
Related departments
The unique properties of plasma mean that it has a wide variety of technological applications. Research within the School focusses on thoroughly understanding the fundamental properties of plasmas then applying that knowledge to practical applications.
One example is a novel space thruster system based around a plasma accelerated in an electric double layer. The physics is similar to that which drives the Aurora and allows ions to be accelerated to very high speeds which in turn equates to a highly fuel efficient propulsion system for space travel.
Plasmas are also being used in connection with nanotechnology to create novel catalytic fuel cell electrodes that require only one fifth of the platinum of conventional electrodes. Such advances are likely to have a profound effect on "green" vehicles of the future.
Potential student research projects
You could be doing your own research into fusion and plasma confinement. Below are some examples of student physics research projects available in RSPE.

Plasma-liquid interactions
Plasma–liquid interactions are an important topic in the field of plasma science and technology. The interaction of non-equilibrium plasmas with a liquid have many important applications ranging from environmental remediation to material science and health...

High pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharges in chemically reactive systems
The goal of this research is to study high pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharges in chemically reactive systems with applications to space, waste treatment and material science.

System calculations for hunter killer satellites
Space junk is a major problem for space travel. We use an energetic particle beam to manoeuvre a satellite close to junk then blast it with the particle beam to deorbit the junk

Computer simulation of expanding plasmas
Experimental work on expanding plasmas is greatly aided by computer simulation using plasma fluid codes.

Plasma thrusters for spacecraft
Low Earth Orbit satellites such as CubeSats can have their lifetime boosted by using our unique plasma thrusters to insert them into higher orbits.

Magnetic nozzles and plasma generated by a remote source
When plasmas are decoupled from their source of power, much can be learned about non-local effects of energy transport.
Please browse our full list of available physics research projects to find a student research project that interests you.
Updated: 1 February 2023/ Responsible Officer: Director, RSPhys/ Page Contact: Physics Webmaster