Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikolay Djourelov has built his academic foundation with a strong orientation toward physics, materials science, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. From his early studies, he demonstrated a clear interest in solid-state physics, radiation–matter interactions, and semiconductor materials. His pursuit of advanced research led him toward specialized studies in nuclear physics and materials characterization, laying the groundwork for his later expertise in Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy and its applications to defects in materials and thin-film structures.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Djourelov has had an accomplished professional career, currently associated with the Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering in Bucharest, Romania, and the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility in Măgurele, Romania. These institutions represent cutting-edge centers of nuclear and optical physics, where he has contributed to international collaborations and high-impact projects. His employment history reflects his active role in advancing nuclear techniques, spectroscopic diagnostics, and applied materials research.
Contributions and Research Focus
The central focus of Dr. Djourelov’s research lies in Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, materials characterization, and defect analysis in semiconductors and nanomaterials. His scientific contributions include studies on SiC defect kinetics, Schottky contact non-uniformity in wide-bandgap materials, defect structure in GaN/AlN/Si heterostructures, and dislocation densities in epitaxial thin films. Additionally, his recent works address the applications of advanced nanostructures such as TiO₂ composites, MoS₂-based devices, and nanocrystalline graphite films. This broad research portfolio highlights his ability to connect fundamental spectroscopic techniques with applied material innovations.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Nikolay Djourelov’s impact is evident through his interdisciplinary collaborations and influential publications in top-tier journals, including Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, Nanomaterials, Materials, and Electrochimica Acta. His work has advanced both the theoretical understanding and experimental implementation of defect characterization, sensor technologies, and nanomaterial applications. As an active researcher at ELI-NP, he contributes to one of Europe’s most advanced infrastructures for high-power laser and nuclear physics, further extending his influence on international research agendas.
Academic Cites
The academic community has recognized Dr. Djourelov’s contributions, as seen in the growing number of citations of his published works. His papers on defect analysis in semiconductors, nanostructure growth, and the application of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy are regularly referenced by peers worldwide. This strong citation record underlines the high relevance and reliability of his findings, which continue to guide new research directions in materials science and nuclear physics.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking forward, Dr. Djourelov is expected to continue bridging nuclear physics methodologies with applied materials research. His expertise in Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy positions him as a leading figure in studying defect dynamics, semiconductor reliability, and nanostructured material applications. He is also poised to contribute to the development of next-generation sensors, energy storage devices, and radiation–matter interaction models. By mentoring younger researchers and maintaining active collaborations, his legacy will expand through both scientific innovation and knowledge transfer.
Publications
Proposed antimatter gravity measurement with an antihydrogen beam
Authors: A. Kellerbauer, M. Amoretti, A.S. Belov, G. Bonomi, I. Boscolo, R.S. Brusa, …
Journal: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Year: 2008
Citations: 357
The extreme light infrastructure nuclear physics (ELI-NP) facility: new horizons in physics with 10 PW ultra-intense lasers and 20 MeV brilliant gamma beams
Authors: S. Gales, K.A. Tanaka, D.L. Balabanski, F. Negoita, D. Stutman, O. Tesileanu, …
Journal: Reports on Progress in Physics
Year: 2018
Citations: 302
Source correction in positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
Authors: N. Djourelov, M. Misheva
Journal: Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter
Year: 1996
Citations: 110
Silica Hybrid Sol–Gel Materials with Unusually High Concentration of Pt–Organic Molecular Guests: Studies of Luminescence and Nonlinear Absorption of Light
Authors: D. Chateau, F. Chaput, C. Lopes, M. Lindgren, C. Brännlund, J. Öhgren, …
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2012
Citations: 58
Proposal for the AEGIS experiment at the CERN antiproton decelerator (Antimatter Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy)
Authors: G.Y. Drobychev, U. Gendotti, I. Boscolo, H. Walters, M. Büchner, A. Rubbia, …
Year: 2007
Citations: 54
Positron annihilation study of density fluctuations in amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) films in terms of quasispinodal decomposition
Authors: T. Suzuki, Y. Bin, N. Djourelov, T. Xu, M. Matsuo
Journal: Physical Review B
Year: 2005
Citations: 49
Formation of a cold antihydrogen beam in AEGIS for gravity measurements
Authors: G. Testera, A.S. Belov, G. Bonomi, I. Boscolo, N. Brambilla, R.S. Brusa, …
Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
Year: 2008
Citations: 46
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikolay Djourelov has established himself as a distinguished researcher whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing science through Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, nuclear physics, and materials research. His early academic promise, professional accomplishments at leading research institutions, impactful publications, and forward-looking contributions position him as an influential figure in contemporary physics. His work not only advances the frontiers of defect characterization and nanomaterial applications but also ensures a lasting legacy in nuclear and material sciences.