Find out about 4 success stories :
Superconducting Fault Current Limiter
21 Tesla fully shielded magnet for NMR spectroscopy
Materials with exceptional properties based on ferroelectric epitaxial thin film systems
Neutron super-mirrors
| 5 kWSuperconducting Fault Current Limiter |
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Goal
Develop a prototype
Superconducting Fault Current Limiter to fulfill the requirements of tomorrow’s power plants, where constraints related to energy saving and environmental issues will be critical.
Process
MaNEP and ABB have been collaborating since 2001. MaNEP provides man and brain power for the research ; ABB provides fault current testing facilities and know-how. Several MaNEP member institutions, like the University of Geneva and EPFL contribute to the project.The first is the driving force for the collaboration, the second provides expertise and computer power for electro-thermo-magnetic modelling.
Achievements
A 5 kW prototype has been successfully produced, which exhibits unmatched switching performance. The development and testing of larger scale devices are underway. New directions are also explored with superconducting tapes. Results to date confirm the superior performance of our device based on the saphire matrix.
| 21 Tesla fully shielded magnet for NMR spectroscopy |
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Goal
The goal of this collaboration is to develop a new generation of superconducting cables generating powerful and steady magnetic fields.
Process
Bruker Biospin and MaNEP have been collaborating since the beginning to develop more powerful, better shielded and more stable magnets. This collaboration generated tangible results as well as the transfer of highly skilled scientists from MaNEP to Bruker. The project also generated new and unique know-how for the measurement of strains generated on cables in very high magnetic fields.
Achievements
Many steps towards the goal have been successfully achieved. Several patents have been filed, which secure commercial opportunities for Bruker.
[ Also read the ITV of Dr Daniel Eckert from Bruker with Campus (April-May 2005) - French ]
Materials with exceptional properties
based on ferroelectric epitaxial thin film systems
Goal
Develop materials with exceptional properties based on ferroelectric epitaxial thin film systems.
Process
The group of
Prof. Jean-Marc Triscone has built a strong reputation for the understanding and synthesis of epitaxial ferroelectric thin films. These present ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric or dielectric properties remain unmatched by other materials. Several collaborations are under way to develop industrial applications.
AchievementsThe epitaxial piezoelectric thin films developed Prof. Triscone's group were tested for surface acoustic wave devices. Their exceptional properties allow filtering signals in the GHz range. This opens up new opportunities for next generation telecommunication devices (3G, 4G).
Neutron super-mirrors
GoalDevelop neutron super-mirrors to guide neutron beams more effectively, hence increasing neutron beam performance.
Process
MaNEP and the
Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland started a successful collaboration with Bruker Biospin and
SwissNeutronics, a spin-off from PSI.
AchievementsThis collaborative work delivered a significant increase (> 50%) of the indicence angle allowing total reflectivity. This is a major achievement, allowing much better neutron beam performance.
