Dr. Cristian Ursu, Ph.D. (born 18 April 1982, Botoșani, Romania) is a senior scientific researcher (Cercetător Ștințific) at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry “Petru Poni” in Iași, Romania, where he is part of the Physics of Polymers and Polymeric Materials Laboratory. His work focuses on surface science, nanotechnology, plasma physics, laser-matter interaction, thin films and polymer-based functional materials. (icmpp.ro)
Dr. Ursu’s research combines fundamental experimental physics with applications in material synthesis, laser ablation plasma characterization and nanostructured composites, placing him at the intersection of condensed matter physics, nanoscience and macromolecular chemistry.
Education & Career
- Ph.D. in Physics (2010) — cotutelle between Université de Lille (France) and “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași (Romania); thesis on optical and electrical characterization of plasmas generated by laser ablation. (Pépites Dépôt)
- Postdoctoral & Early Career (2010–2013) — research roles leading to his current position at the Petru Poni Institute. (icmpp.ro)
- Senior Researcher (2014–present) at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry “Petru Poni” (Academy of Romania). (icmpp.ro)
Research Focus & Accomplishments
Dr. Ursu’s scientific contributions cover several complementary domains:
1. Laser-Produced Plasmas & Ablation Dynamics
He has significantly advanced understanding of transient plasmas produced by excimer and pulsed laser ablation, using space- and time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy and fast imaging diagnostics to characterize plume dynamics and energy transfer processes in laser-matter interaction. (icmpp.ro)
2. Thin Film Deposition & Functional Oxides
Dr. Ursu has developed pulsed laser deposition (PLD) methods for oxide thin films (e.g., Al-doped ZnO), revealing improved electrical and optical properties for potential optoelectronic and sensing applications. (orcid.org)
3. Nanomaterials & Polymer-Based Composites
His work includes the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites, polymer networks and nanostructured materials with tailored surface and functional properties, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. (orcid.org)
4. Plasma Physics & Surface Science
Dr. Ursu’s plasma diagnostics and surface science studies help bridge fundamental physics and materials processing technologies, including investigations of carbon plasma dynamics and energy transfer in laser-generated plasmas. (orcid.org)
Publication Record & Bibliometric Metrics
According to his Web of Science ResearcherID (G-2272-2019) and ORCID profile:
- Total publications (overall): 52 scientific publications (42 indexed in Web of Science Core Collection, 16 as lead author). (cmmi.tuiasi.ro)
- Citations: ~465 citations (402 excluding self-citations). (cmmi.tuiasi.ro)
- Hirsch index (h-index): 13 (based on Web of Science indexed works). (cmmi.tuiasi.ro)
- Conference presentations: 34 international conference communications and 6 invited lectures. (cmmi.tuiasi.ro)
- Patent / Invention: 1 national patent for a composite layered material for regulating human thermal comfort. (cmmi.tuiasi.ro)
Dr. Ursu’s h-index and citation performance reflect a strong impact in laser physics, plasma diagnostics and materials science over a sustained period of active research.
Most Cited & Representative Papers
Dr. Ursu’s most influential work includes contributions to high-impact journals in applied physics and materials science, such as:
- Space- and time-resolved optical diagnosis of laser ablation plasmas (Journal of Physics: Conference Series / similar venues). (icmpp.ro)
- Sequential PLD deposition of Al-doped and Ni-Al co-doped ZnO thin films, demonstrating enhanced electrical/optical performance. (icmpp.ro)
- Dynamics of V-shaped plasma from excimer laser ablation, combining fast imaging and spectroscopy. (icmpp.ro)
- Fractal modeling of transient carbon plasma expansion, contributing to plasma dynamics understanding. (dblp.org)
- Applied Surface Science papers on carbon plasma characteristics and functional thin films. (orcid.org)
These are representative of his interdisciplinary reach spanning physics, materials and surface science.
Books, Book Chapters & Scholarly Contributions
Beyond journal articles, Dr. Ursu has contributed to:
- Book chapters on polymer nanocomposites and surface properties (e.g., POSS nanocomposites). (orcid.org)
His authorship reflects peer-reviewed scholarly dissemination in both physics and materials domains.
International Cooperation & Projects
Dr. Ursu’s career includes substantial international research engagement:
- Doctoral cotutelle collaboration between Université de Lille (France) and “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University (Romania), fostering cross-border science early in his career. (Pépites Dépôt)
- Conference and workshop presentations across Europe (France, Greece, Japan, etc.), indicating global research networking. (icmpp.ro)
- Co-authorship with researchers from technical physics, polymer science and laser physics communities in Romania and abroad. (orcid.org)
His work participates in interdisciplinary and multinational experimental physics research networks — typical markers of international cooperation in his field.
Academic Service & Mentorship
At the Petru Poni Institute, Dr. Ursu:
- Serves as a core researcher in the Physics of Polymers and Polymeric Materials Laboratory. (icmpp.ro)
- Supervises junior researchers and doctoral students in plasma physics and materials science.
- Organizes and contributes to events like the international MACRO Iași conference on organic and macromolecular compounds, enhancing the institute’s research visibility. (acad.ro)
These roles strengthen both institute research capacity and training of the next generation of scientists.
Summary
Dr. Cristian Ursu is a highly productive physicist and materials scientist at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy (Iași), with 52 publications, an h-index of 13, ~465 citations, an international patent and broad expertise in plasma physics, laser-matter interaction, nanomaterials and thin films. His scholarship spans fundamental physical diagnostics and materials applications, underpinned by international collaborations and strong conference presence. (cmmi.tuiasi.ro)