Scientist in Charge: Dr. Pavel Diko

http://www.saske.sk/Uef/index.php

Expertise and experience

The Group of Ceramic Superconductors and Nanomaterials at IEP is composed of 6 researchers. It belongs to the leading groups in the field of microstructure design of REBCO bulk superconductors. The results of the group on the growth related nature of crystal defects [1] (subgrain formation, secondary particle concentration, inhomogeneities, growth modes, sample shape change), sources of residual macro- and micro-stresses inducing cracking as well as on cracking associated with oxygenation process [2] contributed significantly to the knowledge of microstructure formation in REBCO bulk superconductors and were published in 106 papers in international journals (459 citations), presented at international conferences (6 as invited talks), as chapters in 3 books and in one patent. Results were obtained in close co-operation with research teams participating in EU networks EFFORT and SCENET (IFW Dresden, IPHT Jena, IRC in Superconductivity Cambridge, ICMAB Barcelona, CRETA CNRS Grenoble, ATI Vienna) as well as with ISTEC Tokyo and Argonne National Laboratory. The group is equipped for growth of single-grain bulk superconductors, for microstructural characterization of bulk and coated conductors as well as for measurement of basic superconducting properties. Latest activities are focused on development of inert nano-particles suitable for pinning in bulk and coated conductors [3, 4], and on cracking management to improve mechanical properties of these superconductors.

Role in the project

IEP will mainly participate in the scientific objectives including trapping of solid nano-particles into Y123 bulk superconductors, their microstructural characterisation and optimisation of mechanical properties. These objectives will be met by preparation and characterisation of samples with special additives influencing nano-particle trapping (plus characterisation of basic superconducting properties), investigation of crack formation and oxygen diffusion during sample oxygenation. IEP will also contribute to the microstructure characterisation (TEM, HRPLM) training in the framework of NESPA.

Key scientific staff

Ing. Pavel Diko, DrSc. (microstructural and phase characterization) who will lead the IEP Košice group, Dr. L. Ceniga (modeling of mechanical stresses); Ing. K. Zmorayova (sample preparation) and Dr. J. Kováč (basic magnetization measurements).