Materials Physics & Nanoscale Thermal Transport

I am interested in the characterization of novel materials and understanding the basic physical mechanisms of thermal and electrical transport in nanomaterials. With a focus on ultra-fast laser based characterization methods, much of my research involves exploring the unknown characteristics of materials such as metamaterials, magnetic materials, dielectrics, functional oxides, and other optical/electronic device components. 

Specific projects of interest include thermal transport in Counter Directed Energy relevant materials, high energy density optical components, thermal mitigation materials for power electronics, and fundemental multifunctional thermal transport mechanisms in complex magnetic nanomaterials. 

I am also interested in thermal transport characterization in field-relevant applications such as Additive Manufacturing where laser-based thermal processing (melting and sintering) can greatly change the properties of a resultant material. 

In general, I am a thermal characterization scientist and interested in how to make and improve measurements of thermal transport in a variety of physical systems.

Google Scholar Page for Prof. Donovan