CAREER: Novel Superconducting and Magnetic NanoComposites

本项目致力于新型磁性纳米复合材料的综合实验和理论研究。一种基于非均相声化学的创新方法允许在块状陶瓷中嵌入高磁性纳米颗粒的可控原位合成。将研究两大类纳米复合材料：1)基于高tc陶瓷的超导纳米复合材料，其中嵌入的纳米颗粒作为有效的磁钉中心，导致临界电流的大幅增加。本文将详细研究这种铁磁性纳米包裹体与周围超导体和Abrikosov涡旋的相互作用。一些新的效果，如动态钉钉和自发产生的涡旋环，预计。2)以难熔陶瓷为结构组分，高磁性纳米颗粒为活性超顺磁性组分，用于高频高温应用的软磁纳米复合材料。在这些纳米复合材料中，将研究超顺磁性纳米颗粒在高频下的动态共振磁导率和集体效应的增强。这个CAREER项目的实际成果将是开发在电力传输和电力电子设备中更有效地利用能源的材料。该项目为各个层次的学生提供了极好的跨学科研究机会。本科固态物理课程将有一个先进的实验室，并在此项目基础上进行实验。使用实验技术，如低温磁光成像和隧道二极管电纳测量（世界上只有少数这样的系统可用），将为学生提供宝贵的经验，并有助于他们未来的职业生涯。将为少数族裔学生（HBCU学生、AMP和GAANN学者）以及高中生组织一个独特的暑期研究项目。每年，将组织一个学生研讨会，邀请参与该项目的科学合作的嘉宾。这个项目为研究先进材料的基本特性和开发尖端技术提供了一个独特的机会。实际的结果将是开发出在电力传输和电力电子设备中更有效地利用能源的材料。为了确保最大的性能，必须彻底研究和优化这些新材料的基本物理特性。鉴于最近的全国停电，这项研究显得尤为紧迫。该项目由几个主要由学生进行的研究组成。少数族裔学生（HBCU学生、AMP和GAANN学者）和高中生将有机会进行现实生活中的研究，进行数据分析，并在研讨会和会议上展示他们的发现。

This CAREER project focuses on comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies of novel magnetic nanocomposite materials. An innovative method based on heterogeneous sonochemistry allows for controllable in situ synthesis of highly magnetic nanoparticles embedded in bulk ceramics. Two major classes of nanocomposites will be studied: 1) Superconducting nanocomposites based on high-Tc ceramics, in which embedded nanoparticles act as efficient magnetic pinning centers leading to a substantial increase in the critical current. The interaction of such ferromagnetic nano-inclusions with surrounding superconductor and Abrikosov vortices will be studied in detail. Several novel effects, such as dynamic pinning and spontaneously generated vortex loops, are expected. 2) Soft magnetic nanocomposites for high-frequency high-temperature applications with refractory ceramics as the structural component and highly magnetic nanoparticles as the active superparamagnetic component. The enhancement of a dynamic resonant permeability and collective effects of superparamagnetic nanoparticles at high frequencies will be investigated in these nanocomposites. The practical outcomes of this CAREER project will be the development of materials for more efficient use of energy in electrical transmission and power-electronics devices. The project provides excellent interdisciplinary research opportunities to students at all levels. An undergraduate solid-state physics course will have an advanced laboratory with experiments based on this project. The use of experimental techniques, such as low-temperature magneto-optical imaging and tunnel-diode susceptometry (with only a few such systems available worldwide), will provide invaluable experience to the students and help in their future careers. A unique summer research program will be organized for minority students (HBCU students, AMP and GAANN scholars), as well as high-school students. Each year, a student workshop will be organized with invited guests from scientific collaborations involved in this project. This project provides a unique opportunity to study fundamental properties of advanced materials and to develop cutting-edge technologies. The practical outcome will be the development of materials for more efficient use of energy in electrical transmission and power-electronics devices. To ensure maximum performance, the fundamental physical properties of these new materials must be thoroughly studied and optimized. This research is particularly urgent In light of recent national power blackouts. The project consists of several research components which will be carried out primarily by students. Minority students (HBCU students, AMP and GAANN scholars) and high-school students will have the opportunity to conduct real-life research, perform data analysis, and present their findings at workshops and conferences.