ILTPC Newsletter 07

The ILTPC is maintaining a list of LTP conferences (view-only). With many meetings being canceled and rescheduled, we thought this would be useful for minimizing conflicts and planning future trips. The data may not be 100% accurate, so please let us know of changes in conference scheduling.

Contact: ILTPC iltpc-central@umich.edu

Online LTP Seminar

Reminder! Upcoming seminars: October 13, October 27, November 10.

More information

International Online Plasma Seminar (IOPS)

Reminder! Upcoming seminars: October 22, November 5, November 19.

More information

Speaker Nominations: Nominations are solicited for speakers for the January-June 2021 sessions of IOPS. Two types of seminars will be presented:

• Research Highlight (20 minutes + questions): This presentation is intended to summarize a recent publication and is more highly focused on the topic of the publication.
• Tutorial/Review (30-45 minutes + questions): This presentation more broadly addresses a topic and is more like a traditional departmental seminar.

Please submit nominations via Google form with a deadline of 30 November 2020.

MIPSE (Michigan Institute for Plasma Science and Engineering) Seminar Series

The MIPSE seminar series, usually held as an in-person event, will be totally virtual this Fall. There will be five seminars during Fall 2020 covering the full range of plasma topics (not only LTP). The seminars are held on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm (US East Coast Time). Please send a request for the Zoom link to view the seminars to mipse-central@umich.edu. Seminars will be recorded and posted (with slides) at the website.

• Fall 2020 schedule and abstracts
• Past MIPSE seminars (recordings and slides)
• Interviews of past seminar speakers

Contact: MIPSE Central mipse-central@umich.edu

7^th International Plasma Science & Entrepreneurship Workshop (2 & 3 November 2020)

Key topics and themes:

• Plasma medicine, medical and healthcare
• Plasma surface modification & thin films
• Atmospheric pressure plasma at micro/nano scale
• Atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ)
• Nanoparticles generation and particle surface treatment
• Surface diagnostics, energetics, analytics and metrology
• Plasma parameterization, diagnostics, simulation
• Plasma for emission abatement & CO₂
• Plasma parameterization, diagnostics, simulation

About 100 leading international scientists from universities, institutes and firms and scientific entrepreneurs are expected to participate. The workshop will be a PhD (student) expert-level workshop focused on the achievements, challenges, and opportunities for the scientific- and entrepreneurial community working in the field. More information

Please contact Josefien van de Laar (josefien.vdlaar@visiondynamics.nl) by October 15, 2020 if you are interested in attending.

Contact: Hugo de Haan VD Science & Entrepreneurship BV (VD S&E) hugo.dehaan@visiondynamics.nl

QPTDat FAIR Research Data in Plasma Medicine Workshop

On October 28–29, 2020, the BMBF-funded joint project Quality assurance and linking of research data in plasma technology - QPTDat hosts the virtual workshop: FAIR Research Data in Plasma Medicine.

The program of the workshop is now available.

The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers in the field of plasma medicine with research data management experts to discuss requirements and possibilities for research data management in accordance with the FAIR principles. Experts will provide an overview over existing procedures and ideas for the provision and usage of quality assured research data, e.g. as a basis for data-driven science. On this basis, approaches for the further development of an ontology, metadata standards, and quality criteria supporting a simplified publication and re-use of data in the field of plasma medicine will be worked out in the course of the workshop. The collected ideas will be incorporated into the services to be developed in the framework of QPTDat and thus be made available to the community.

Participation in the workshop is only possible with prior registration. Registered persons will receive further information about participation in the virtual event a few days before the workshop starts.

Contact: Dr. Markus Becker Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) markus.becker@inp-greifswald.de

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Special Issue Dielectric Barrier Discharges in the journal Plasma

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) have been investigated for more than a century and were mainly used for ozone production until applications like plasma medicine and plasma-assisted conversion and catalysis sparked new interest. The rise of nanosecond-pulse generators for the generation of plasma has made it possible to deliver voltage pulses on the same time scale as the streamer lifetime in a DBD. This Special Issue focusses on DBDs from nanosecond to microsecond pulses, with an emphasis on the following topics:

• Diagnostics
• Physics and diagnostics of nanosecond pulsed DBDs
• Self-organization in DBDs
• Applications of DBDs: plasma medicine, plasma-assisted conversion and catalysis, and plasma agriculture
• DBDs in contact with liquids: experiment and simulation

The deadline for manuscript submission is March 15, 2021.

Guest Editors:

• Dr. Katharina Stapelmann North Carolina State University katharina_stapelmann@ncsu.edu
• Dr. Pietro Ranieri North Carolina State University
• Dr. Savino Longo University of Bari

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PhD Candidate Vacancy, Maastricht University, The Netherlands: A CO₂ Free Future – Sustainable Hydrogen and Carbon Nanomaterials Production in Methane Plasma

Fossil fuels provided the cheap energy that catalyzed global development in the previous two centuries which came at the expense of environmental effects, such as the growth of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions leading to climate change. In this project, we will investigate a route in which CO₂-neutral hydrogen is produced by “decarbonization” of methane with renewable energy while an economic benefit is created by the co-production of high-value carbon that can be used as a construction material.

In this project, we will investigate total plasma based methane pyrolysis to optimize and control the value of the carbon products and at the same time economically producing hydrogen. We will generate understanding of reactor transport and energy dissipation using in-situ laser diagnostics to quantify reactor temperature and to observe carbon nucleation and growth.

PhD candidate requirements: Applicant must be from a Chinese University. Candidate should graduate in 2021 with a Master’s degree in either physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering or physical science disciplines. Preference will be given to students with knowledge or experience in laser diagnostics, plasma chemistry or physics, or hydrocarbon chemistry. Due to the funding through the CSC program, we will preferentially select candidates from “Double First class” universities, although other strong applicants are encouraged to apply. A high level of English speaking and writing ability is essential.

Contact:

• Dr. Tom D. Butterworth t.butterworth@maastrichtuniversity.nl
• Prof. G. J. van Rooij g.vanrooij@maastrichtuniversity.nl Circular Engineering Group, Maastricht University, The Netherlands

Faculty Position in Theoretical/Computational Low Temperature Plasma Physics, Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama, USA)

The Physics Department at Auburn University is now seeking a highly qualified individual for a tenure-track faculty position, at the level of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, in the area of theoretical and/or computational low temperature plasma physics. The successful candidate will join a vibrant department that conducts research in four research clusters: atomic physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, and plasma physics. In particular, the Auburn Physics Department has a large, active plasma group that includes ten faculty members that pursue experimental, theoretical, and computational research in fusion, space plasmas, dusty/complex plasma, and an emerging effort in low temperature plasmas. We are seeking a strong candidate who will build strategic collaborative relationships with the Physics faculty, the plasma group, and other researchers both on- and off-campus. Candidates should have a strong research record of computational and/or theoretical research in basic and low temperature plasma science relevant to emerging applications. The successful candidate will be expected to: (1) demonstrate strong leadership potential in the area of plasma physics, (2) establish an independent research program at Auburn University, (3) provide direction to undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in plasma physics, (4) establish interdisciplinary research collaborations to broaden the impact of plasma physics and (5) conduct excellent instruction at the undergraduate and graduate level in the Physics curriculum. Applicants must possess a PhD or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related field at the time employment begins. Post-doctoral research or equivalent experience is highly desirable. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required.

Auburn University, the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), and the Physics Department have a collegial, collaborative environment. A primary goal for our College and the Physics Department is the development of inclusive environment by strengthening the diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. The Physics Department has a community of approximately 45 faculty, lecturers, and staff, 65 undergraduate students, and 48 graduate students. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from persons in groups that have been historically underrepresented in physics.

Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a statement of research. All applications must also provide a statement which describes how your past and/or potential contributions in teaching, research, and/or service will serve to advance our mission of creating an inclusive environment. Please visit the COSAM webpage that describes content for this statement.

Candidates must apply online. The review of applications will begin on December 1, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. The desired starting date is August 16, 2021.

Contact: Prof. Ed Thomas Auburn University etjr@auburn.edu

Postdoctoral Position at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Low Temperature Plasma Applications in Agriculture (Normal, Alabama USA)

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU). The candidate would work in the area of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of agricultural produce and products with a focus on determining the mode of action. Specifically, the postdoctoral fellow will conduct objective oriented research in plasma applications in seeds and plants of economic crops species; poultry meat and eggs, and nitrogen enriched plasma water for use as a fertilizer and as a biocide. The selected candidate will be a member of the NSF EPSCoR interdisciplinary and multi-institutional team, and will work under the supervision of the project directors at AAMU and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), and any other collaborator(s). The postdoctoral fellowship is initially for one year subject to annual renewal for two additional years based on candidate’s productivity and availability of funds.

The candidate will be expected to conceptualize, design, and conduct experiments that give rapid results with potential for in-depth studies leading to a deeper understanding of the mode of action. The candidate will work closely with collaborators at UAH and private industry to address challenges in designing and building appropriate plasma equipment to suit the research objectives. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to produce high-quality journal publications, consult and assist other students in the lab, work with the PIs on proposals, and interface with other faculty and staff.

Qualifications: A PhD in biophysics, plasma chemistry, agricultural science, or related fields with a strong background in biophysics is required. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in plasma applications in agriculture and soft biomatter. Good written and verbal communication skills are expected.

Applicants should submit:

1. A letter of application describing how their training and experience qualify them to fulfill the requirements of this position
2. A current curriculum vitae
3. Official transcript of all academic qualifications
4. Names of three professional references with their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers

Please send to: The Office of Human Resources, P. O. Box 305, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 35762. Refer to Position 174982. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Contact: Prof. S. R. Mentreddy Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Alabama A & M University srinivasa.mentreddy@aamu.edu

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Low-Temperature Plasma Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame (South Bend, Indiana, USA)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana (United States) in the research group of Prof. David B. Go, starting on or around January 2021.

The position is nominally in the area of plasma-assisted additive manufacturing, but applicants may also propose their own line of research if they are interested in pursuing an independent research path. Applicants should have a PhD (or anticipate receiving a PhD by the time of the appointment) in an appropriate engineering or science discipline and experience in experimental plasma science (primarily at atmospheric pressure), including, but not exclusive to, developing plasma systems, application of plasma devices, and/or plasma diagnostics. We are especially interested in candidates who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University’s academic community. Successful applicants will have a track record of research contributions and be effective at independent research, mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers, and written and oral communication.

General inquiries and applications should be sent to Prof. David Go. Applications should include a cover letter that includes experience, career aspirations, and research interests, a CV, and contact information for at least two professional references, all within a single PDF.

Contact: Prof. David Go University of Notre Dame dgo@nd.edu

PhD Position - “Characterization of charge carriers in technological relevant plasmas” at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald, Germany

We are looking to recruit at the earliest possible date a PhD student for the topic “Characterization of charge carriers in technological relevant plasmas” for the department of Plasma Diagnostics. The topic of your PhD is the investigation of fundamental questions concerning charge carrier densities and their energy distribution functions in technological relevant plasmas. This includes low-pressure plasmas as well as atmospheric pressure plasma jets. In view of the challenges, especially for the latter, conventional methods for the characterization of charge carriers in plasmas, such as Langmuir probes, will be extended by the application of modern optical methods such as MW interferometry and THz spectroscopy.

Our institute ranks among the largest and most modern institutions in the field of low-temperature plasmas worldwide. In an international working environment, we conduct socially relevant research within our core areas Materials & Energy and Environment & Health. Currently the INP employs about 200 scientists and staff at three locations (Greifswald, Rostock, and Karlsburg).

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, copies of academic degrees, and letters of reference to Mrs. Gabriele Lembke (bewu@inp-greifswald.de) giving the keyword „0370 PhD Student for Plasma Diagnostics” - preferably via our online application – until 25 October 2020.

Contact: Dr. Jean-Pierre van Helden INP Greifswald jean-pierre.vanhelden@inp-greifswald.de

Multiphysics Solver Development Engineer – Plasma (Huntsville, Alabama, USA)

ESI Group, a dynamic and diversified company specializing in CAE solutions for virtual manufacturing and prototyping, seeks an expert with a development background in the computational modeling of low temperature technological plasmas. The expert will be part of the Solver development group and partici-pate in the development, modeling support, maintenance, and extension of our flagship multi-physics product – the ACE+ Suite. The plasma modeling team is currently working on non-equilibrium plasmas and their effects in reactor and feature scale models.

Essential Functions:

• Work collaboratively with experienced computational physics research and development staff to advance the state-of-the-art in plasma modeling to make an impact in the semiconductor, automotive and aerospace industries.
• Design, and develop new algorithms and methodologies applicable to high performance computation of plasmas and electromagnetics in complex geometries, chemistries and process conditions using fluid, particle, and hybrid approaches.
• Create validation and benchmarking problems to test and verify new developments and existing capabilities.
• Provide high quality consultation and support to customers related to new developments and capabilities.
• Propose, define, and contribute to new research topics relevant to customer needs and demands.
• Participate in software engineering in relation to development and maintenance of software products.

Education and Skills:

• A PhD in plasma physics or engineering with development experience in plasma modeling, or an M.S. Degree in a relevant field with 5 or more years of directly relevant experience.
• Experience in the modeling and simulation of materials processing involving plasma is required.
• Industrial experience in the modeling and simulation of low temperature plasmas is highly desired.
• Reactor scale and feature scale modeling knowledge and experience is preferred.
• Experience in source code development for solving plasma governing equations is required.
• Hands-on experience modeling plasma chemistry (volumetric and surface reactions, involving ions and electrons) is required.
• Working experience with C/C++/F90 is preferred.
• Understanding of parallel programming and optimizing code for high performance is required.
• Knowledge of DSMC, molecular dynamics, Boltzmann and particle methods is preferred.

To apply, please submit your resume.

Contact: Dr. Ananth Bhoj Principal Technical Manager abh@esi-group.com

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid invites applications to fill PhD Positions:

• ZARATHUSTRA-D1: Three-dimensional modeling of Electrodeless Plasma Thrusters
• ZARATHUSTRA-D2: Design and characterization of a Magnetic Arch EPT

Three-dimensional modeling of Electrodeless Plasma Thrusters (ZARATHUSTRA-D1): Electrodeless plasma thrusters (EPTs), such as the Helicon thruster and the ECR thruster, promise many advantages over traditional electric space propulsion systems currently in the market. However, the complex physical processes involved in their operation are still not well understood. In particular, a robust theory of the electromagnetic heating of the electrons in the magnetized plasma and their anomalous transport perpendicular to the magnetic lines is still missing. The selected candidate will develop a three-dimensional, multi-fluid simulation code coupled with an electromagnetic solver to model and study the plasma dynamics and the EM fields in cylindrical EPTs and in the new fully-3D “Magnetic Arch Thruster” concept being developed at UC3M.

Design and characterization of a Magnetic Arch EPT (ZARATHUSTRA-D2): Current thruster geometries have inherent limitations that impair performance. Seeking new thruster designs, magnetic topologies, and operating principles is essential to unblock EPT development and pave the way toward a new generation of efficient and versatile space plasma thrusters. The selected candidate will design, build and test a thruster prototype based on the “Magnetic Arch Thruster” concept (see patent ES2733773), to assess its potential advantages with respect to existing cylindrical EPT geometries using state-of-the-art lab equipment and diagnostic systems.

These contracts will be funded by the recently awarded ERC Starting Grant project ZARATHUSTRA (Revolutionizing advanced electrodeless plasma thrusters for space transportation). The candidate will join the Space Propulsion and Plasmas Team (EP2) at UC3M, and collaborate closely with other PhD students and researchers fully dedicated to the project under the supervision of Dr. M. Merino.

Requirements and desirable profile:

• MSc holder (or MSc student with 60 ECTS passed at contract’s signature).
• Background: Aerospace Engineering, Plasma Physics, Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics, and/or Scientific computing. Excellent candidates from other disciplines are also invited to apply.
• Outstanding academic record; critical and creative thinking.
• International experience; team-working and communications skills.
• Good proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Ability to deal independently and proactively with scientific and engineering challenges.

What we offer:

• 3-year contract (with optional 1-year extension); annual gross salary in the 20k – 22k € range.
• Become part of a young, dynamic, highly qualified, collaborative team.
• Flexible working environment and schedule.
• Opportunity to travel to international conferences to present research results, and research internships abroad.
• Health coverage under the National Health System.

How to apply:

Send applications to mario.merino@uc3m.es indicating in the e-mail subject the reference “ZARATHUSTRA-D1” or “ZARATHUSTRA-D2”. Attach the following documents in PDF format:

• CV (max. 4 pages), including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diploma and grades from previous university studies.
• A motivation letter of experience, interests, and research goals (max. 1 page).
• The contact information for two references (will be contacted during the hiring process).

Submission of applications is due by October 15th, 2020. Later applications may be considered until the vacancy is occupied. Contract will begin in January 2021, though earlier/later start date can be agreed.

More information

Contact: Prof. Mario Merino Universidad Carlos III de Madrid mario.merino@uc3m.es

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