Projects

International

RBS – Výskum masívnych supravodičov
Research on bulk superconductors
Program: Other
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The agreement on cooperation between IEP SAS and CAN Superconductorsis focused on research od REBCO bulk supercondyctors for practical applications.
Project webpage: https://websrv.saske.sk/uef/oddelenia-a-laboratoria/laboratorium-materialovej-fyziky/
Duration: 1.5.2018 – 31.12.2026
MMP REBCO – RE211 nanorozmerové piningové centrá v REBCO masívnych supravodičoch vytvorené MPP procesom
RE211 nanosize pining centers in REBCO bulks formed by modified precursor powder process
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: REBa2Cu3O7 (in short REBCO or RE123, RE = Y or rare earth) bulk singlegrain superconductors (BSS) are a new unique class of superconductors with a perspective of being superconducting permanent magnets. One way to get closer to their practical applications is to reduce the price or to increase their properties by applying more efficient progressivetechnological procedures for their fabrication. The refinement of pining centers in the form of non-superconducting particles of the RE2BaCuO5 (RE211) phase is an important task in the production of REBCO BSS by top-seeded melt-growth (TSMG) process in the form of highparameter cryomagnets. The Laboratory of Materials Physics (LMF) at IEP SAS and the Department of Physics of JTU Shanghai have long been involved in the REBCO BSS research and have achieved a significant international position in this area. The latest results of collaborative groups show that replacing the conventional Y211 powder addition into the nominal composition by the mixture of Y2O3 and Ba2Cu3x powders can create nanoscale Y211 pining centers which will lead to a significant increase in the value of the maximum trappped magnetic field. Within the joint project, we want to extend this efficient process to SmBCO and GdBCO type BSS, which generally show higher values of the trapped magnetic field than YBCO BSS. In fulfilling this goal, we will seek optimal chemical composition and growth conditions of bulk crystals. Growth of BSS will take place mainly at the Departments of Physics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University during the stay of young scientists from LMF. The microstructural analysis and characterization of superconducting properties will be performed mainly at LMF. The planned mutual cooperation will significantly contribute to a faster progression of REBCO MMS research, in particular by complementing collaborative knowledge, joint use of unique experimental methodologies at individual labs as well as the scientific advancement of young scientists
Duration: 1.1.2018 – 31.12.2019
UEFSIT – Memorandum o porozumení pre akademické výmeny a spoluprácu medzi Ústavom experimentálnej fyziky SAV a Shibaura Institute of Technology , Japonsko
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR ACADEMIC EXCHANGES AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE INSTITUTE OF EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS, SLOVAKIA AND SHIBAURA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAPAN
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: 1. The two Institutions will encourage the following activities:1) Exchange of professors and researchers;2) Exchange of students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels;3) Collaborative research and joint academic meetings;4) Exchange of information, publications and materials for academic purpose; and5) Other activities as may be agreed mutually by the two Institutions.
Duration: 11.7.2014 – 31.12.2017
BULKS – Masívne supravodiče s optimalizovaným piningom
Bulk Superconductors with optimesed pinning
Program: Bilateral – other
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The bulk superconductors represent specific progressive material suitable for unique applications in the field of electric machines, levitation transport, energy reservoirs, friction free bearings, and as the source of high permanent magnetic field applicable for example in transport of medicaments, water purification, magnetron sputtering etc. Now, three categiries of bulk superconductors are developed: REBCO bulk singlegrain superconductors, policrystalline bulk superconductors based on MgB2 or based on pnictides. Inthe framework of the project, we will develop unique low price technologies to grow of bulk REBCO crystals with effective pining centers and with eliminated weak links. We will study systems without platinum addition, additional pinning will be induced by micro-alloying with low cost elements and the elimination of weak links will be done by unique technology of high pressure oxygenation. In the case of MgB2 bulks, the technology of Spark Plasma Sintering will be applied. The pnictide bulk superconductors will be prepared by technology excluding Hot Isostatic Pressing.
Duration: 1.1.2014 – 31.12.2015
YBCOCHEM – Chemické nanorozmerové piningové centrá v YBCO supravodičoch
Chemical nanosize pinning centers in YBCO superconductors
Program: Inter-academic agreement
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The new possibilities of formation of nanosize pinning centers in YBCO superconductors will be investigated. The nanosize pinning centers will be formed by alloying followed by thermo-chemical heat treatment. Mechanisms of pining by nanoparticles will be studied. Obtained results will allow improvement of critical current density in high magnetic fields of coated conductors as well as macroscopic superconducting properties of bulk superconductors
Duration: 1.1.2010 – 31.12.2011
NESPA – Nano-štruktúrované supravodiče pre výkonové aplikácie
NanoEngineered Superconductors for Power Aplications
Program: FP6
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: 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 training in the framework of NESPA.
Project webpage: http://www.ifw-dresden.de/nespa
Duration: 1.10.2006 – 1.9.2010

National

REBCOAPL – REBCO masívne supravodiče na báze Y, Gd, Sm a Eu pre praktické aplikácie
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The project is focused on research and development of selected REBCO bulk singlegrain superconductors (BSS).We will examine YBCO, GdBCO, SmBCO and EUBCO systems, which are currently preferred in terms ofmastering their production technology and specific applications. Based on our latest results, we will focus on thealloying of LREBCO (LRE- light rare earths) with elements that suppress Ba/LRE substitution in the crystal lattice,the addition of nanocrystalline BaCeO3, the bimodal size distribution of pining centres and the configuration ofholes in REBCO BSS. We will apply the research results in the development of BSS production technology withoptimized superconducting and mechanical properties. The use of the research and development results achievedwithin the project is expected by the manufacturer BSS CAN Superconductors s.r.o.
Project webpage: https://websrv.saske.sk/uef/oddelenia-a-laboratoria/laboratorium-materialovej-fyziky/
Duration: 1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026
BULKREBCO – Štruktúra, supravodivé a mechanické vlastnosti masívnych REBCO supravodičov
Structure, superconducting and mechanical properties ov bulk REBCO superconductors
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The project is focused on the research of the influence of the structure on the superconducting and mechanical properties of the REBCO bulksingle grain superconductors (BSS). The effect of the bimodal particle size distribution of RE211 particles in the REBCO single crystal will be studied, as well as the effect of alloying. Acquiredthe knowledge will serve to optimize the preparation parameters and structure of REBCO BSS so that they are achievedthe combination of a high value of the trapped magnetic field and levitation force with increased mechanicalstrength. We will use experimental methods of powder metallurgy, bulk single crystal growth, X-ray diffraction, light and electron microstructure analysis, magnetization measurements, measurementsof trapped magnetic field and strength measurement. The project will be solved in cooperation withleading foreign laboratories within the formal (SIT Tokyo, JTU Shanghai, CAN Superconductors) andinformal (University of Cambridge, CRISTMAT Caen, FzÚ Praha, ) cooperation.
Project webpage: https://websrv.saske.sk/uef/oddelenia-a-laboratoria/laboratorium-materialovej-fyziky/
Duration: 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024
BMREBCO – Vývoj REBCO supravodičov pre biomedicínske aplikácie
Development of REBCO superconductors for biomedical applications
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The project focuses on the development of REBCO bulk singlegrain superconductors (BSS) for biomedical applications. Their use is envisaged by the small enterprise CRYOSOFT s.r.o. Košice for design of equipments for the magnetic separation of cells and for the magnetic transport of drugs. For these applications, REBCO BSS will be developed for use at temperatures that can be achieved by cryocooling (30-50K). We will study YBCO, SmBCO and GdBCO systems that can meet the requirements for the expected applications. The raw material price for YBCO BSS is lower than for SmBCO and GdBCO BSS, however, the SmBCO and GdBCO are reaching higher values of trapped magnetic field. Within the project solution, the optimized composition and the preparation technology of REBCO BSS will be found in order to achieve efficient pining in high magnetic fields below temperature of liquid nitrogen, which is a prerequisite for achieving high critical current density and high trapped magnetic field. The critical current density will be improved through chemical pining, refining RE211 particles, adding nanofibers. We will take advantage of our previous results in basic and applied research of REBCO BSS, some of which are patent-protected.
Project webpage: https://websrv.saske.sk/uef/oddelenia-a-laboratoria/laboratorium-materialovej-fyziky/
Duration: 1.8.2018 – 30.6.2022
ARES – Legované REBCO masívne supravodiče
Alloyed REBCO bulk superconductors
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The project is focuses on the research of the influence of alloying (doping) on the structure and superconducting properties of REBCO bulk single-grain superconductors. The effect of alloying on the phase equilibrium, the growth of bulk crystals, the formation of pining centers, magnetic flux picking mechanisms, local and macroscopic superconducting properties in the temperature range achievable by cryocoolers will be investigated. Experimental methods of powder metallurgy, growth of bulk single-crystals, X-ray diffraction, microscopic optical and electron microstructure analysis and electron microanalysis, magnetization measurements and measurement of trapped magnetic field  will be used. The project will be developed in cooperation with the leading foreign laboratories  within the framework of formal  (SIT Tokyo, JTU Shanghai, CAN Superconductors Prague) and the informal(University of Cambridge, KAERI Daegeon, CRISTMAT Caen, FZÚ Prague) cooperation.
Duration: 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021
SUMAC – Supravodivá a magnetokalorická keramika
Superconducting and magnetocaloric ceramics
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Research under the project will be focused mainly on understanding the complex phenomena associated with the crystallization of REBCO bolk singlecrystalline superconductors and the development of new efficient processes for their preparation. Part of the capacity will be devoted to research bulk superconductors based on superconducting pnictides and to search for new superconducting materials suitable for making bulk superconductors. Research of magnetocaloric ceramics based on perovskite manganites with a structure similar to REBCO superconductor, will focus on the preparation of new composite materials with a wide magnetic phase transitions suitable for practical applications. The project will be designed in cooperation with foreign universities and research centers: SIT Tokyo; Cambridge University; CRISTMAS Caen; JTU Shanghai; CNRS Grenoble; KAERI South Korea.
Project webpage: WWW.saske.sk
Duration: 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2018
SUPRABULK – Masívne supravodiče
Bulk Superconductors
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The project is focussed on the microstructural design of bulk superconductors. Bulk superconductors with selected substitutions will be prepared by already mastered TSMG process as well as by progressive infiltration technology and thermal treatments for redistribution or clustering of substitution will be applied. Secondary particles will be refined by additions of cerium compounds instead of commonly used platinum addition. The influence of preparation parameters and the type of cerium compound will be studied.The microscopic and macroscopic superconducting properties, structure and microstructure will be analysed. The comprehensive model of the microstructure nature of superconduting properies of these materials will be developed.
Duration: 1.10.2013 – 30.9.2017
Supravodivá a magnetokalorická keramika s perovskitovou štruktúrou
Superconducting and magnetocaloric ceramics with perovskite structure
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: This project is oriented on the study of superconducting and magnetocaloric ceramics with perovskite structure. Inthe centre of our effort is a possibility of redistribution of dopant atoms through thermo-chemical treatments fromrandomly distributed single atoms to larger clusters using thermo-chemical treatments. The influence of thisdopant redistribution on pinning effect in REBCO bulk superconductors as well as on magneto-caloric effect willbe studied. Besides that, the possibilities of secondary particle refinement in REBCO bulk superconductors withCe addition in form of BaCeO3, and elimination of oxygenation cracks in REBCO bulks will be tested. Theinfluence of inter-crystalline surface on phase transformations and magneto-caloric effect will be studied on thesamples with a broad scale of crystalline size and doped with chosen dopants. The main aim of this project is tolook for correlations between preparation, treatments, structure and properties of these materials
Duration: 1.10.2013 – 31.12.2015
CFNT MVEP – Centrum fyziky nízkych teplôt a materiálového výskumu v extrémnych podmienkach
Centre of Low Temperature Physics And Material Research at Extreme Conditions
Program: Centrá excelentnosti SAV
Project leader: prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Centre of Low Temperature Physics and Material Research at Extreme Conditions Kosice, CLTP-MREC, represents a concept of cutting-edge experimental research institution focused on low temperature physics and material research under extreme conditions. By the extreme conditions apart from low temperatures meant are also high as well as extremely small magnetic fields, extremely high pressures and temperatures, and also reduced dimensions – preparation of nanomaterials and investigations of properties on a nanoscopic scale. Main goal of the project has been to mobilize a common research of constituting organisations and to target it to the area of materials and technologies with a high application potential and technological transfer. The world competitive physics and material science demands the up-to-date research infrastructure. CLTP-MREC has already now in disposal top level instruments and techniques obtained within the framework of the European structural funds, Framework Programmes and other grant schemes but as the most important added value the Centre deems its capability to develop own unique scientific methods, instruments and technologies. The Centre belongs to a dozen world laboratories able to perform experiments in microkelvin range but it disposes also other unique techniques for processing and characterization of materials in high magnetic fields, and at high pressures and temperatures. In this proposal we will concentrate on development of another top level instruments and technologies as well on a synergetic collaboration of our laboratories which represent an important base of the material R&D in Košice.
Project webpage: http://ofnt.saske.sk
Duration: 1.7.2011 – 30.6.2015
CEX II – Budovanie infraštruktúry Centra excelentnosti progresívnych materiálov s nano a submikrónovou štruktúrou
Infrastructure Improving of Centre of Excellence of Advanced Materials with Nano- and Submicron- Structure
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: RNDr. Škorvánek Ivan, CSc.
Annotation: Building of infrastructure for research and development of new technologies, characterisation of structure, mechanical and physical properties of nanostructured materials.
Duration: 1.5.2010 – 30.4.2013
NMTE – Nové materiály a technológie pre energetiku
New materials and technologies for energetics
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Aims o the project are:1. Technology of nanostructured bulk superconductors for energy storage2. Biological battery based on renewable biological products3. New trafo-steel modified by nanoparticles 4. Cooling and insulating medium based on magnetic fluid for high power transformers
Project webpage: nmte.saske.sk
Duration: 1.5.2010 – 30.4.2013
Nanoštruktúrované komplexné oxidy s perovskitovou štruktúrou
Nanostructured complex oxides with perovskite structure
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: The new possibilities of formation of nanosize pinning centers in single-grain bulk YBa2Cu3O7 superconductorswill be investigated. The nanosize pinning centers will be formed by alloying followed by thermo-chemical heattreatment or by trapping of ex-situ nano- or submicron particles by growing crystal. Mechanisms of pining bynanoparticles will be studied. Obtained results will allow improvement of critical current density as well asmacroscopic superconducting properties of bulk superconductors.The nanostructured polycrystalline manganates exhibiting colossal magnetoresistence and magnetocaloric effectwill be prepared and their structure, magnetic and transport properties will be characterized.
Duration: 1.1.2010 – 31.12.2012
YBCO2G – Výskum a vývoj masívnych YBCO supravodičov druhej generácie
Research and Development of the Second Generation of YBCO Bulk Superconductors
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation: Formation of nanosize pining centers and elimination of weak links in single-grain bulk YBCO superconductors with the aim to increase their engineering properties.
Duration: 1.1.2010 – 31.5.2012
NanoCexmat – Centrum excelentnosti progresívnych materiálov s nano a submikrónovou štruktúrou
Centre of Excellence of progressive materials with nano and submicron structure
Program: EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader: RNDr. Škorvánek Ivan, CSc.
Annotation: The main goal of this project is to establish Centre of Excellence of progressive materials with nano and submicron structure in Košice
Duration: 20.5.2009 – 30.4.2011
NANOSMART 1 – Centrum excelentnosti SAV pre Nanoštruktúrne Materiály
Center of Excellence SAS for Nanostructured Materials
Program: Centrá excelentnosti SAV
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Project webpage: http://www.imr.saske.sk/umv/NANOSMART/index.htm
Duration: 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009
YBCO supravodiče pre silnoprúdové aplikácie
YBCO superconductors for power applications
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Duration: 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009
Dizajn mikroštruktúry masívnych YBCO supravodičov
Microstructural design of bulk YBCO superconductors
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Duration: 1.6.2006 – 30.11.2009