David Mc Closkey

Dr. David McCloskey is an Associate Professor of the Science of Energy and Energy Systems at Trinity College Dublin (School of Physics). He leads the Nanothermal research group, focusing on photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, plasmonics, and nanoscale heat transfer. He co-developed Trinity's multidisciplinary Energy Science MSc program across Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Geology. His PhD (2012, TCD) studied electromagnetic scattering in dielectric particles, followed by postdoctoral work on thermal management in hard drives (Western Digital) and III-V diode lasers (Nokia/Bell Labs). He has held visiting roles at MIT, ICFO Barcelona, Institut Fresnel, and NUIG. Key research themes include: (1) Sustainable energy systems (photovoltaic efficiency, thermal management), (2) Nanoscale thermal imaging (frequency-domain techniques), (3) Plasmonic nanostructures (nanohelices for photothermal conversion), (4) Thin film stability (Au/Ag capping layers), and (5) 2D material optoelectronics (MoS₂ field effects). Notable outputs include 2021's SFI Future Innovator Prize for solar PV cooling innovations and 2020's 2D-Phase project on low-energy optical modulation. His lab's work spans fundamental physics to industrial applications (e.g., heat-assisted magnetic recording patents with Western Digital).

Education: B.A. Theoretical Physics (TCD 2008), PhD Experimental Optics (TCD 2012). Awards include 2021 SFI Future Innovator Prize (€759k), 2019 Trinity Innovation Award, and 2015 CRANN Innovation Prize. Active in EU/industry collaborations, currently leading €1.3M+ projects including SolarCool (arid climate PV solutions) and 2D-Phase (optical phase switching). His 90+ peer-reviewed publications (h-index 32) cover topics from plasmonic nanojet optics to graphene composites. Current lab activities include developing metamaterial heat exchangers, diamond vacancy sensors, and nanostructured energy materials.

Research trends show strong focus on: (1) Cross-disciplinary energy solutions blending physics/chemistry/engineering, (2) Translational nanotechnology for industrial needs (e.g., HAMR hard drive transducers), (3) Advanced thermal measurement techniques (thermoreflectance, Monte Carlo modeling), and (4) 2D material optoelectronics. Recent articles emphasize photothermal conversion optimization, thin film dewetting resistance, and nanostructured thermal interfaces.

• Grants/Projects: SolarCool (€759k), 2D-Phase (€534k), ERC Consolidator proposal (in review)
• Labs/Teams: Nanothermal Research Group, TCD Energy Science Institute
• Patents: Heat exchanger designs (EP20168051.9), HAMR transducers (US patents 10249336, 10360939)