A Low Temperature Plasma Science Program: Discovery Science for Societal Benefit Webpage uri icon

abstract

  • The current status of low temperature plasmas (LTPs) as a research area and technology driver producing societal benefit is discussed. The current science challenges are discussed in the context of the extreme dynamic range and intellectual diversity of the field of LTPs. The case is made that given this extreme dynamic range of science challenges and the broad range of motivating technology areas, it is neither possible nor prudent to define a single science discovery challenge that covers the entire field of LTPs. Given these conditions, we propose that the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Science, perhaps in partnership with the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, fund a broad science program in LTPs having an annual solicitation. The current science challenges would then be defined by the proposers. After a 3-year ramp-up period, the steady state funding level would be $5,000,000/year. Comparisons are made to international activities in LTPs.

author list (cited authors)

  • Kushner, M. J., Adamovich, I., Aydil, E., Baalrud, S. D., Graves, D. B., Donnelly, V., ... Girshick, S.

complete list of authors

  • Kushner, MJ||Adamovich, I||Aydil, E||Baalrud, SD||Graves, DB||Donnelly, V||Economou, DJ||Eden, JG||Gekelman, W||Girshick, S

publication date

  • January 2014