The UNM Plasma and Fusion Science Laboratory
The Plasma and Fusion Science Lab in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept. at the University of New Mexico was established in Jan. 2003. The lab is headed by Prof. Mark Gilmore. We are currently building our lab, and establishing off site research collaborations. We share lab space with the Pulsed Power, Beams, and Microwaves Laboratory headed by Prof. Edl Schamiloglu.
Our research is/will be primarily focused on
turbulence and transport in both laboratory and magnetic fusion plasmas
high temperature (fusion) plasma diagnostics
laboratory experiments relevant to plasma astrophysics and solar physics
plasma physics of pulsed power technology
Currently, we are nearing completion of a combined hot cathode and helicon laboratory plasma device, named HELCAT (Helicon-Cathode) (photos). HELCAT has a 4 meter long, 50 cm diameter vacuum chamber. Magnetic field coils produce an axial B-field of up to 2 kG. This device is being completed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, and the UNM ECE Dept. This experiment will be used to investigate the active control (in an engineering control system sense) of turbulent transport, which is a critical issue in magnetic fusion energy research. A presentation on this project can be found here.
In addition, this device will be used for
experimental studies of fundamental physics of plasma turbulence and transport
laboratory experiments relevant to plasma astrophysics and solar physics
plasma diagnostic development
graduate and undergraduate student training
In addition to research at UNM, we have established off-site collaborations with
The LArge Plasma Device Upgrade at the Basic Plasma Science User Facility at UCLA. This work is in collaboration with Drs. Troy Carter, Tony Peebles and Neal Crocker at UCLA. This is a continuing project to study the generation of intermittent convective structures in the plasma edge, associated with plasma turbulence interacting with plasma flows. Previous publications on this work can be found here.
Sandia National Labs Pulsed Power Group. We are currently collaborating on the triggered magnetically-controlled Plasma Opening Switch (POS). In particular, we are interested in the plasma dynamics in the switch.
The Magnetized Target Fusion Experiment, FRX-L, at Los Alamos National Lab. We are contributing to this collaboration by developing and utilizing UV spectroscopy (impurities, ion temperature, flows, rotation) diagnostics.
Also, we working with Prof. Edl Schamiloglu on a project to characterize the secondary electron emission of materials to potentially be used for depressed collector electrodes in high power microwave tubes, such as gyrotrons. This research is sponsored by The Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and is a collaboration with Calabasis Creek, CPI, and the Air Force Research Lab.
Current Personnel: Mark Gilmore (Assistant Professor)
Christopher Watts (Research Associate Professor)
Alan Lynn (Post Doctoral Researcher)
Waylon Clark (Graduate Student Researcher)
Naga Deverapali (Graduate Student Researcher)
Janus Herrerra (Graduate Student Researcher)
Prashanth Kumar (Graduate Student Researcher)
Steve Will (Graduate Student Researcher)
Shuangwei Xei (Graduate Student Researcher)
Lincan Yan (Graduate Student Researcher)
Marco Cueto (Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant)
Mike Curry (Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant)
Laurel Roberson (Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant)
Alumni: Nate Zameroski (M.S., May 2004. Now with the Sandia National Labs Pulsed Power Group)
Dan Jackson (M.S., December 2005. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Cornell University)
Our research is currently supported by The National Science Foundation, The U.S. Department of Energy, The Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Sandia National Lab, Los Alamos National Lab, and the UNM Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept.
Contact Prof. Mark Gilmore, gilmore@eece.unm.edu, for more information about the laboratory.
This page last updated Jan-23-06.