plasma physics
Quick Summary
Plasma physics studies plasma, often called the fourth state of matter, distinct from solid, liquid, and gas. It's an electrically conducting medium composed of roughly equal numbers of positively and negatively charged particles, created when gas atoms ionize. The negative charge is typically carried by electrons, and the positive charge by ions. Electromagnetic forces significantly influence plasma behavior, causing it to act collectively like a fluid.1
Most visible matter in the universe exists as plasma, including stars, auroras, and lightning. In laboratories, plasma is produced by heating gases to high temperatures. Future applications of plasma physics are largely in power generation, particularly through nuclear fusion reactors. Plasma is also utilized in lighting (like neon and fluorescent tubes), welding, and particle accelerators. The term "plasma" was introduced in 1923 by Irving Langmuir.123
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Hannes AlfvĂ©nâŠhis essential contributions in founding plasma physicsâthe study of plasmas (ionized gases).
Read MoreâŠhis essential contributions in founding plasma physicsâthe study of plasmas (ionized gases).
Read More- David Bohm
⊠and directed his attention to plasma physics. In postwar papers, Bohm laid the foundations of modern plasma theory. Bohmâs lectures at Princeton developed into an influential textbook, Quantum Theory (1951), that contained a clear presentation of Danish physicist Niels Bohrâs Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. While working on that book,âŠ
Read More⊠and directed his attention to plasma physics. In postwar papers, Bohm laid the foundations of modern plasma theory. Bohmâs lectures at Princeton developed into an influential textbook, Quantum Theory (1951), that contained a clear presentation of Danish physicist Niels Bohrâs Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. While working on that book,âŠ
Read More - Russell Alan Hulse
âŠchanged fields from astrophysics to plasma physics and joined the Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton University. There he conducted research associated with the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor, an experimental nuclear-fusion facility. In 2004 Hulse began teaching at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he founded the Science and EngineeringâŠ
Read MoreâŠchanged fields from astrophysics to plasma physics and joined the Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton University. There he conducted research associated with the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor, an experimental nuclear-fusion facility. In 2004 Hulse began teaching at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he founded the Science and EngineeringâŠ
Read More