Plasma Physics

Plasma physics is concerned with the studies of hot, diffuse gases, where the electrons are dissociated from the atomic nuclei. These plasmas can range in temperature from several thousands to several hundred millions of degrees. Lightning is a natural example of a plasma. Plasma research at Auburn covers a broad range of topics, including both experimental and theoretical work.

Fusion Energy Research

Fusion is a process that combines the atomic nuclei of light elements, like the  isotopes of hydrogen called deuterium and tritium, to form heavier elements. It is the same process by which the sun creates energy. In the process of fusing these elements, energy is released which can be captured and used to generate heat and eventually electricity. Auburn faculty and students are actively engaged in experimental, theoretical and computational fusion energy research.

Follow this link to the Fusion Research Group homepage.

Faculty:  Hanson, Hartwell, Knowlton

Basic Plasma Physics

Basic plasma physics research focuses on fundamental process that occur in plasma - such as wave propagation, particle and energy transport, and plasma instabilities. These studies also include the development of new experimental and computational techniques for studying plasmas. Ongoing experiments at Auburn includes investigations of magnetic reconnection, Alfvén waves, dusty plasmas, and plasma rotation.

Follow these links to Auburn basic plasma physics research:

• ASTRAL Experiment
  Faculty: Boivin
• Plasma Sciences Laboratory
  Faculty: Thomas