Photo of Mikhail Ladanov

Mikhail Ladanov, Ph.D.

Novel Materials R&D | Materials Characterization | High Volume Semiconductor Process Engineering

Two patents published

Two patents , both titled Microstructured crystalline device in confined space, a dye-sensitized solar cell, and method of preparation thereof, have been recently published:

Recent paper gets cover in IOP Nanotechnology


An increasingly influential thought leader in process engineering known for intelligence, innovation and hard work. Provided creative energy, problem solving and organizational skill critical to successful product development, commercialization and production yield improvements.

Co-authored more than 20 research papers published in peer reviewed scientific journals (including such high level journals as Langmuir, Nanotechnology, and Optics Express), seven of which as first author, including “Microfluidic hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowires over high aspect ratio microstructures,” featured as a cover story by Nanotechnology.

Two patents in the area of microstructured devices for application in solar cells based on zinc oxide nanowires

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida. Co-Advisors: Dr. J. Wang and Dr. A. Kumar. GPA: 3.84.

M.Sc., Applied Physics, University of South Florida. Advisor: Dr. M. Munoz.

M.Sc./B.Sc., Semiconductor Physics and Microelectronics, Novosibirsk State University - the best Russian university in scientific research efficiency according to QS World University Rankings. Advisor: Dr. A.G. Milekhin

January 2022 - Present
Senior Applications Scientist, Nova Measuring Instruments
  • Developed optical metrology applications for Nova’s products in semiconductor manufacturing
  • Tested new features in Nova’s products and make proposals for software/hardware changes to support new capabilities
  • Supported development of new application features and assist in their market penetration
July 2016 - January 2022
Applications Engineer, Nikon Precision
  • Worked with customer to provide Process development support and tool integration in R&D and manufacturing environment,
  • Provided support for NSR performance improvement that is beyond specification or compliance to non-specified condition,
  • Troubleshot NSR performance concerns through analysis of log file, test results and customer product or test information,
  • Based on analysis or judgment, made recommendations on NSR performance improvement,
  • Evaluated new NSR functions or options.
February 2014 - March 2016
Process Engineer, Intel Corporation
  • Engineered and managed 24/7 module operations at Intel’s primary semiconductor manufacturing facility at Class 10 cleanroom.
  • Experience with tool/process matching and characterization using statistical analysis and monitoring volumes of production data for defining the process flow and equipment configuration. Methods include JMP, SPC, DOE and Excursion Protection (E3) software.
  • Developed the strategic initiatives to implement process and operation stability, drive quality/yield improvements and efficient manufacturability.
  • Responsible for tool preventative maintenance, management of troubleshooting activities, regular monitoring of tool and process performance, defect analysis and reduction.
  • Held full project ownership for improvements in safety, yield, cost, and improved manufacturability.
December 2012 - December 2013
Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida
  • Conducted research in optoelectronics, bioengineering and device fabrication.
  • Mentored and trained graduate students.
  • Defined equipment and supplies requirements, experimental research workflows, purchasing and installing tools necessary for experiments,
  • Responsible for lab safety and compliance to DEH&S requirements.
  • Wrote scientific publications, grant proposals, and presentations.
August 2009 - December 2012:
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida
  • Conducted research in fields of nano- and microstructures and device fabrication.
  • Managed lab operations, including purchasing of necessary equipment and supply materials, compliance to safety standards, and daily operational oversight.
August 2005 - July 2009:
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Physics, University of South Florida
  • Led the research into molecular dynamics simulations, shock-induced plasticity, and phase transformations.
  • Wrote scientific publications, grant proposals, and presentations.
September 2002 - May 2005:
Engineer, "Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Semiconductor Surface and Semiconductor - Dielectric Systems", Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Novosibirsk, Russia.
  • Conducted the research and wrote scientific publications in fields of vibrational spectroscopy of periodic semiconductor nanostructures.
October 2003 - June 2004:
Engineer, Science and Educational Center "Molecular design and environmental technologies".
  • High-volume semiconductor processing experience includes process and application engineering and development within a 14nm world-class chip manufacturing research facility,
  • Qualified and experienced in the process development of new and modified techniques and methods applied in product manufacturing in semiconductor industry,
  • Operations management (MES), process improvement (SPC, E3), product development, parts availability (BOM) and quantitative analysis (DOE) experience in a high-volume production environment,
  • Have consistent technical and analytical skills and deep understanding of semiconductor processing and characterization hardware,
  • Research background spans from computational physics to complex semiconductor nanomaterials to innovative semiconductor devices and biomedical engineering on the border of photonics, nanotechnology, bioimaging and microfluidics,
  • Hands on experience with full cycle of semiconductor processing: photolithography, wet etch, dry etch, deposition and characterization.

Characterization Techniques

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Visible and UV Reflectance and Transmittance Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Ellipsometry, Photoluminescence (PL)

Growth Techniques

Sputtering, ALD, Electron Beam Evaporation, CVD, Hydrothermal

Etching Techniques

Wet Etch, Deep Reactive Ion Etch, Reactive Ion Etch

Characterization and IC and MEMS fabrication techniques

Profilometry, Ellipsometry, Photolithography, Lift Off, Electron Beam Lithography

Data Analysis

JMP, JSL scripting, Statistica, Pathfinder, Origin, MathCad

Programming/modeling/scripting

C, Fortran, Bash, Python, VB, JSL, LabView, Opti-FDTD, SolidWorks

2009-2012
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
University of South Florida, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tampa, FL.
Co-Advisors: Dr. J. Wang, Dr. A. Kumar.
Dissertation: "ZnO Nanostructures: Growth, Characterization and Applications"
  • Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanostructures,
  • Exploring new methodology for patterning growth sites and controlling nanowires morphology using the deposition methods compatible with integrated circuits (IC) processing,
  • Patterning the seeding layer, and, subsequently, ZnO nanowires through a through microcontact printing,
  • Tailoring morphological properties of ZnO nanowires through setting the physical properties of seeding layers,
  • Investigation of opto-electrochemical properties of ZnO nanowires in various electrolytes and performance of ZnO nanowires as an electrode material for multifunctional applications,
  • Investigation of bulk nucleation and growth of novel aster-like nanostructures,
  • Growth of ZnO nanowires in confined microstructures.
2005-2009
M.Sc. in Applied Physics
University of South Florida, Department of Physics, Tampa, FL.
Advisor: Dr. M. Munoz.
  • Fabrication and characterization of GST phase change memory cells with nickel\nickel oxide superlattice contacts,
  • Measuring normal thermal conductivity of nickel\nickel oxide superlattices.
2003-2005
M.Sc. in Semiconductor Physics and Microelectronics
Novosibirsk State University, Department of Physics, Russia.
Thesis: "Vibrational spectroscopy of periodic semiconductor nanostructures with quantum dots".
Advisor: Dr. A.G. Milekhin.
  • Measuring Raman spectra of periodic semiconductor structures with quantum dots of different shapes in different scattering geometries to obtain displaced due to the mechanical stress frequencies of TO and LO phonons; as well as frequencies of interface phonons,
  • Using experimental frequencies of optical phonons, calculating the frequencies of interface phonons in the approximation of dielectric continuum,
  • Showing adequateness of dielectric continuum approximation for calculating the frequencies of interface phonons in InAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum-dot structures with any value of x.
1999-2003
B.Sc. in Semiconductor Physics and Microelectronics
Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Russia.
Thesis: "IR spectroscopy of periodical semiconductor nanostructures with InAs and AlAs quantum dots".
Advisor: Dr. A.G. Milekhin.
  • Developing dielectric continuum model for periodic InAs/AlAs structures with AlAs/InAs quantum dots,
  • Calculating interface InAs- and AlAs-like modes localized near AlAs/InAs interfaces,
  • Measuring IR spectra of periodic InAs/AlAs structures with AlAs/InAs quantum dots,
  • Fitting of the calculated IR reflection spectra to experimental ones.

Certificates

  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Plasma Therm Dry Etch, March 6, 2013
  • Certificate of Completion, Biosafety Principles and Practices, March 5, 2013
  • Certificate of Training, DEH&S, Biomedical Waste Online, February 21, 2013
  • Certificate of Training, DEH&S, Hazardous Waste Online Refresher, February 1, 2013
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Deep Reactive Ion Etcher, June 18, 2012
  • Certificate of Training, DEH&S, Laboratory safety Online Refresher, July 31, 2011
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Hitachi SU-70 Scanning Electron Microscope, March 14, 2011
  • Certificate of Training, DEH&S, Lab Safety/HazWaste (LRS 206), August 11, 2010
  • Curriculum Completion Report, CITI, Responsible Conduct of Research for Engineers, August 6, 2010
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Focused Ion Beam, August 4, 2010
  • Certificate of Training, DEH&S, Lab Safety/HazWaste (LRS 206), January 13, 2010
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Hitachi Scanning Electron Miscroscope, November 6, 2009
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Atomic Force Microscopy, October 6, 2009
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Electron Beam Evaporator, January 1, 2008
  • Certificate of Completion, NREC, Karl Suss Mask Aligner, January 21, 2007

Award of XLI International Scientific Student Conference "Student and scientific and technological advance", 2003.

Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

  1. PHY2053L - General Physics I Laboratory
    • Spring 2007 - 3 cr.hr.
    • Fall 2007 - 1cr.hr.
    • Fall 2008 - 3cr.hr.
  2. PHY2049L - General Physics II Laboratory
    • Spring 2008 - 3cr.hr.
    • Summer 2008 - 2cr.hr.
    • Summer 2009 - 3cr.hr.
  3. PHZ2103 - Problems General Physics II
    • Fall 2007 - 2cr.hr.
  1. Surya Cheemalapati, Mikhail Ladanov, Bo Pang, Yuan Yuan, Piyush Koria, Younan Xia and Anna Pyayt, Dynamic visualization of photothermal heating by gold nanocages using thermoresponsive elastin like polypeptides, Nanoscale, 2016,8, 18912-18920
  2. Surya Cheemalapati, Mikhail Ladanov, John Winskas, and Anna Pyayt, Optimization of dry etching parameters for fabrication of polysilicon waveguides with smooth sidewall using a capacitively coupled plasma reactor, Appl. Opt. 53, 5745-5749 (2014)
  3. Mikhail Ladanov, Surya Cheemalapati, and Anna Pyayt, Optimization of light delivery by a nanowire-based single cell optical endoscope, Optics Express, Vol. 21, Issue 23, pp. 28001-28009 (2013)
  4. Mikhail Ladanov, Paula Algarin-Amaris, Garrett Mathews, Manoj Ram, Sylvia Thomas, Ashok Kumar, Jing Wang, Microfluidic hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowires over high aspect ratio microstructures, 2013 Nanotechnology 24   375301
  5. Mikhail Ladanov, Paula Algarin-Amaris, Pedro Villalba, Yusuf Emirov, Garrett Matthews, Sylvia Thomas, Manoj K. Ram, Jing Wang, Ashok Kumar Effects of the Physical Properties of Atomic Layer Deposition Grown Seeding Layers on the Preparation of ZnO Nanowires, Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 74 (11), 1578-1588, 2013
  6. Pedro Villalba, Punya Basnayaka, Mikhail Ladanov, Beverly Liriano, Manoj Ram, Subhra Mohapatra and Ashok Kumar (2012), Cholesterol Biosensor Based on Nanodiamond-Polypyrrole Conducting Nanocomposite Membrane. MRS Proceedings, 1414 , mrsf11-1414-hh02-03 doi:10.1557/opl.2012.428
  7. Tanvir E Alam, Manoj K. Ram, Mikhail Ladanov, Farah Alvi, Ajit Mujumdar and Ashok Kumar (2012), Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Graphene Silicon Oxide Nanocomposite Material, MRS Proceedings, 1400 , mrsf11-1400-s08-07 doi:10.1557/opl.2012.500
  8. Jorge Arturo Lara Viera, Manoj K. Ram, Pedro Villalba, Mikhail Ladanov and Ashok Kumar (2012), Electrochemical Oxidation of Phenol in Water Solutions Using Nanocrystalline Boron-Doped Diamond Film Anode, MRS Proceedings, 1395 , mrsf11-1395-n10-02 doi:10.1557/opl.2012.655
  9. Mikhail Ladanov, Manoj K. Ram, Garrett Matthews, Ashok Kumar, Structure and Opto-electrochemical Properties of ZnO Nanowires Grown on n-Si Substrate, Langmuir 27 (14), 9012-9017, 2011
  10. Mikhail Ladanov, Kranthi Kumar Elineni, Manoj Ram, Nathan D. Gallant, Ashok Kumar, Garrett Matthews, A Resistless Process for the Production of Patterned, Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanowires,Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 1302, 2011
  11. Mikhail Ladanov, Manoj Ram, Ashok Kumar, Garrett Matthews, Novel Aster-like ZnO Nanowire Clusters for Nanocomposites, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 1312, 2011
  12. Pedro Villalba, Punya Basnayaka, Mikhail Ladanov, Beverly Liriano, Manoj Ram, Subhra Mohapatra and Ashok Kumar (2012). Cholesterol Biosensor Based on Nanodiamond-Polypyrrole Conducting Nanocomposite Membrane. MRS Proceedings, 1414 , mrsf11-1414-hh02-03 doi:10.1557/opl.2012.428
  13. Tanvir E Alam, Manoj K. Ram, Mikhail Ladanov, Farah Alvi, Ajit Mujumdar and Ashok Kumar (2012). Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Graphene Silicon Oxide Nanocomposite Material. MRS Proceedings, 1400 , mrsf11-1400-s08-07 doi:10.1557/opl.2012.500
  14. Jorge Arturo Lara Viera, Manoj K. Ram, Pedro Villalba, Mikhail Ladanov and Ashok Kumar (2012). Electrochemical Oxidation of Phenol in Water Solutions Using Nanocrystalline Boron-Doped Diamond Film Anode. MRS Proceedings, 1395 , mrsf11-1395-n10-02 doi:10.1557/opl.2012.655
  15. McLaughlin, Keith; Ladanov, Mikhail; Oleynik, Ivan; Zybin, Sergey; Elert, Mark; White, C. T., Anomalous elastic response of diamond single crystals to shock compression. American Physical Society, APS March Meeting, March 5-9, 2007, abstract #B21.003
  16. A.G. Milekhin, A.I. Toropov, A.K. Bakarov, M.Yu. Ladanov, A.K. Gutakovsky, D. A. Tenne,G. Zanelatto, J. C. Galzerani, S. Schulze, and D. R. T. Zahn, Phonons in InGaAs/AlGaAs Quantum Dot Superlattices: a Raman study, Proceedings of 12th Int.Conference on Narrow Gap Semiconductors, 3-7 July, 2005, Toulouse, France, invited talk, Institute of Physics Conference Series, eds.J.Kono, J.Leotin (Taylor & Francis, New York) 187, 99-106, (2006) ISBN 0-7503-1016-2.
  17. M. Yu. Ladanov, A. G. Milekhin , A. I. Toropov, A. K. Bakarov, A. K. Gutakovskii, D. A. Tenne, S. Schulze and D. R. T. Zahn, Interface phonons in semiconductor nanostructures with quantum dots, Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics 101-3, 554-561 (2006).
  18. A.G. Milekhin, M.Yu.Ladanov, W.V. Lundin, A.I.Besulkin, A.Smirnov, V.Yu. Davydov, C. Himcinschi, M. Friedrich, and D.R.T. Zahn, IR reflection of optical phonons in GaN/AlGaN superlattices, Int.Conference Phonons-2004, St.Petersburg, Russia, 2004, Physica Status Solidi (c), 1, Issue 11 , Pages 2733 – 2736 (2004).
  19. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Nikiforov, M.Yu.Ladanov, O.P. Pchelyakov, D.N.Lobanov, A.V.Novikov, Z.F.Krasil’nik, S.Schulze, and D.R.T.Zahn: Vibrational spectrum of Ge/Si Structures with Quantum Dot: influence of growth temperature and substrate orientation; Abstract book of VI Russian Conference of Semiconductor Physics, 27-31 October 2003, p.384
  20. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Nikiforov, M.Yu.Ladanov, O.P. Pchelyakov, S.Schulze, D.R.T.Zahn: Raman Scattering by Strained and Relaxed Ge Quantum Dots; 10th Seminar of Asia-Pacific Academy of Materials (APAM) 2-6 June, 2003, Novosibirsk, Russia, Proceedings of X Topical Seminar and III Conference “Materials of Siberia” “Nanoscience and technology” devoted to 10th anniversary of APAM, Novosibirsk, Russia, 273 (2003)
  21. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Nikiforov, M.Yu.Ladanov, O.P. Pchelyakov, D.N.Lobanov, A.V.Novikov, Z.F.Krasil’nik, S.Schulze, and D.R.T.Zahn: Phonons in Ge/Si Quantum Dot Structures: influence of growth temperature; Physica E, 21 (2-4) pp. 464-468 (2004).
  22. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Toropov, A.K.Bakarov, M.Yu.Ladanov, G.Zanelatto, J.C.Galzerani, S.Schulze, and D.R.T.Zahn, Vibrational spectroscopy of InAs and AlAs Quantum Dot Structures,  Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, 21 (2-4) pp.241-246 (2004).
  23. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Toropov, A.K.Bakarov, M.Yu.Ladanov, G.Zanelatto, J.C.Galzerani, S.Schulze, D.R.T.Zahn, Optical Phonons in InAs and AlAs Quantum Dot Structures, Appl. Surf. Sci. 234, p. 45 (2004).
  24. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Nikiforov, M.Yu.Ladanov, O.P. Pchelyakov, S.Schulze, and D.R.T.Zahn: Resonant Raman Scattering by strained and relaxed Ge Quantum Dots, Phys. of Solid State 46(1) 92 (2004).
  25. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Toropov, A.K.Bakarov, M.Yu.Ladanov, G. Zanelatto, J.C.Galzerani, S.Schulze and D.R.T.Zahn, Infrared Reflectivity and Raman Spectra of InAs/AlAs Periodical Structures with InAs and AlAs Quantum Dots, 11th International Symposium “NANOSTRUCTURES: Physics and Technology”, St Petersburg, Russia, 23-28, June 2003.
  26. A.G.Milekhin, A.I.Nikiforov, O.P. Pchelyakov, D.Tenne, M.Ladanov, S.Schulze, D.R.T.Zahn, Resonant Raman scattering by strained and relaxed Ge quantum dots, Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 737, E13.7.1, 2003

Contact

P: (813) 464-9340
Email: mikhail@ladanov.info

Curriculum Vitae

Download the full curriculum vitae in PDF format.

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