Beyond AI – The Next Technological Revolution: Cryogenic Power Electronics for Superconducting Systems
hosted by IET Auckland Local Network
About
AI is transforming the world — but what comes next?
One of the most exciting frontiers beyond AI is superconductivity, enabling breakthroughs in transportation, energy systems, electric aviation, and aerospace. To unlock its full potential, we need highly efficient cryogenic power electronics capable of operating at extremely low temperatures.
This seminar will present cutting-edge research from the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Cambridge and University of Canterbury on the development of power electronics systems designed specifically for cryogenic operation. The talk will highlight the behaviour of GaN HEMTs and other key components at low temperatures and introduce a cryogenic buck converter achieving greater than 99% efficiency.
If you want to understand the power electronics technology enabling the next generation of superconducting systems, this lecture is not to be missed.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
14 Apr 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Organiser
- Auckland Local Network
Registration information
Notice for Registration
Refreshments: Finger foods and drinks provided
Parking directions – will provided once people are registered
If you have any enquiries, please contact George ARULANANTHAM or Auckland@ietvolunteer.org
Speakers
Dr. Duleepa J. Thrimawithana
Associate Professor - Faculty of Engineering and Design, Elec Comp and Software Eng, New Zealand, UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Dr. Duleepa J. Thrimawithana received his BE in Electrical Engineering (First Class Honours) in and his PhD in Power Electronics from the University of Auckland.
From 2005 to 2008, he worked in collaboration with Tru-Test Ltd. as a Research Engineer, specialising in power converters and high-voltage pulse generator design.
Since joining academia in 2009, he has:
- Co-authored over 100 international journal and conference publications
- Filed 25 patent families in wireless power transfer technologies
- Led multiple industry R&D and consulting projects
Received the prestigious Jim and Hazel D. Lord Fellowship (2014) in recognition of outstanding early-career research contributions.
Programme
17:30 to 18:00 Registartion
18:00 to 19:15 Lecture: "Beyond AI – The Next Technological Revolution: Cryogenic Power Electronics for Superconducting Systems" presented by Dr. Duleepa J. Thrimawithana
19:15 to 19:30 Networking