UROP Project

Increasing the performance of Bi-2212, a high-temperature superconductor, for high-field magnets

Superconductiity, magnets, materials science, microstructure, heat treatment
25-0822 Bi-2212 for UROP.png
Research Mentor: Prof. Eric Hellstrom, he
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: ehellstrom@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Engineering, chemistry, physics, geology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Thursday, September 4
    Start Time: 3:00
    End Time: 4:00
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92983246312
  • Day: Friday, September 5
    Start Time: 3:00
    End Time: 4:00
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92983246312

Project Description

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) is home to some of the strongest magnets in the world. These magnets are used in cutting-edge research to investigate the fundamental physical properties of materials, to understand how materials behave as a function of magnetic field, and to synthesize new materials under applied magnetic fields. In the Applied Superconductivity Center, we study superconducting materials that are critical to creating the MagLab's next generation of high-field magnets.

This project investigates Bi-2212 (Bi2Sr2CaCu2)10, focusing on discovering what limits the electrical current in this superconductor and devising methods to overcome these limitations. It involves processing the Bi-2212 wires in an overpressure furnace and investigating the microstructure of the superconductor after the heat treatment.

Research Tasks: Heat treatment of Bi-2212 wires
Preparing heat treated samples to study their micro structure using optical and scanning electron microscopy
Quantitative image analysis


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in superconductivity (Rec)
Heat treatments in our one-of-a kind overpressure furnace (Rec)
Motivated student who feels comfortable in a laboratory (Required)

Mentoring Philosophy

in the Applied Superconductivity Center, we have a team approach to mentoring. The student will work with other undergrads, with grad students, postdocs, our scientific staff, and our faculty members. We train students by having them shadow people in the lab. The student will be part of the research group and is expected to participate in our weekly group meetings.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-development/applied-superconductivity-center/
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