CAREER: Novel Superconducting and Magnetic NanoComposites

该职业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原位可控地合成嵌入在块状陶瓷中的高磁性纳米颗粒。主要研究两类纳米复合材料：1)基于高T_c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扎中心，导致临界电流的大幅增加。这种铁磁性纳米夹杂物与周围的超导体和Abrikosov涡旋的相互作用将被详细研究。预计会出现一些新的效应，如动态钉扎和自发产生的涡环。2)以耐火陶瓷为结构成分，以高磁性纳米颗粒为活性超顺磁性成分的高频高温软磁纳米复合材料。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对动态共振磁导率的增强和集体效应。这一职业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绝佳的跨学科研究机会。本科生的固态物理课程将有一个基于该项目的高级实验室和实验。使用实验技术，如低温磁光成像和隧道二极管测压(世界上只有几个这样的系统)，将为学生提供宝贵的经验，并对他们未来的职业生涯有所帮助。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计划。每年，将组织一次学生研讨会，邀请参与该项目的科学合作机构的嘉宾参加。该项目为研究先进材料的基本性能和开发尖端技术提供了一个独特的机会。实际成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性能。鉴于最近的国家停电，这项研究尤为紧迫。该项目由几个研究部分组成，主要由学生进行。少数民族学生(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.