions in the UV laser irradiation of molecular solids from the University of Crete in 2009. Since then, she has been working as a post-doctoral fellow at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (IESL-FORTH) in the field of laser diagnostics of polymers and cultural heritage materials. Her research activity focuses on the optimization of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy methodologies for industrial and environmental applications and, currently, on the design and implementation of laser-induced fluorescence schemes for evaluating/ monitoring laser cleaning processes of artworks. She has been involved in a number of research projects resulting in several publications in international journals and participation in conferences.
Education
- 2009, PhD, Physical Chemistry, Univ. of Crete, Greece
- 2004, MsC, Optoelectronics-Microelectronics, Univ. of Crete, Greece
- 2002, BSc, Physics , Univ. of Crete, Greece
Career
- 2009-today , Post-doctoral researcher, IESL-FORTH
Interests
- Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
- Laser-induced Fluorescence
- Pump-Probe laser schemes
- Remote analysis
- Laser ablation mechanisms of molecular solids
- Analysis of cultural heritage materials and monitoring their interaction with lasers
Argyro Klini is a Principal Application Scientist at IESL-FORTH. Her research activity focuses on the fabrication of nanostructures for optical sensing applications. She holds a BSc in Physics, a MSc in Applied Molecular Spectroscopy and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Crete, Greece.
Her research expertize and interests concentrate on the synthesis of novel materials - thin films, nanostructures, micropatterned structures- for optical, optoelectronic, microelectronics applications, by employing laser based deposition techniques, such as Pulsed laser Deposition (PLD) and Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT). Particular emphasis is given on the spectroscopic study of the optical properties (Photoluminescence) of nanostructured semiconducting materials and their exploitation in opto-sensing applications.
She has coordinated a number of bilateral projects and has participated in several EU funded research projects and IESL-FORTH internal projects, in the field of material processing and thin film growth. Her research has produced more than 50 publications in international peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings and 1 Greek patent.
Education
- 2013, PhD in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry Dept., University of Crete, Greece
- 2004, MSc in Applied Molecular Spectroscopy, Chemistry Dept., University of Crete, Greece
- 1991, BSc in Physics, Physics Dept., University of Crete, Greece
Career
- 01/04/2017-today, Principal Application Scientist (Grade B’), IESL-FORTH
- 01/01/2000-31/03/2017, Research Scientist (open-ended contract), IESL-FORTH
- 01/06/2005-31/08/2005, Visiting Research Scientist, Laurence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
- 01/01/1994-31/01/1999, Association for Research Technology and Training-FORTH
Interests
- Laser based material fabrication and structuring
- Laser spectroscopy for opto-sensing applications
Dr. George Kenanakis is a principal Researcher at IESL-FORTH, where he joined at 2006. His main research interests range between applied physics and electromagnetism (focused in the electromagnetic wave propagation in composite media, with emphasis on metamaterials, photonic crystals and plasmonic structures), to chemical synthesis of metal oxide thin films and nanostructures (emphasized in the photocatalysis of organic pollutants in liquid and gas phase).
He has a strong experience in the analysis of thin films, nanostructures and metamaterials’ samples by means of microwave and FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy with emphasis on catalysis studies, dehydration kinetics, and in-situ measurements, along with electromagnetic shielding, energy harvesting, etc.
For the last years his research efforts are focused on 3D printing/additive manufacturing of polymeric nanostructures with multifunction properties, such as 3D printed circuits and electronics (a), Energy harvesting prototypes, using existing EM radiation (e.g. GSM, FM, WiFi) (b), 3D printed flexible electrodes for batteries (c), Large scale 3D photocatalytic/self-cleaning filters and devices (d), Industrial scale thermoelectric devices, for potential applications in random access memory devices (e), etc.
Education
- 2011 Ph.D., University of Crete, Faculty of Sciences, Chemistry department. “Synthesis of ZnO and TiO2 thin films and nanostructures using chemical techniques and study of their photocatalytic properties”.
- 2007 M.Sc., University of Crete, Faculty of Sciences, Chemistry department. “Synthesis of ZnO nanostructures using aqueous solutions and study of their ozone sensing properties”
- 2003 B. Eng. (Chem.) & M.Sc.Eng. (Chem.), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Engineering, Chemical Engineering department. “The use of industrial minerals as soil enhancers in acidic soils”.
Career
- Self employed chemical engineer from 30/10/2003 to 10/11/2016.
- Registered chemical engineer in Prefecture of Lasithi's records since 17/09/2004.
- Registered engineer in Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate change (ID No. 22384) since 01/06/2010.
- Advanced auditor in Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) of TUV HELLAS since 20/12/04.
- Advanced auditor in Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001) of EUROCERT since 10/07/05.
- Collaborating Researcher in Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) - Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), 01/01/06 - 03/11/16.
- Assistant Researcher (Researcher C’) in Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) - Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), in the field of “Photonic metamaterials and devices”, 04/11/16 - 02/12/20.
- Associated Researcher in Center of Materials Science and Photonics of School of Applied Technology, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), former Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, since 01/09/06.
- Accredited instructor registered in Hellenic Food Authority of Greek Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity (E.F.E.T.); (ID No. 631).
- Accredited instructor registered in Greek National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (E.K.D.D.A.); (ID No. 9088, Decision No: 4466-21/05/2019)
- Accredited instructor registered in Manpower Agency of Greece (O.A.E.D.); (ID No. 28894).
- Lecturer at Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), former Technological and Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete from 20/02/06 to 28/02/15.
Interests
- Electromagnetic wave propagation in composite media, with emphasis on metamaterials, photonic crystals, plasmonic structures, and random dielectric and metalodielectric systems.
- Design and simulation of both passive and dynamically controllable chiral metamaterials, as well as electromagnetic characterization of such metamaterials in microwaves and IR
- Realization/calculation of Casimir force between chiral metamaterials.
- Synthesis and study of metal oxide thin films and nanostructures of (ZnO, InOx, WO3, TiO2, SiO2, VO2) emphasized in: (a) photocatalysis of organic pollutants in liquid and gas phase, (b) growth of novel metal oxide coatings with self-cleaning properties
- 3D printing/additive manufacturing of polymeric nanostructures with multifunction properties: (a) 3D printed circuits and electronics, (b) Energy harvesting prototypes, using existing EM radiation (e.g. GSM, FM, WiFi), (c) 3D printed flexible electrode
Awards/Prizes/Distinctions
- Cover of ACS Photonics Journal, Volume 6 (Number 3), March 2019: “Experimental Demonstration of Ultrafast THz Modulation in a Graphene-Based Thin Film Absorber through Negative Photoinduced Conductivity”.
- Cover of LaserLab-Europe Newsletter, Issue 24, December 2017: “Laser-made 3D zinc oxide nanostructures”.
- Cover of Materials Today journal, December 2016: “ZnO grown on 3D structures”.
- Member of project team “Extending electromagnetism through novel artificial materials - EXEL” which was awarded from the European Union with the “DESCARTES” Prize for Research Laureates for its innovative scientific work in left-handed meta-materials in D
