IOP Groups
Plasma Physics is a wide subject but may be loosely divided into a number of overlapping areas of active research and applications including:
Fusion
Fusion power offers the potential of an almost limitless source of energy for future generations
Semiconductors
The most extreme example of the prowess of plasma technology is in the creation of semiconductor devices
Lasers
Plasma physics research into the behaviour of matter under extreme ('High Energy Density') conditions is carried out at several large laser facilities worldwide
Chemistry
Plasma aided spectroscopy is a cornerstone of many modern chemical analysis techniques
Thin Films
There is a range of technologically important materials that are most useful as films a few tens of Angstroms deep deposited on a substrate
Astronomy
Beyond the Earth's atmosphere, most of the matter in the universe is in the plasma state
Materials Processing
Plasmas can be used to treat and create materials
Lighting
When viewed from the surface of the moon, the only evidence of mans existence comes from the clustered specks of light which constitute cities
Ionospherics
The solar wind working in combination with the Earths magnetic field forms regions of plasma which are visible to the human eye
Coatings
Plasma coating uses plasma created by an electric arc burning within the nozzle of a plasma gun
Lightning
A lightning bolt is a very dense, atmospheric plasma
Displays
Plasma displays are bringing about a revolution in television viewing
The most recent plasma switch to be developed is based on a pseudospark discharge
Plasma arcs can be designed to destroy various waste materials in an environmentally friendly way
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