Dr. Bartek Glowacki
Reader in Applied Superconductivity
MSc University of Wroclaw 1974
PhD Polish Academy of Science 1983
MA University of Cambridge 2001
bag10@cus.cam.ac.uk
Superconducting Materials
Our research is focused on the phenomena
associated with high and low temperature
superconductivity, where quantum physics
blends with heavy industry and the
properties of magnetic flux quanta have
applications in superconducting underground transmission lines and levitating
trains.
Super-high magnetic fields
The future lies in the development of new materials for these purposes
particularly intermetallic systems based on se purposes particularly
intermetallic systems based on Nb-Al-Ge and ceramic oxides based on
Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O, whereby magnetic field strengths can be
increased significantly. This will enable the resolution obtainable using Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging techniques to be increased significantly,
for example. The research is interdisciplinary involving both complex reactive
diffusion and deformation processes for fabrication of the intermetallic and
ceramic systems. Electromagnetic characterisation of the superconductors
involves using national and international facilities to obtain the high magnetic
fields required. Characterisation 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.
Development of coated conductors
In the area of high temperature superconductors, the joint team (between the
IRC in Superconductivity and the Department of Materials Sciences Science
and Metallurgy) is working on establishing the relation between design,
fabrication, mechanical and electromagnetic properties of complex composite
metal-ceramic Y-Ba-Cu-O conductors. At present, our research is focusing on
coated conductor heterostructures deposited by Physical Evaporation
techniques and also by Liquid Phase Epitaxy, which provides much faster
growth rates of superconducting coatings.
Minimisation of AC losses
When transformers and cables are used for the transmission of AC power,
there is considerable energy loss. Magnetic screening and decoupling can be
used to reduce hysteresis AC losses in conductors. We use computer
modelling to optimise the distribution of selected magnetic materials within the
complex multi-component conductor. The optimised hetero-structures are
manufactured by numerous international electric cable and conductor
manufacturing industries. This project is conducted through the IRC in
Superconductivity in collaboration with the Engineering Department.
Research Group