High magnetic fields play a crucial role in fusion confinement systems, fundamental materials research and closing the terahertz gap. Using high-temperature superconductors (HTS) immersed in liquid helium, it is currently possible to achieve continuous fields of up to 45.5 tesla. Such systems typically cost 10s of millions and take up of volume comparable to a house.

This talk showcases on-going research at ETH Zurich to produce miniature (ca. 1L) HTS magnets. By removing the insulation from the bore of the magnet, and immersing the sample directly into the liquid helium, it is possible to create magnets two orders of magnitude cheaper than their competition and recent prototypes have achieved fields within striking distance of the record for the world's highest continuous magnetic field. 

Dr Ellison will also explore the potential applications of these powerful magnets, including their use in operando characterisation of batteries and carbon capture materials, paving the way for significant advancements in energy storage and sustainability.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research shaping the future of high-field magnet technology.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr James Ellison is a postdoctoral research fellow at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, in the solids state nuclear magnetic resonance group (NMR) of Prof. Alexander Barnes.  He completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge in the group of Prof Dame Clare Grey, where he used NMR to study the electrolyte breakdown that limits the life of lithium-air batteries. Such batteries react metallic lithium with oxygen from the air and they promise the highest theoretical energy density of any practical battery. His current research focuses on NMR probe design to look at materials for carbon capture as well as improving the data processing and design of ultra-high field miniature magnets.