Both the OVPR’s Business and Research blogs recently published articles discussing the research of MSI PI Jian-Ping Wang, a Distinguished McKnight professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is studying new types of magnetic materials with possible applications ranging from more-efficient recording media to cancer detection.
Professor Wang uses MSI resources to support his group’s studies of the magnetic properties of Fe16N2. This research supports efforts to find a next-generation, environmentally friendly magnet that would be technologically superior to currently used magnets. Applications could include replacing the rare-earth magnets now used in electric vehicles and wind turbines, and as a replacement for the semiconductor/transistor combination that powers personal computers. Professor Wang is also studying the possibilities of heat-assisted magnetic recording, which could provide the capability for considerably higher recording densities than is possible now.