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Olivier Delaire

Associate Professor of the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
387 Gross Hall, Durham, NC 27708
144 Hudson Hall, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


The Delaire group investigates atomistic transport processes of energy and charge, and thermodynamics in energy materials. We use a combined experimental and computational approach to understand and control microscopic energy transport for the design of next-generation materials, in particular for sustainable energy applications. Current materials of interest include superionic conductors, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, ferroelectrics/multiferroics, and metal-insulator transitions. Our group's studies provide fundamental insights into  atomic dynamics and elementary excitations in condensed-matter systems (phonons, electrons, spins), their couplings and their effects on macroscopic properties. We probe the microscopic underpinnings of transport and thermodynamics properties by integrating neutron and x-ray scattering, optical spectroscopy, and thermal characterization, together with quantum-mechanical computer simulations.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science · 2019 - Present Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering
Associate Professor of Chemistry · 2019 - Present Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor of Physics · 2023 - Present Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

Education, Training & Certifications


California Institute of Technology · 2006 Ph.D.
Pennsylvania State University · 2000 M.Sc.