Faculty
Austin Minnich
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Degrees and Appointments
B.S., University of California, Berkeley, 2006; M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008; Ph.D., 2011. Caltech, 2011-.
Tel: 626-395-2142
323 Thomas Laboratory MC 104-44 Pasadena, CA 91125Assistant
Maria Koeper, TOM 321, 626-395-3385
Research Group Website »
Research Overview
Professor Minnich researches the physics and engineering of nanoscale heat transport. Nanostructured materials have novel thermal properties with applications in energy such as for thermoelectric materials, which convert heat directly to electricity. Minnich uses experimental techniques, including ultrafast optical experiments, to study transport at the length and time scales of the energy carriers themselves. These experiments measure properties of the energy carriers that are lost at macroscopic scales, allowing for a more complete understanding of nanoscale transport physics. Minnich also uses these results to design novel materials and thermal devices, such as more efficient thermoelectric materials and devices for thermal energy storage.
List of Research Areas
Nanoscale heat transfer, ultrafast optical techniques, electron and phonon transport, thermoelectric materials, thermophotovoltaics
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