FAMU-FSU Engineer Shreyas Balachandran Wins DOE Early Career Award

Associate Professor Shreyas Balachandran from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has been recognized with an Early Career Award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for his pioneering work on next-generation particle accelerators. This prestigious award, part of the DOE’s Accelerator Research and Development (ARDAP) Program, provides $875,000 in funding over five years to support his innovative research.

Advancing Particle Acceleration Technology

Professor Balachandran’s research focuses on the development of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) materials that are essential for enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of linear accelerators. These technologies are critical not only for scientific discovery in fields such as nuclear and high-energy physics but also for practical applications in industries including food safety, medical device sterilization, and water treatment.

“Our project involves a special technology called superconducting radio-frequency, or SRF,” Balachandran explained. “SRF technology efficiently turns radio waves into powerful beams of electrons.” Traditional accelerators rely on niobium metal, which functions as a superconductor only at extremely low temperatures, approximately -442 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining such low temperatures necessitates complex cooling systems using liquid helium, rendering the machines bulky and less versatile for various settings.

To address these challenges, Balachandran aims to explore new materials known as A15 compounds, which can operate as superconductors at higher temperatures. “By using these materials and combining them with copper structures, we hope to build accelerator parts that don’t require extensive cryogenic infrastructure,” he noted. This advancement could lead to smaller, more affordable accelerators that can be utilized in hospitals and factories, rather than being confined to large research facilities.

Innovative Techniques and Industry Collaboration

To implement his vision, Balachandran’s team will employ a technique called chemical vapor deposition. This method creates thin layers of superconducting material on copper surfaces, improving the reliability of the machinery while resolving issues associated with current materials. Engaging with industry partners will be key to ensuring that the findings translate quickly into real-world applications.

“Dr. Balachandran’s work is innovative and reflects his leading expertise in superconductors and cryo-techniques,” said Richard Liang, associate dean for research at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “His success in earning this highly competitive award is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and the impact of his research on both science and society. We are very pleased to see his first major success in such a short timeframe.”

Balachandran, who graduated from Texas A&M University in 2015, previously served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Applied Superconductivity Center and worked as a staff scientist at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. He joined the joint college in March 2025, where he continues to drive advancements in particle accelerator technology.

With this award, Professor Balachandran is set to make significant contributions to both scientific research and practical applications, potentially transforming the landscape of particle acceleration and its wide-ranging uses.