Bartek Glowacki
Reader in Applied Superconductivity
MSc University of Wrocław
MA University of Cambridge
PhD Polish Academy of Science
+44 (0)1223 331738
bag10@cam.ac.uk
www.msm.cam.ac.uk/ascg/
Applied Superconductivity and Cryoscience
We take a broad, multidisciplinary approach to applied superconductivity. Our research is focused on the phenomena associated with high- and low-temperature superconductivity, where quantum physics blends with heavy industry; this includes aspects from most materials disciplines, including physical metallurgy, composites, materials chemistry, modelling, electromagnetic devices and medical materials. We are also actively promoting superconductivity using animation and film in collaboration with research centres across Europe: http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/ascg/lectures/.
Superconducting conductors for applications
Development research includes the design and fabrication of advanced superconductors, and their characterization and optimization, for applications including high-resolution MRI, NMR, fusion, energy storage and fault current limiters. Materials under investigation span the entire Tc range, including REBa2Cu3O7, MgB2, Nb3Sn and Nb3Al. We are developing advanced multi-ceramic ink-jet printing of 3D multifilamentary magnetic-superconducting heterostructures with nanosize artificial pinning centres, to reduce hysteretic AC losses in high-current coated conductors. Our innovative pulsed transport current (4 kA) and magnetic field (32 T) testing facilities enable rapid definition of the pinning force of conductors under development. Characterization of the percolative character of the critical current in superconductors involves the use of sophisticated magnetic and magneto-optic sensors combined with electron backscattering microscopy and computer modelling of current flow. We are also expanding our materials modelling activities, using the new CamGrid high-throughput computing network, to better understand and optimize REBa2Cu3O7, MgB2 and Nb3Sn conductors.
Hydrogen technology and cryoscience
Our cryoscience research integrates research into photocatalytic hydrogen-oxygen production using Bi-W-O for fuel and cryogenic purposes with MgB2 materials development. We are engaged in an academic and industrial partnership to develop MgB2 coils for an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, and are also developing advanced cryocooler-based laboratory systems for in-depth low-temperature materials and cryogen characterization.
- BA Glowacki, M Majoros, M Eisterer, S Toenies, HW Weber, M Fukutomi, K Komori & K Togano, "MgB2 superconductors for applications" Physica C 387, 153–161 (2003).
- M Majoros, RI Tomov, BA Glowacki, AM Campbell & CE Oberly, "Hysteresis losses in YBCO coated conductors on textured metallic substrates" IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond. 13, 3626–3629 (2003).
- BA Glowacki, "High-Tc superconducting conductors for AC and DC applications" in Studies of HTS superconductor applications: Advances in Research and Applications, vol. 1 Materials, ed. A Narlikar, pp.239–279, Springer (2003).
- AP Finlayson, E Ward, VN Tsaneva & BA Glowacki, "Bi2O3-WO3 compounds for photocatalytic applications by solid state and viscous processing" J. Power Sources 145, 667–674 (2005).