Prof. Dr. Peng Gao | Superconducting Magnet | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Peng Gao 🧑‍🔬, born on January 7, 1987, in Yuncheng, China 🇨🇳, is a pioneering researcher in superconducting magnet technology at the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 🔬. Fluent in English and Chinese 🗣️, he leads R&D in high-field superconducting magnets for fusion and industrial applications. With a PhD from the University of Twente 🎓 and deep engineering roots from Southwest Jiaotong University ⚙️, Peng specializes in large-aperture LTS/HTS magnet systems, advancing China’s position in ultra-high magnetic field research 💡. His innovative work in cryogenics and electromagnetics is widely recognized and funded by national and industrial projects 🏅.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Education & Experience (Point Format with Emojis)

🎓 Education

• 🎓 PhD in Applied Physics – University of Twente, Netherlands (2015–2019)

• 🎓 PhD in Electrical Engineering – Southwest Jiaotong University & University of Twente (2010–2018)

• 🎓 Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering – Southwest Jiaotong University (2006–2010)

💼 Work Experience

• 🔬 Researcher, ASIPP, China (2024–Present) – Leading 15T+ LTS/HTS superconducting magnet projects

• 🧪 Associate Researcher, ASIPP (2022–2024) – Project lead in the CRAFT fusion project and HTS material systems

• 🧫 Postdoctoral Fellow, ASIPP (2019–2022) – Developed analytical models and fabricated Nb3Sn/NbTi magnets

• 🔍 PhD Researcher, University of Twente (2015–2019) – Studied superconducting cables for HL-LHC & FCC projects

Professional Development

Peng Gao 📘 has continuously expanded his professional horizons through active involvement in high-impact national and international research initiatives 🌍. As a principal investigator and project leader, he has driven innovations in magnet technology, including the design of cryogen-free, high-field magnets and advanced testing systems 🧊🔍. He has collaborated with CERN on HL-LHC and EuCARD-2 projects, and played key roles in China’s CRAFT program 🔧. A mentor to graduate students 🎓, Peng integrates leadership, technical expertise, and scientific insight to push the boundaries of superconducting magnet development 🧲. He actively contributes to scientific publications and international research platforms 📑🌐.

Research Focus 

Peng Gao’s research primarily focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of high-field superconducting magnets for fusion reactors, accelerator technologies, and material science 🧲⚛️. His expertise lies in both low-temperature (LTS) and high-temperature (HTS) superconducting systems, including hybrid solenoids and insert coils using REBCO and Bi-based materials 🔬. His work spans from analytical modeling (using COMSOL & MATLAB) to hands-on prototyping of 15T+ magnets with large bore sizes 🛠️📐. He also leads research into mechanical stress tolerance, quench dynamics, and multifunctional cryogenic test platforms ❄️💡. Peng is a key contributor to China’s frontier superconducting magnet technologies 🚀.

Awards & Honors

• 🏆 Selected for the “Hundred Talents Program” (Category B) – Chinese Academy of Sciences

• 🥇 Awarded Special Research Assistant – Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019)

• 🧪 Principal Investigator for multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects

• 🧑‍🔬 Lead roles in industry-funded superconducting magnet development programs

• 🎖️ Recognized by Anhui Province Natural Science Foundation and Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation

Publication Top Notes

1. Experiments and FE modeling of stress–strain state in ReBCO tape under tensile, torsional and transverse load

   • Authors: K Ilin, KA Yagotintsev, C Zhou, P Gao, J Kosse, SJ Otten, WAJ Wessel, …

   • Journal: Superconductor Science and Technology

   • Volume: 28, Issue 5

   • Article Number: 055006

   • Year: 2015

   • Citations: 175

   • DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/28/5/055006

   • Summary: This paper presents both experimental and finite element (FE) modeling analyses of the stress–strain behavior of REBCO (Rare-earth Barium Copper Oxide) tape under tensile, torsional, and transverse loads. These loads affect the mechanical properties of the tapes, which are crucial for their application in superconducting magnets and wires.

2. The 16 T dipole development program for FCC

   • Authors: D Tommasini, B Auchmann, H Bajas, M Bajko, A Ballarino, G Bellomo, …

   • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity

   • Volume: 27, Issue 4

   • Pages: 1-5

   • Year: 2016

   • Citations: 152

   • DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2016.2562690

   • Summary: This paper outlines the progress in the development of a 16 Tesla dipole magnet as part of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project. It focuses on the engineering challenges and developments in high-field magnet technology that are necessary for the FCC’s particle accelerator system.

3. Powering of an HTS dipole insert-magnet operated standalone in helium gas between 5 and 85 K

   • Authors: J van Nugteren, G Kirby, H Bajas, M Bajko, A Ballarino, L Bottura, …

   • Journal: Superconductor Science and Technology

   • Volume: 31, Issue 6

   • Article Number: 065002

   • Year: 2018

   • Citations: 70

   • DOI: 10.1088/1361-6668/aac5db

   • Summary: This study investigates the powering of a High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) dipole magnet insert that operates independently in helium gas at temperatures ranging from 5 K to 85 K. The results are significant for understanding the operational limits of HTS magnets in low-temperature environments.

4. The EuCARD2 future magnets program for particle accelerator high-field dipoles: Review of results and next steps

   • Authors: L Rossi, A Badel, H Bajas, M Bajko, A Ballarino, C Barth, U Betz, L Bottura, …

   • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity

   • Volume: 28, Issue 3

   • Pages: 1-10

   • Year: 2017

   • Citations: 70

   • DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2017.2720382

   • Summary: The paper reviews the outcomes and future directions of the EuCARD2 project, which focuses on developing high-field dipole magnets for particle accelerators. The review covers the challenges faced and the results achieved in creating superconducting magnets for future particle colliders.

5. AC loss and contact resistance in REBCO CORC®, Roebel, and stacked tape cables

   • Authors: K Yagotintsev, VA Anvar, P Gao, MJ Dhalle, TJ Haugan, …

   • Journal: Superconductor Science and Technology

   • Volume: 33, Issue 8

   • Article Number: 085009

   • Year: 2020

   • Citations: 59

   • DOI: 10.1088/1361-6668/ab93c7

   • Summary: This study examines the AC losses and contact resistance in various types of REBCO (Rare-earth Barium Copper Oxide) cables, including CORC® (Coated Conductor Round Wire), Roebel cables, and stacked tape cables. The study provides valuable insights into the performance characteristics of these cables, which are used in high-performance superconducting systems.

Conclusion

Dr. Peng Gao is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award, not only due to his technical mastery, but also for his visionary leadership in pioneering advanced superconducting technologies with tangible applications in fusion energy, medical imaging, and materials science. His trajectory, from postdoctoral innovation to leading national flagship projects, represents the ideal of research excellence and societal impact.