ILTPC Newsletter 20

Perspective 1: Prof. Mounir Laroussi

In a recent discussion, Prof. Masaru Hori of Nagoya University mentioned that a wind of change is blowing on Japan’s plasma research community and big scale experiments will soon need to diversify. He compared the process to what happened to the dinosaurs and the wind of change to the meteor that caused their extinction. This analogy resonated with me and got me thinking along those terms about what did happen to the US plasma research community in the early 1990s.

Since the 1950s, in the United States, plasma research for civilian applications was dominated by works that aimed to achieve affordable fusion power plants for the production of long-lasting electrical energy. However, by the late 1980s it became clear that the goal to achieve a viable fusion reactor to produce electricity was an extremely difficult proposition and some of the challenges, especially in materials and in the control of plasma instabilities, seemed almost insurmountable. This was a devastating prognosis for the US fusion research community, which was followed by a sharp decrease in funding, causing the shutdown of many experimental reactors… and just like that, out went the dinosaurs (not all, thank goodness). But out of nowhere emerged a plethora of small-scale plasma devices, just like the emergence of the small mammals that outlived the dinosaurs and thrived. These plasma sources, mostly of the low temperature type, were versatile, easy to build, and low cost when compared to the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars needed to build large fusion reactors. Because of their practicality, these plasma sources found their way to so many technological domains ranging from lighting, to environmental, to biomedical, to surface processing.

Sometimes size does matter, as is the case for fusion reactors, but not always. I imagine that when dinosaurs saw small mammals running around, they must have thought these miniature creatures had no chance to survive in a dinosaur-dominated world. Similarly, if the LTP community does not continue to evolve and innovate it will someday experience the same fate as that of the dinosaurs. This feeling is based on the fact that most LTP sources and their performance have not changed much since the late 1990s, but there is light at the end of the tunnel: In my opinion, the recent introduction of advanced control techniques that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) is going to make a huge difference and save the future of both the dinosaurs and the mammals of plasma science.

Prof. Mounir Laroussi Old Dominion University, USA mlarouss@odu.edu

Perspective 2: Prof. Luís L. Alves

Why should the LTP community reinvent itself in a regular way? Is the community adopting this attitude? With what purpose?

Some would argue that the ‘reinvention’ is needed to keep our discipline in the agenda of the funding agencies, which requires identifying and proposing ‘new’ application-driven subjects every five years or so. But we should not confuse mere tactical arguments, aimed at solving concrete problems such as that of sustained funding, with a strategy for evolution. If the LTP community were to adopt periodic reinvention as an evolutionary goal, then its path would become that of survival rather than that of thriving.

Shaping the future of LTP as a scientific domain requires a community effort to strengthen our identity and promoting the relevance of our findings. Regular contributions to specific LTP journals and a continued attendance to major conferences in the field are excellent contributions for achieving these goals. These forums act as international hubs to discuss LTP science and to identify new research avenues, often leading to innovative technology at the intersect with other disciplines.

The technological outcomes can (should?) be periodically revisited, according to trends and needs of the society at large. But this does not entail redefining the scientific domain of LTP, namely to move closer to other fields (electronics, chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, agriculture, … ). Rather, this requires leveraging the well-grounded science of LTP to promote cross-disciplinary approaches that facilitate successful applications. Our proximity to other domains can be used as an opportunity to identify new challenges, but should not contribute to mischaracterising our domain, nor to confusing technological advances with the underlying plasma-based science.

Indeed, the scientific foundations of LTP (namely gas discharges, gaseous electronics, plasma chemistry in homogeneous and heterogeneous phases) will always underpin research in this area, regardless all moves towards a continuous reinvention of LTP. Ultimately, these scientific foundations constitute the heritage of knowledge that the LTP community has the responsibility to impart while training the next generations, in order to perpetuate scientific domain.

This perspective resulted, in part, from reflection among the LTP members (V. Guerra, T. Silva, M. Lino da Silva) or the Department of Physics of Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal.

Prof. Luís L. Alves Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal llalves@ist.utl.pt

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2022 EPS Plasma Innovation Prize – Call for Nominations

The Plasma Physics Division of the European Physical Society (EPS) is seeking nominations for the “2022 EPS Plasma Physics Innovation Prize”.

The EPS Innovation Prize was established in 2008 in order to recognize and promote the wider benefits to society that arise from the applications of plasma physics research. The works recognized by the Prize in previous years are diverse. Nominations are welcome from all areas of technology, industry, society or more. Recent awards have included applications in medicine and materials processing.

The prize is awarded for proven applications that can go beyond, but are derived from, plasma physics research. Joint Innovation Prizes are also possible and can be awarded to a group of up to three individuals.

The deadline for the next round of nominations for the 2022 EPS Plasma Physics Innovation Prize is February 1, 2022.

More information

Contact: Prof. Thomas Mussenbrock Ruhr University Bochum, Germany thomas.mussenbrock@rub.de

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International E × B Plasma Workshop

We are pleased to announce the next edition of the International E × B Plasma Workshop, organized by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in February 16-18, 2022. The meeting will be finally fully online and free of charge to the attendees.

The Workshop brings together researchers and experts from the plasma physics community, and is divided into 6 topical sessions, reviewing recent developments and outlining next steps in the theoretical, numerical, and experimental research of plasma turbulence, instabilities, oscillations, transport, wall-plasma interaction, and plasma expansions. In each session we encourage attendees to engage in a fruitful discussion with the panel.

Workshop agenda, registration form, and additional information

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

Joint OLTP and IOPS Online Seminars

The Online Low Temperature Plasma (OLTP) seminar series and the International Online Plasma Seminar (IOPS) are in the process of merging the two-seminar series into a single series with the tentative name of Online Plasma Science Seminar (OPSS). The OPSS will be managed by the Gaseous Electronic Conference (GEC). This merger, anticipated to occur in July 2022 will enable better coordination and ultimately bigger impact.

Until the merger becomes official, OLTP and IOPS are continuing to offer their own online seminars.

• The program of the OLTP (and links to past seminars)
• The program of the IOPS (and links to past seminars)

In anticipation of the merger, OLTP and IOPS are jointly organizing a special series of online seminars. Login information for the seminars can be found on either website. These jointly organized seminars are:

Date	Speakers	Title
31-Mar-202211:00 am US Eastern Time	Trevor LafleurThrustMe, Australia	Characterization of a radio-frequency inductively coupled electrothermal plasma thruster
	Dmytro RafalskyThrustMe, France	In-orbit demonstration of an iodine electric propulsion system
17-Mar-2211:00 am US Eastern Time	Vandana MillerDrexel University, USA	Plasma oncology
8-Mar-229:00 am US Eastern Time	Jean-Pierre BoeufLAPLACE, Toulouse, France	What LTP community needs to know about EXB discharges
11-Jan-229:00 am US Eastern Time	Valery GodyakRF Plasma Consulting, University of Michigan, USA	Classical Langmuir probe diagnostics: Validity, problems and their resolution (See website for recording)

Contacts: Dr. Anne Bourdon and Dr. Igor Kaganovich, OLTP Co-Chairs Dr. Kallol Bera, IOPS Chair anne.bourdon@lpp.polytechnique.fr, ikaganov@pppl.gov, kallol_bera@amat.com

5th International Symposium on Plasmas for Catalysis and Energy Materials (ISPCEM)

We are very pleased to welcome you to the 5th International Symposium on Plasmas for Catalysis and Energy Materials (ISPCEM), which will be organised in a hybrid mode in Liverpool (UK) on July 3-7, 2022.

If you would like to attend, please register your interest. This will help us estimate the number of participants.

Contact: Prof. Xin Tu University of Liverpool, UK xin.tu@liverpool.ac.uk

GD 2022 - Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to 1st February 2022

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the 23rd International Conference on Gas Discharges and their Applications (GD2022), which will be held on-site in Greifswald, Germany, from 28th August to 2nd September 2022.

The GD 2022 will be organized jointly by the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and the Institute of Physics at the University of Greifswald. The conference explores all kinds of gas discharges, ranging from low pressure to high-pressure plasmas, from thermal to non-thermal plasmas and their applications, such as pulsed-power technology, light sources, switchgear, environmental and medical applications.

More details and the abstract template

We are looking forward to your participation!

Contact: Dr. K.-D. Weltmann Chair, Local Organizing Committee Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology weltmann@inp-greifswald.de

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Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Computational Low Temperature Plasmas, University of Michigan, USA

A post-doctoral research fellow (PDRF) position in computational low temperature plasmas (LTPs) is available in the research group of Prof. Mark J. Kushner at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA. The position entails development and application of computer models for low temperature plasmas, plasma chemistry and plasma surface interactions; and nano-scale modeling of surface evolution. The PDRF may work on several projects, examples being:

• Atmospheric pressure plasma transport, plasma chemistry and sources.
• Atmospheric pressure plasmas interacting with complex surfaces, liquids, biological materials, and electrochemical solutions.
• Low pressure plasma transport and chemistry in inductively coupled, microwave and capacitively cou-pled plasmas.
• Plasma surface interactions for materials process.
• Profile evolution for microelectronics fabrication.

The PDRF should have the following skill-sets:

• Expertise in the fundamental processes of LTPs, plasma chemistry and plasma surface interactions.
• Expertise in developing and maintaining parallel computer models for LTPs using high level languages.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability and desire to supervise graduate students; and interact with research colleagues in academia, national laboratories and industry.

More information about the research group

The initial appointment period is 1 year with reappointment for 2 or 3 years subject to performance and availability of funds. The position is available immediately and requires in-person presence in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (The position is not available remotely.)

Applicants should send a cover letter (including date applicant is available), CV, reprints of representative publications and contact information for 3 references to Prof. Kushner (mjkush@umich.edu).

Contact: Prof. Mark J. Kushner University of Michigan, USA mjkush@umich.edu

New Technologies for Plasma Cosmetic Surgery, Apyx Medical, Florida, USA

About the company:

Apyx Medical is a plasma technology company focused on developing innovative medical devices. Known for our Renuvion and J-Plasma technologies, we are cur-rently seeing incredible growth for our products in the cosmetic surgery market. Apyx Medical headquar-ters is located in Clearwater, Florida USA. This role will require relocation to the Tampa Bay area.

Summary of the role:

This role is responsible for the evaluation and development of new technology for the business. This is a key role for the company, providing scientific expertise and building a pipeline of fully vetted concepts for eventual transfer to product development teams for commercialization. The focus in the beginning will be on Cold Atmospheric Plasma. The role can be hired at the Senior/Principal Scientist, or Manager level, depending on the skillset and previous experience of the candidate.

Essential duties:

• Manage and conduct all pre-clinical research activities for evaluation of new technology and further scientific understanding of current products
• Design and execute bench top experiments in-house and with outside test labs
• Work directly with clinicians to establish robust research protocols and to solicit feedback on new technology
• Draft pre-clinical research protocols and reports.
• Facilitate publication of pre-clinical research data in peer-reviewed journal articles.

Requirements and preferred qualities:

• MS degree in Science or Engineering required.
• PhD in Science or Engineering preferred.
• Previous experience in cold atmospheric plasma applications is highly preferred.
• Previous early-stage medical technology development experience in industry or academia is required.

How to apply: Send your resume to Apyx Medical HR department at: HR@ApyxMedical.com.

Contact: Dr. Fredrik Jonsson Apyx Medical, USA Fredrik.Jonsson@ApyxMedical.com

Graduate Student and Post-doctoral Positions in Laser Diagnostics of Plasmas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, USA

A main objective of our research group is to develop and implement laser diagnostic methods to advance research on electric propulsion plasma thrusters (e.g., ion and Hall thrusters) used for satellites and space exploration. As part of the NASA center, Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS), we are developing Cavity-Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) to study thruster sputtering and erosion, and Two Photon Absorption Laser Induced Fluorescence (TALIF) to study densities of neutral atoms to examine facility effects. We also have ongoing project on: 1) laser induced plasmas and their use for combustion ignition, 2) laser diagnostics (Thomson scattering) to measure plasmas within high-power switches for Sandia National Laboratory, and 3) clean-room monitoring technology, for gas-phase species and particles, based on CRDS techniques. We have openings for both graduate students (MSc/PhD) and post-doctoral researchers for these projects.

Further information about our research group – the Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics - can be found on our group’s webpage. We are located at the Powerhouse Energy Campus at CSU and EP projects are performed collaboratively with CSU’s Electric Propulsion and Plasma Engineering Group.

Contact: Prof. Azer Yalin Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, USA azer.yalin@colostate.edu 970-232-5545

The PLASyntH2 Project: Plasma-based H₂ Synthesis from Hydrocarbons, Belgium Universities

The PLASyntH2 project granted in the framework of the Belgian Excellence of Science (EOS) program of FWO-FNRS is looking for 10 PhD students and 4 post-docs in the field of plasma chemistry, plasma technology or plasma physics.

Plasma-based H₂ synthesis from hydrocarbons is an interesting complementary approach to water electrolysis, because it also uses renewable electricity and has no CO₂ emission, and in addition, it can valorize CH₄ and plastic waste, generate high value C-materials as side-product, and is thermodynamically more favorable. However, before exploiting this application, it is crucial to gain a better fundamental understanding of the plasma processes. This is exactly addressed in our project. We will perform green H₂ synthesis experiments from various hydrocarbons and in several plasma types, in gas-phase and in contact with liquids, and develop a multi-diagnostics platform for time- and spatially-resolved characterization, as well as novel multi-dimensional, multi-scale models, to study the underlying mechanisms in all plasma systems. The project will lay the basis for green H₂ synthesis by plasmas and will open up a new area in the field of plastic waste recycling. This project is a collaboration between the following PI’s and universities in Belgium:

• Annemie Bogaerts, Coordinator – Antwerp University (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/plasmant/)
• Nathalie De Geyter – Ghent University (https://www.ugent.be/ea/appliedphysics/en)
• Rino Morent – Ghent University (https://www.ugent.be/ea/appliedphysics/en)
• François Reniers – Université Libre de Bruxelles (http://chemsin.ulb.be//)
• Rony Snyders – University of Mons (https://chips.umons.ac.be/index.php/fr/)

We offer to PhD students:

• A full-time (100%) PhD student position as bursary (very competitive salary). The scholarship is initial-ly offered for a period of one year and will be renewed up-to four years upon positive evaluation.
• All PhD students will work in two of the above-mentioned research groups, co-supervised by 2 PI’s, and will obtain a joint or double PhD diploma.

We offer to post-doctoral fellows:

• A full-time position, initially offered for one year, but it could be renewed up to maximum four years upon positive evaluation.

Envisaged starting dates: As soon as possible.

How to apply: Applications must contain the following documents in English:

• Personal (motivation) letter
• Curriculum vitae (an official proof of English language skills is an added value)
• List of publications (if available)
• Transcripts of B.Sc. and M.Sc. courses and grades
• Copy of your diplomas (if already available)
• Indication of your preference for experiments or modelling or a combination of both
• Indication of your preference of university/research group where you want to apply (see websites above); PhD students should indicate two research groups or their preferred research topics

The requested documents should be sent to Prof. dr. Annemie Bogaerts (PLASyntH2@uantwerpen.be) before February 28th, 2022, entering as subject of your mail: PLASyntH2_your name

Contact: Prof. Annemie Bogaerts University of Antwerp, Belgium annemie.bogaerts@uantwerpen.be

EUV Scientist/Experimentalist, ASML, San Diego, USA

ASML has a unique and exciting opportunity for a EUV Staff Systems Scientist to join a dynamic and innovative Technology Development team, focused on conceiving and demonstrating the technologies required for next generations of high-power extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light sources. The EUV source technology development team is responsible for identifying system-level operating points for stable EUV production from laser produced plasmas and helps to chart the path to higher average EUV powers to meet the future needs of the EUV roadmap. Based on a laser produced plasma (LPP), our light source relies on a wide range of unique and challenging technologies, ranging from laser light amplification and high-power optical systems to laser produced plasma for EUV generation, electro-optical signal detection and algorithm-based actuation for process control. You are invited to bring your passion, knowledge and expertise in areas of applied physics, plasmas, metrology, optics, controls, lasers, and experiment design to push the boundaries of these technologies forward.

More information and application procedures

Contact: Dr. Michael Purvis ASML, Inc., USA Michael.purvis@asml.com

Post-doctoral Position in Plasma Processes & Nanomaterial Synthesis, Ulster University, UK

A post-doc position for up to 2.5 years (30 months) is available on “Plasma Processes for Nanomaterials Synthesis” in the research group of Prof. Davide Mariotti at Ulster University, UK.

The application deadline is 28th of January 2022.

The post holder will undertake leading research on plasmas processes and advanced materials for applications with a strong focus on developing new understanding of relevant scientific principles and technologies. The ultimate aim is to obtain a fundamental understanding of plasma mechanisms and processes and the formation mechanisms of nanoparticles.

Applicants with strong interest and background experience in plasma processes (either at low-pressure or at atmospheric pressure) and diagnostics are also strongly encouraged to apply. Experience in nanomaterial synthesis is a benefit but not necessary.

Details of the application procedure and job specifications

Contact: Prof. Davide Mariotti Ulster University, UK d.mariotti@ulster.ac.uk

Post-doctoral Position, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY USA

A post-doc position is available at Clarkson University to study the use of an enhanced contact electrical discharge plasma reactor to treat poly- and perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contaminated groundwater and other aqueous streams. A highly motivated individual is sought with hands-on experience in plasma reactor design and other advanced oxidation processes and reaction engineering. Knowledge of reactor design and optimization, high voltage engineering, equipment troubleshooting, experimental data analysis and analytical chemistry are desired. The position will last up to three years contingent on funding.

Minimum qualifications:

All applicants must have an advanced degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field to be con-sidered. A PhD is required.

Preferred qualifications:

Applicants with a demonstrated hands-on experience in the use of plasma technology and other advanced oxidation processes to remove contaminants from water will be given priority.

Contact: Dr. Selma Mededovic Thagard Clarkson University, USA smededov@clarkson.edu

Post-doctoral Position, Laboratory for Plasma Physics, École Polytechnique, Paris, France

École Polytechnique is a leading French technical school which combines top-level research, academics, and innovation at the cutting edge of science and technology. The École Polytechnique Research Center includes 23 laboratories in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics, applied mathematics and mechanics.

The Laboratory of Plasma Physics located at École Polytechnique has the possibility of hosting a EuroTech PostDoc fellow. The deadline for the application is February 24, 2022.

Possible scientific directions include: kinetics of nanosecond discharges, plasma-assisted, combustion, advanced laser diagnostics, plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion, plasma-assisted cell biology.

The fellowship is a collaborative project between two Universities - EuroTech partners. The collaboration can take place in the form of short visits and virtual tools (web conferences). The EuroTech Partners of École Polytchnique are: Technical University of Denmark – DTU, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne – EPFL, École Polytechnique Paris – L'X, Technion Israel Institute of Technology - Technion, Eindhoven University of Technology – TU/e, and Technical University of Munich – TUM. The fellowship, if awarded, must start before February 1, 2023.

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• they must, by the call deadline, be in possession of a doctoral degree or have at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience;
• they may not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the call deadline;
• they must be able to carry out full time research during the fellowship period;
• research direction should follow the H2020 Ethics rules.

Contact: Dr. Svetlana Starikovskaia Laboratory of Plasma Physics, at École Polytechnique, Paris svetlana.starikovskaia@lpp.polytechnique.fr

Dusty Plasma Diagnostics Post-doctoral Position, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, USA

We are looking for recent PhD graduates with a background in plasma physics for a postdoctoral position in the field of dusty plasmas to develop and apply novel methods for real-time, in situ measurements of charge on dust particles in plasma. The research involves combined application of state-of-the-art diagnostic approaches using nanosecond pulsed lasers together with traditional plasma characterization methods (probe, microwave interferometry, spectroscopy) and supported by modeling efforts.

The position is with the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of Princeton University. The candidate will join the research team comprising experts in experimental and theoretical plasma physics, students and technical personal from the Princeton University and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. It is anticipated that the candidate will establish and maintain a close scientific collaboration with the team members.

Minimum requirements:

• Ph.D. in physics or engineering with emphasis on plasma science, plasma and gas phase diagnostics.
• Knowledge and experience in the construction and use of traditional plasma diagnostics (e.g., microwave interferometry, probes, optical emission and absorption spectroscopy) and laser-based diagnostics.

The post-doc position is offered for 2 years with the possibility of extension for one more year.

Contacts: Dr. Mikhail Shneider Princeton University, USA shneyder@Princeton.edu Dr. Yevgeny Raitses and Dr. Shurik Yatom Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, USA yraitses@pppl.gov, syatom@pppl.gov

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