George A. Popov

Graduate Student

gpopov@caltech.edu

George joined the Space Structures Lab in 2021. He received a BA in Physics and Astronomy (Concentration in Physical Theory and Experimental Technique; Minor in Mathematics), a BSE in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, and a MS in Physics and Astronomy summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021 as part of VIPER (Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research), as well as an MS from Caltech in Space Engineering in 2022.

George previously worked with the Bargatin Group at UPenn, focusing on photophoretic levitation of Mylar, alumina, and carbon nanotube structures before coming to Caltech. He also researched nanocardboard levitation to create an atmospheric pressure radiometer, used computational techniques to design a nanofabricated metamaterial solar sail for near lightspeed space travel, and assisted in creating compact, lightweight wings for microflyers using nanofabrication processes. Additionaly, George was a founding officer of the VIPER student board and led the UPenn rocket team as part of the Penn Aerospace Club.

George’s current research involves investigating thermal effects on lightweight frame and thin film structures for the Caltech Space Solar Power Project.

Publications: 

  • M. Azadi, G.A. Popov, Z. Lu, A. G. Eskenazi, J. W. Bang, M. F. Campbell, H. Hu and I. Bargatin, Controlled levitation of nanostructured thin films for sun-powered near-space flight. Science Advances 7.7 (2021): eabe1127. [DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe1127]

  • W. Cha, L. Kasper, M. F. Campbell, T. J. Celenza, G. A. Popov, J. Wang, C. R. Sung, M. Yim and I. Bargatin, Carbon fiber-aluminum sandwich for micro-aerial vehicles and miniature robots. MRS Advances 6, no. 19 (2021): 477-481. [DOI: 10.1557/s43580-021-00084-3]

  • W. Cha, M. F. Campbell, G. A. Popov, C. Stanczak, A. k. Estep, E. B. Steager, C. R. Sung, M. H. Yim and I. Bargatin, Microfabricated Foldable Wings, for Centimeter-Scale Microflyers, Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 29, no. 5 (2020): 1127-1129. [DOI: 10.1109/JMEMS.2020.3013813]

  • M. Azadi, Z. Lu, G. A. Popov, C. H. Stanczak, A. G. Eskenazi, P. Ponnarassery, J. Cortex, M. F. Campbell and I. Bargatin, Demonstration of Atmosheric-Pressure Radiometer With Nanocardboard Vanes, Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 29, no. 5 (2020): 811-817. [DOI: 10.1109/J<E<S.2020.3011260]

  • M. F. Campbell, M. Azadi, Z. Lu, A. G. Eskenazi, A. Jain, J. W. Bang, P. G. Sieg, G. A. Popov, S. M. Nicaise, K. C. Van Houten and F. Schmitt, Nanostructured Spacers for Thermionic and Thermophotovoltaic Energy Converters, Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 29, no. 5 (2020): 637-644. [DOI: 10.1109/JMEMS.2020.3000422]