At CERN, I develop niobium coatings on copper for superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities. I scaled HiPIMS deposition from flat samples to 1.3 GHz and 400 MHz cavities; coatings on 1.3 GHz cavities met FCC-ee targets scaled to that frequency, and the first HiPIMS-coated 400 MHz cavity outperformed series-produced LHC cavities.
My research connects deposition conditions to film structure and device performance. I studied how ion energy, film thickness, and temperature affect superconducting properties, and showed that sample-level critical current density tracks cavity quality factor.
I also investigate interfaces and substrates, including copper migration into niobium films, ALD alumina interlayers, and copper surface preparation. In comparing manufacturing routes and surface treatments, I found that electropolishing gave the best RF performance.
Earlier, at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, I fabricated luminescent solar concentrators and tested their optical performance. I’ve also published as a first author in Vacuum and Green Chemistry.
