Head of research group: PD Dr. Sebastian Fähler
Ferroic materials comprise ferromagnetic, ferroelastic and ferroelectric materials. These functional materials react to external stimuli like temperature, magnetic or electric fields, and stress, which makes new functionalities possible. We cover the complete range of current scientific question, from fundamental aspects on the underlying principle, preparation of better materials to the implementation in novel devices and examine the following ferroic materials: We analyze (magnetic) shape memory alloys films, which are suitable for microactuators and use epitaxial films as a model system to understand the formation of the martensitic microstructure. To achieve a more efficient refrigeration, our research covers magnetocaloric films and multicaloric effects, which occur when straining magnetocaloric films by ferroelectric substrates. As an additional energy material, we examine thermomagnetic materials and their application in thermomagnetic generators and microsystems, which represents a promising approach for the conversion of low temperature waste heat to electricity.
Coworkers
Group photo Ferroic Materials, Films and Devices
Source: Dr. Fähler, Sebastian
Name | Bld./Office | +49 351 260 | Position/Tasks | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yuru Ge | 707/222 | 2349 | y.ge@hzdr.de | PhD student |
Bruno Neumann | 707/224 | 2475 | b.neumann![]() | PhD-student energy harvesting with shape memory alloys |
Research Topics
- Ferroic Cooling
- Magnetocaloric Films
- Thermomagnetic Generators
- Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys
- Hard Magnetic Films
Research Projects
DFG:
- Coupling Effects in Re-Programmable Micro-Matter
Sebastian Fähler (DFG, SPP 2206), Manfred Kohl (KIT), Frank Wendler (FAU), 2020-2023 - Thermal Micro Energy Harvesting by Thermomagnetic Film Actuation
Manfred Kohl (KIT), Sebastian Fähler (DFG, FA 453/14), since 2013 - Martensitic phase transformation and twinning in epitaxially grown Nickel Titanium films
Martin F.-X. Wagner (TU Chemnitz), Sebastian Fähler (DFG, FA 453/13), since 2017