Petros Samartzis is currently a Principal Researcher at IESL-FORTH. He graduated from the Chemistry Department of the University of Crete in 1996 and received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the same Department in 2003, under the supervision of Theo Kitsopoulos . He carried out post-doctoral research in the USA, initially at the University of California Santa Barbara (2003-2007) under the supervision of Alec Wodtke and then at the California Institute of Technology-Caltech (2007-2009) under the supervision of A. Zewail (Nobel in Chemistry 1999). He returned to Greece and has been working at IESL-FORTH since 2010.
PS studies Chemistry using photons, preferably laser photons. His research interests range from the dynamics of excited molecular states and the structural and energetic monitoring of chemical reactivity to the spectroscopic detection of target molecules in complex chemical mixtures. Among other things, he has studied small molecule photolysis mechanisms, photolytic production of spin-polarized atomic hydrogen, spectroscopic detection and characterization of high energy density molecules, cluster photolysis mechanisms, excitation/relaxation processes in organic crystals and carbon nanotubes, interactions at high-energy molecular excited states and spectroscopic fossil fuel adulteration detection. Over the years he has used a variety of techniques (optical & laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, Velocity Mapping/Slice Imaging, Ultrafast Electron Diffraction), mass spectrometry) and tools (lasers, high vacuum, custom TOF mass spectrometers, position-sensitive detectors, custom-built electron diffractometers, optical spectrometers) which he aims to further develop and expand.
Education
- 2003, PhD., Chemistry Department, University of Crete, Greece
- 1996, BSc., Chemistry Department, University of Crete, Greece
Career
- 2019-today, Principal Researcher, IESL-FORTH, Greece
- 2015-2019, Assistant Researcher, IESL-FORTH, Greece
- 2010-2015, Contracted Researcher, IESL-FORTH, Greece
- 2007-2009, Postdoctoral Scholar, Chemistry & Chem. Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA
- 2003-2007, Postdoc, Chemistry Dpt., University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), USA
Interests
- Laser Chemistry
- Dynamics of excited molecules and reaction intermediates
- Structural Dynamics in chemical reactions
- Detection of target molecules in chemical mixtures
- Development of new techniques and instruments
Dr. Anthi Ranella is an Assistant Researcher at IESL-FORTH and leads the Tissue Engineering –Regenerative Medicine and Immuno-engineering Lab (TERMIM Lab). She received her received PhD in 2005 from the Department of Biology of University of Crete.
Her fields of interests comprise mainly the study of the basic biological and biophysical processes at the molecular and cellular level, the understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms that take place at the interface between cells and biomaterials in micro / nano scale and the examination of the potential medical and/or clinical applications of optimized artificial tissue scaffolds.
In the interdisciplinary area of her interest three post-doctoral research scientists, three PhD, two MSc and two undergraduate students, originated from different scientific fields, are employed. Her research activities have led to the granting of two patents, she has published 39 peer reviewed papers with more than 1200 citations (Scopus h index: 18), 4 chapters in international scientific books, while she serves as a reviewer in many peer-review journals.
Paraskevi Pouli is a Senior Application Scientist at IESL-FORTH, Photonics for Heritage Science group, in charge of developing novel laser technologies for restoration of art and antiquities.
She holds a degree in Physics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and a Ph.D. in Physics from Loughborough University, UK. Her PhD thesis, entitled “Laser cleaning studies on stonework and polychromed surfaces”, was supervised by prof. D.C. Emmony.
She joined IESL-FORTH on 2000 with research interests focused on the investigation of laser ablation on CH materials and the development of laser-cleaning methodologies on real cases. The understanding of laser induced discoloration (yellowing of marble, blackening of pigments) and optimization and monitoring of cleaning process are her research priorities. She is involved in a number of EU (H2020 HERACLES, H2020 IPERION-CH, FP7-CHARISMA, FP5-PROMET, etc.) and nationally (KRIPIS - POLITEIA I and II, LASTOR, MOBILART, CRINNO II etc.) funded research projects.
Her research has been published in over 49 publications (4 invited) in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings, reflecting in more than 700 citations (according to SCOPUS) while she has been presenting her work (8 invited) in major international conferences and workshops in the field. Since 2009 she is a member of the International scientific committee of the LACONA (Lasers in the Conservation of Artworks) Conference Series, while she has been also actively contributing in the organization of several other conferences.
Since 2012 she serves as technical manager of the “OPTO-CH” series of thematic training activities initiated by IESL-FORTH, which have attracted up to now more than 200 conservators-restorers and young scientists with the aim to get familiar with the use of Laser technologies in the analysis, diagnosis and conservation of CH assets. Over the past few years she is vigorously participating to EU and national initiatives on the development of E-RIHS (European Research Infrastructures for Heritage Science) and E-RIHS.gr Research Infrastructures focused in the field of Heritage Science.
Since 2001 she is responsible, on behalf of IESL-FORTH, for the laser-cleaning projects on the Athens Acropolis sculptures (i.e. the Parthenon West Frieze, the ceiling of the Erechtheion Prostasis, the Caryatids at the Acropolis Museum etc.). The outcome of this collaboration is a prototype laser system and a laser cleaning methodology customarily developed in order to ensure the removal of thick pollution accumulations in a controlled and safe way for both the object and the operator. In this context the Acropolis Museum and IESL-FORTH have been awarded the 2012 Keck Award by the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) for their collaboration regarding the “laser rejuvenation of Caryatids opens to the public at the Acropolis Museum: A link between ancient and modern Greece” (http://www.iiconservation.org/node/3362).
Education
- 2000, PhD, Physics Department, Loughborough University, UK
- 1995, BSc, Physics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests
- Investigation of laser ablation mechanisms & development of cleaning methodologies on a variety of Cultural Heritage challenges
- Understanding & prevention of side effects upon laser cleaning; i.e. yellowing of sensitive substrates & blackening of pigments.
- Optimization of the cleaning process using novel & prototype laser systems & methodologies & monitoring the cleaning intervention through spectral imaging, holographic interferometry & laser spectroscopy.
Awards/Prizes/Distinctions
- 2012 Keck award of IIC http://www.iiconservation.org/node/3362
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. Nikos Lazarides (male) obtained his PhD in Physics in 1995 from the Technical University of Denmark, Denmark. After serving his military service in Greece (1995-1996), he joined the Department of Physics of the University of Crete as an associate researcher (1997-2001). He then worked as an adjunct professor in the Department of Physics (2001-2002) and in the Department of Materials Science and Technology (2002-2004) of the University of Crete, and as senior researcher at the Crete Center for Quantum Complexity and Nanotechnology of the Physics Department of the University of Crete, and at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, at the Foundation of Research and Technology – Hellas (IESL-FORTH). He currently conducts research on properties of quantum metamaterials, materials functionalities, characterization and system design optimization. In particular, his research focuses on coherence effects induced by electromagnetic pulses; light manipulation and emergence of quantum coherent phenomena in quantum matter systems toward efficient operation and system optimization.
Education
- 1995, Ph.D. in Applied Mathematical Physics at the Department of Informatics and Mathematical Modeling, (taken over by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, 31/12/2012), The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark.
- 1991, M.Sc. in Physics, Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece.
- 1989, B.Sc. in Physics, Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece.
Career
- 09/2004 - present, Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece.
- 03/2013 - 07/2013, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Crete, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece.
- 10/2012 -02/2013, Scientific Collaborator for teaching of Lecture and Laboratory courses at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, School of Applied Technology, General Applied Sciences Department & Department of Electrical Engineering.
- 10/2010 - 06/2011, Scientific Collaborator for teaching and research at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, School of Applied Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering.
- 02/2009 - 08/2013, Collaborating Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH).
- 09/2005 - 06/2010, Scientific Collaborator for teaching and research at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, School of Applied Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering.
- 09/2002 - 08/2004, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Crete, Department of Materials Science and Technology.
- 09/2001 - 06/2007, Scientific Collaborator for teaching Lecture and Laboratory courses at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, School of Applied Technology, General Applied Sciences Department.
- 09/2001 - 08/2002, Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Crete, Department of Physics.
- 02/1997 - 08/2001, Post-doctoral Researcher at the University of Crete, Department of Physics.
- 08/1995 - 01/1997, military service (mandatory) required by Greek law.
- 04/1995 - 07/1995, Research Associate at the Department of Informatics and Mathematical Modeling, The Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
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
