Education

Research Description

Dr. Schwartz's research interests include processing-structure-property relationships and failure mechanisms in superconducting materials and systems, multiferroic/optical-magneto-electric thin films and devices, topological insulators, and other functional oxides. He focuses on the scientific challenges in transitioning a new material into a technologically functional material.

Publications

Mixed-dimensional modeling of delamination in rare earth-barium-copperoxide coated conductors composed of laminated high-aspect-ratio thin films

Gao, P. F., Chan, W. K., Wang, X. Z., & Schwartz, J. (2018), Superconductor Science & Technology, 31(7).

Quench detection criteria for YBa2Cu3O7-delta coils monitored via a distributed temperature sensor for 77 K cases

Zhou, J., Chan, W. K., & Schwartz, J. (2018), IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 28(5).

Self-monitoring 'SMART' (RE) Ba2Cu3O7-x conductor via integrated optical fibers

Scurti, F., Sathyamurthy, S., Rupich, M., & Schwartz, J. (2017), Superconductor Science & Technology, 30(11).

Optical fiber distributed sensing for high temperature superconductor magnets

Scurti, F., & Schwartz, J. (2017), In 2017 25th international conference on optical fiber sensors (ofs). (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 10323).

Optical fiber distributed sensing for high temperature superconductor magnets

Scurti, F., & Schwartz, J. (2017), In 2017 25th international conference on optical fiber sensors (ofs). (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 10323).

Self-monitoring 'SMART' (RE) Ba2Cu3O7-x conductor via integrated optical fibers

Scurti, F., Sathyamurthy, S., Rupich, M., & Schwartz, J. (2017), Superconductor Science & Technology, 30(11).

Densification of thoria through flash sintering

Straka, W., Amoah, S., & Schwartz, J. (2017), MRS Communications, 7(3), 677-682.

Self-organizing maps for pattern recognition in design of alloys

Jha, R., Dulikravich, G. S., Chakraborti, N., Fan, M., Schwartz, J., Koch, C. C., Colaco, M. J., Poloni, C., & Egorov, I. N. (2017), Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 32(10), 1067-1074.

Effects of metallic coatings on the thermal sensitivity of optical fiber sensors at cryogenic temperatures

Scurti, F., McGarrahan, J., & Schwartz, J. (2017), Optical Materials Express, 7(6), 1754-1766.

Effects of metallic coatings on the thermal sensitivity of optical fiber sensors at cryogenic temperatures

Scurti, F., McGarrahan, J., & Schwartz, J. (2017), Optical Materials Express, 7(6), 1754-1766.

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Grants

Optical fiber integration into Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox/Ag/AgX and (RE)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting coils

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(6/13/16 - 3/12/17)

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Optical fiber integration into Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox/Ag/AgX and (RE)Ba2Cu3Ox superconducting coils

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 6/13/16

End Date: 3/12/17

Abstract

The particle accelerators and detectors needed for future high energy physics devices require magnetic fields higher than those that can be produced by the low-temperature superconductor (LTS) technologies used in present-day superconducting magnets (SCMs). High temperature superconductor (HTS) materials, however, have the potential to generate very high magnetic fields, offering a technological pathway to next-generation devices. One important technological difference between LTS and HTS magnets is that the normal zone propagation in HTS conductors is 1-2 orders-of-magnitude slower than in LTS conductors. Thus, one of the key limiting factors for the implementation of HTS SCMs is the quench detection challenge. Here we propose a solution to this long-standing problem: a fast and effective quench detection system based on Rayleigh-scattering interrogated optical fibers (RIOFs), enabling the further advancement of HTS SCMs for high energy physics applications.

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Controlling microstructures and interfaces in co-fired dissimilar oxide thin films via electric field processing

National Science Foundation (NSF)(8/15/16 - 7/31/19)

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Controlling microstructures and interfaces in co-fired dissimilar oxide thin films via electric field processing

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 8/15/16

End Date: 7/31/19

Abstract

The proposed work seeks to improve the functionality of heterogeneous multiferroic composites by mitigating interfacial diffusion of cations from the corresponding magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases. For the magnetostrictive phase, we focus on nickel ferrite, building on previous results from NSF support. For the piezoelectric phase, two materials will be studied: PZT and HfO2. PZT is selected because it is the “standard” for PE materials today, and because the presence of Pb poses a significant scientific challenge. HfO2 is chosen because it has recently been shown to exhibit PE behavior in certain circumstances, and because it is the most chemically-simple PE material. Samples will be deposited by spin-coating, and co-firing will be studied via conventional means and via electric field processing. Thus we aim to study how EFP aids in the sintering of PZT, and in particular on reducing the required temperature to prevent Pb diffusion. EFP will also be used to prevent thermal shock to the HfO2 layer and create necessary HfO2 phase for ferroelectricity.

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Production of Nanostructured Core/Shell Powders for Exchange- Spring Magnet Applications

US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)(6/01/15 - 2/29/16)

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Production of Nanostructured Core/Shell Powders for Exchange- Spring Magnet Applications

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Start Date: 6/01/15

End Date: 2/29/16

Abstract

The ARPA-E NESM project involves coating micron-scale, hard permanent magnet particles with a nanometer-scale, soft magnetic material in order to create a nano-exchange spring magnet (NESM) material. Such materials are being investigated as alternatives to rare earth containing permanent magnets and for high-temperature applications.

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YBCO Coated Conductor with an Integrated Optical Fiber Sensor

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(6/08/15 - 3/31/16)

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YBCO Coated Conductor with an Integrated Optical Fiber Sensor

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 6/08/15

End Date: 3/31/16

Abstract

Advanced magnet systems being designed for fusion devices and other applications would greatly benefit from the use of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). However, the HTS magnet designs currently suffer from the inability to rapidly detect a quench, raising the possibility that the magnet and associated systems can be damaged if preventative action is not takes fast enough. Most efforts to address this challenge have focused on developing fast respond sensors that can be incorporated into the magnets. The ideal approach, however, is to develop a self-monitoring HTS wire that instantly responds to stress changes occurring at the beginning of a quench condition. This advance self-monitoring wire would provide a level of quench protection not available with existing systems and ensure the reliable operation of critical and costly magnet systems.

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X-ray Diffraction Study of Bi2212 Superconducting Powders

Solid Material Solutions, LLC (SMS)(10/22/14 - 4/21/15)

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X-ray Diffraction Study of Bi2212 Superconducting Powders

Sponsor: Solid Material Solutions, LLC (SMS)

Start Date: 10/22/14

End Date: 4/21/15

Abstract

Bi2212 oxidized powder samples will be provided by SMS for XRD analysis at NCSU (initially two samples with up to seven samples in total in this first phase). NCSU will mount each sample on a glass slide or similar using a fixing material such as collodion and then perform a theta-2theta XRD scan of each powder. The scan range will be from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees slowly enough to obtain good resolution of peaks that are as small as 2% of the biggest peak. NCSU will analyze the results and provide hard-copy and electronic results for each scan with the Bi2212 peaks superimposed. Other common secondary phase peaks will also be identified or superimposed. All raw data will also be provided electronically.

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Optical Fiber Quench Detection Studies for US4 Superconducting Magnets

US Navy - Naval Surface Warfare Center(7/17/15 - 9/30/16)

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Optical Fiber Quench Detection Studies for US4 Superconducting Magnets

Sponsor: US Navy - Naval Surface Warfare Center

Start Date: 7/17/15

End Date: 9/30/16

Abstract

This ITAR-restricted project focuses on developing optical fiber sensors for the Navy US4 program

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Collaborative Study of Bi2212 Wires

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(9/08/14 - 12/31/16)

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Collaborative Study of Bi2212 Wires

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 9/08/14

End Date: 12/31/16

Abstract

Bi2212 wire performance depends strongly on the nanoscale structures, including the presence of remnant phases at grain boundaries and Bi2201 intergrowths. In this collaborative work, Fermilab will provide Bi2212 wire samples of different powder stoichiometry so NCSU can investigate their structures using specialized NCSU facilities. Scientific results will be shared and published jointly.

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Stability, Quench Propagation and Conductor Degradation of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox Round Wires for High Field Magnet Application

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(1/06/14 - 12/18/15)

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Stability, Quench Propagation and Conductor Degradation of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox Round Wires for High Field Magnet Application

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 1/06/14

End Date: 12/18/15

Abstract

Abstract To construct strong focusing magnets (30+ T) for final muon cooling in the proposed muon collider, Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (Bi-2212) round wire has been considered as the best candidate material for the insert coil, by taking advantage of its high critical field up to 100 T at 4.2 K and nearly field-independent current density over a wide range of magnetic field up to 50 T at 4.2 K. For such high field magnet application, a key issue is the quench detection and protection, especially while the normal zones propagation velocity (NZPV) in HTS conductors is much lower than that of LTS mainly due to the larger thermal margin in HTS. Without a quick quench detection and reliable protection method, HTS magnet system will be at constant risks of being damaged. Hence, the following research work will be performed to fundamentally solve this challenging issue. Firstly, to provide an effective quench protection method, a large inventory of Bi2212 conductors in Fermilab, including high-density samples using cold and hot isotactic pressing and samples with various wire architectures, will be experimentally tested to determine their quench degradation limits, and then investigated at the microstructure level with advanced microscopy to uncover the degradation mechanisms in Bi2212 wires due to quenching. Secondly, the novel quench detection methods for HTS magnet will be evaluated, including acoustic emission sensor and fiber optics. These new methods is more focusing to monitor the mechanical and thermal events that occur with a quench or even induce the magnet quenching, such as conductor motion, epoxy cracks and thermal disturbance. Compared to the traditional voltage measurement, these innovated methods hold the potential to feedback a much earlier detection or even forecast the magnet quench events.

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Direct and Inverse Design Optimization Of Magnetic Alloys with Minimized Use of Rare Earth Elements

US Air Force - Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)(11/30/-1 - 10/31/15)

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Direct and Inverse Design Optimization Of Magnetic Alloys with Minimized Use of Rare Earth Elements

Sponsor: US Air Force - Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)

Start Date: 11/30/-1

End Date: 10/31/15

Abstract

We will carry out experimental work to complement the computational studies at FIU which will predict alloys that may have good ferromagnetic properties and do not contain rare earth elements. The alloys will be prepared at NCSU and the magnetic and other properties determined at NCSU.

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Electrical Energy Storage System by SMES Method for Ultra-High Power and Energy Density - Phase II

US Air Force - Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)(12/05/13 - 12/04/16)

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Electrical Energy Storage System by SMES Method for Ultra-High Power and Energy Density - Phase II

Sponsor: US Air Force - Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)

Start Date: 12/05/13

End Date: 12/04/16

Abstract

The Tai-Yang Research Company (TYRC) of Tallahassee, FL in collaboration with Dr. Justin Schwartz of the North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, NC and SuperPower Inc. of Schenectady, NY proposes to design, fabricate, and test a prototype Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) conductor with significantly enhanced critical current Ic in large background magnetic fields in Phase 1 STTR effort. Large current carrying capacity conductors are a critical requirement for a high energy density SMES operating at low voltages. In this Phase 2 STTR, TYRC will expand its collaboration effort, to include the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) Tallahassee, FL.

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