Physics Colloquium: Controlling Plasma with Waves

Abstract:

Waves can produce enormous effects in plasma.  Radio frequency waves injected into magnetically confined plasma can heat the plasma to thermonuclear temperature, drive mega-amps of current, or divert mega-watts of power. This talk will explore the fundamental mechanisms and constraints on wave-particle interactions in plasma that enable these and other unusual effects, and how these effects might expedite, among other applications, economical fusion power.

Event Organizer: Dr. Liron Barak