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 enables new functionalities. 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. We analyze (magnetic) shape memory alloys films, which are suitable for microsystems and use epitaxial films as a model system to understand the formation of the martensitic microstructure and to examine the influence of fast martensitic transformation. On the application side, we focus on the conversion of low-grade waste heat to electricity. For this, we use two different material classes: ferromagnetic materials and ferroelastic shape memory alloys.
Coworkers
Group photo Ferroic Materials, Films and Devices
Source: Dr. Fähler, Sebastian
Name | Bld./Office | +49 351 260 | Position/Tasks | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bruno Neumann | 707/224 | 2475 | b.neumann![]() | PhD-student energy harvesting with shape memory alloys |
Research Topics
- Thermomagnetic generators
- Harvesting of low grade waste heat with shape memory alloys
- Magnetic shape memory alloys and epitaxial films
- Time dependency of martensitic transformations
Current Research Projects
- Heat4Energy - Magnetic Energy Conversion for Waste Heat
Sebastian Fähler (HZDR), EU-Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, 2024-2028 - ThermoelasticHarvesting - Thermoelastic wires and generators for harvesting low grade waste heat
Jan Frenzel (RUB), Sebastian Fähler (HZDR), DFG, 2025-2028
Past Projects
- Coupling Effects in Re-Programmable Micro-Matter
Sebastian Fähler (HZDR), Manfred Kohl (KIT), Frank Wendler (FAU), DFG SPP 2206, 2020-2023 - Thermal Micro Energy Harvesting by Thermomagnetic Film Actuation
Manfred Kohl (KIT), Sebastian Fähler (HZDR), DFG, 2013-2023 - Martensitic phase transformation and twinning in epitaxially grown Nickel Titanium films
Martin F.-X. Wagner (TU Chemnitz), Sebastian Fähler (HZDR), DFG, 2017-2023