Research team
Expertise
I am a computational condensed matter and material science expert. I have more than 15 years of extensive experience in the characterization of electronic, optical, thermal, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, energy storage, and superconducting properties of materials (in particular two-dimensional) with methods based on mostly Density Functional Theory and Classical/First-Principles Molecular Dynamics Simulations. The projects regarding the search for novel two-dimensional crystals to be used in energy generation/conversion, sensor, and ion-battery applications particularly attract my research interest. I have developed more than 12 research projects (as a PI). I have also contributed to a long-term project on the growth and characterization of novel two-dimensional materials such as MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, and Mo2C. Therefore, I have gained extensive experience in Chemical Vapor Deposition growth of materials and their layer-by-layer characterization by RAMAN and PL tools. Currently, I am also working on the development of Machine Learnin-based potential for Materials Simulation applications. I have experience in computational tool development (Fortran, C++, Python) and the operation of simulation tools on HPC systems. Please see my Google Scholar Page:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=orEY3LwAAAAJ&hl=en
Supergeleidende Elektronica voor Quantumtechnologieën (SELEQT)
Abstract
SELEQT — Superconducting Electronics for Quantum Technology — is a service platform dedicated to advanced simulation, design, and interpretation of superconducting electronic circuits for quantum technologies. The platform provides Ginzburg–Landau-based simulation tools for modeling quantum superconducting circuits under realistic operating conditions, including current- and voltage-biased regimes, external magnetic fields, three-dimensional device layouts, multilayer architectures, and complex integrated-circuit geometries. SELEQT will support a flexible software ecosystem consisting of licensed simulation codes optimized for different scientific objectives, device scales, and computer architectures. Users will be able to run simulations on dedicated SELEQT computing clusters or deploy selected codes on their own infrastructure, depending on licensing and performance requirements. The platform will also include integration modules for superconducting integrated circuits, enabling the analysis of device-level behavior within larger circuit and system environments. Beyond software access, SELEQT will offer expert consulting services tailored to both academic and industrial users. These services will include assistance with adding new physical or numerical modules to existing codes, adapting simulations to specific device concepts, interpreting scientific results, and providing complete problem-solving workflows on demand. By combining high-fidelity superconducting circuit simulation, scalable computing resources, and expert scientific support, SELEQT aims to accelerate the development of next-generation superconducting electronics and quantum technology platforms.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Milosevic Milorad
- Co-promoter: Rodrigues Cadorim Leonardo
- Co-promoter: Sevik Cem
Research team(s)
Funding
- IOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Innovative Modelling in Physics and Quantum Technologies (IMPAQT)
Abstract
The IMPAQT initiative (Innovative Modelling in Physics and Quantum Technologies) aims to strengthen the University of Antwerp's position in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technologies. Building on recent research advances, IMPAQT provides a coherent framework for coordinated research, joint fundraising, and sustainable scientific development. While firmly rooted in physics, IMPAQT has a distinctly interdisciplinary character. The initiative brings together expertise from physics, mathematics, and computer science to address challenges across the quantum technology chain, from quantum theory and quantum algorithms to the modelling of quantum materials and device-scale quantum systems. Particular attention is given to superconducting and photonic circuits as key platforms for scalable quantum technologies. By combining complementary expertise, IMPAQT creates critical mass in research excellence, strengthens competitiveness at the European level, and positions the University of Antwerp as a visible player in the international quantum technology landscape.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Milosevic Milorad
- Fellow: Sevik Cem
Research team(s)
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Enhanced Exciton Lifetime in (computationally designed) 2D Heterostructures of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.
Abstract
Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) hetero-layers have proven promising for future valleytronic, spintronic, and quantum computing applications owing to their ability to host real space-separated excitons with strong binding energy and long radiative lifetime. However, the full physical understanding of the energetics, excitation mechanisms, and dynamics of those special quasiparticles has not been reached yet. Moreover, the optimum heterolayer structures among the many alternatives for hosting the long-lived interlayer excitons have not been determined either experimentally or theoretically. Heterolayer TMD engineering is highly practical in that sense, as interlayer distance, stacking, the type of constituent TMD, and the electric field, all thoroughly affect the emergent excitonic properties. Moreover, its "two-faced" Janus TMD (JTMD) structures (high-quality fabrication has recently been achieved) possessing an intrinsic out-of-plane electric dipole find additional combinational opportunities towards even more versatile excitonic optimization. Therefore, we propose a highly accurate ab initio computational framework to investigate the direct and indirect exciton spectrum of TMD/JTMD and TMD/TMD/JTMD (TMD = MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, WSe2; JTMD = MoSSe, WSSe) 2D heterostructures. We plan to computationally characterize exciton dynamics including phonon-mediated exciton excitation rates and identify the most promising heterolayer crystals, with unprecedented exciton lifetimes for applications in advanced optoelectronics and emergent quantum technology. The proposed computational framework will also contribute to current full ab initio modeling developments and pave the way for the fundamental understanding of interlayer excitons physics, along with creation and annihilation mechanisms.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Sevik Cem
- Fellow: Manivannan Purushothaman
Research team(s)
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Photo-thermo-structural characterisation of mono- and bimetallic Au and Ag nanoparticles.
Abstract
Fabrication and design of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has tremendously advanced over the last decades, enabling a variety of their applications. Many of the latter are based on heat delivery - utilizing plasmonic properties of such NPs, where exposure to light activates conducting electrons at the surface and heats the particle, with consequently transferred heat to the (biological, chemical, medical) environment the NP is embedded in. What is often disregarded is that NPs structurally change under such photo-thermal excitations. It is therefore of prime importance to understand the stability and behavior of metallic NPs at elevated and distributed temperature, and devise strategies for their optimized performance under desired conditions. That is the core objective of the present project, focusing on mono- and bimetallic Au and Ag NPs. To achieve this goal, it is first necessary to determine the atomistic structure of the NPs, for which one must go beyond the computationally expensive density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. For that, we will employ machine learning for training the Au and Ag interatomic potentials based on DFT data, towards incrementally sped up yet accurate relaxation of the NP shape and structure. The subsequent iterative coupling of the obtained morphology with spatially varying optical and thermal response is a cutting-edge development, that will enable us to predictively tailor the NPs under heating and light exposure, for any intended purpose.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Milosevic Milorad
- Co-promoter: Sevik Cem
- Fellow: Vlahovic Jovana
Research team(s)
Funding
- FWO
- FWO
Project type(s)
- Research Project