The discovery of high-temperature superconductors (HTS), carbon nanotubes, thermoelectrics, and advanced magnetic materials offers many possibilities for their application in energy, power, and thermal applications and systems. A fundamental understanding of the physics of thermal phenomena is also important. However, a basic understanding of these materials, uniquely engineered structures, or the discovery of new materials (for superconductors, thermoelectrics, and magnetic materials) with their associated development is necessary to realize these applications. We are interested in both experimental and theoretical work, and modeling and simulation to accomplish these goals. Also the design and development of power devices is of interest to understand and demonstrate new capabilities. The following discusses each area as well as relevant general capabilities an Associate may have. In HTS, current emphasis is placed on the search for new superconductors at higher temperatures or more isotropic in current transport, and preferably operating above liquid hydrogen temperatures. Basic research is performed for the development of wire conductors, with emphasis on magnetic flux pinning enhancement, ac loss understanding and minimization, and stability and quench. Development of advanced superconducting wire is acceptable and can include conductor or cable configurations and coil windings. Thermoelectrics explore properties either at higher temperature for waste heat applications or as a means for cooling through the Peltier effect. Material emphasis is placed on multilayers and other nanostructures, oxides, and carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes and composites are studied with an eventual goal to either achieve long lengths for electrical wiring/data transmission,or for thermal transport and structural support in a variety of electro-thermal environments including cryogenic. Magnetic materials research focuses on developing improved permanent magnets, such as high saturation and nanoparticle composite materials, and on soft magnetic material. Pulsed laser deposition, MOCVD, and MOD are the principal processes for thin-film growth in addition to the different materials for study of superconductors and thermoelectrics. Bulk growth of the magnetic materials and superconductors is of primary interest. CVD (both thermal and microwave) is typically used for growth of the carbon nanotubes.

 

key words

Superconductor; Flux pinning; Pulsed laser deposition; AC losses; Magnetic materials; Carbon nanotubes; Thermoelectrics; MOD; MOCVD; Thermal physics; Power electronic devices; Cryogenics;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants