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Performance degradation mechanism of a helicon plasma thruster

The study found that axial momentum loss occurs in the helicon plasma thruster due to internal electric fields. This loss significantly affects propulsive performance. The findings suggest more detailed understanding of plasma dynamics is needed for further development of high-power, electrodeless propulsion devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2015

PPPL physicist wins Early Career Research Program grant

Delgado-Aparicio's research aims to eliminate impurities that cool plasma and halt fusion reactions, crucial for ITER and NSTX-U experiments. His $2.6M grant will fund development of a complex diagnostic tool to analyze impurity reactions with plasma.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateMay 11, 2015

The new frontier in plasma medicine

Researchers developed new plasma models applicable to medicine using data on oxygen ion transport and interaction with water molecules. These models account for how discharges are created in water vapour, enabling the development of novel therapeutic treatments for wound healing and dermatology.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Particle jets reveal the secrets of the most exotic state of matter

Researchers analyze particle jets from lead ion collisions to understand quark-gluon plasma properties. The study reveals that high-energy jets are suppressed, contradicting some theoretical models.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2015

Calming the plasma edge: The tail that wags the dog

Researchers at the DIII-D tokamak have demonstrated that lithium injections can transiently double temperature and pressure at the plasma edge, delaying instabilities. The results show a 60% increase in total energy-confinement time and improved performance of the plasma.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 28, 2014

Department of Defense funds terahertz-range metamaterials research

Researchers at Penn State will focus on developing plasma photonic crystals and plasma-embedded metamaterials that operate in the terahertz range, enabling applications such as antennas with beam steering and filter devices. The project aims to replace traditional metallic split-ring resonators with low-loss dielectric resonators.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 16, 2014

Sprites form at plasma irregularities in the lower ionosphere

Sprites form at plasma irregularities in the lower ionosphere, a phenomenon that can be useful for remote sensing of the region. The researchers used high-speed videos and fluid models to study sprite dynamics and determine the origin of the irregularities.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Tiny transistors for extreme environs

Researchers at the University of Utah created the smallest plasma transistors that can operate in extreme environments, including nuclear reactors. These devices have the potential to enable innovative applications such as medical X-ray imaging and real-time air quality monitoring, and could be used to control robots in nuclear reactors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMar 19, 2014

Better combustion through plasma

Researchers have discovered that introducing plasma to combustion reactions can sustain flames in conditions where they would normally be extinguished. This technology could significantly improve the efficiency of military jets, passenger planes, and unmanned drones by conserving fuel and extending flight times.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 26, 2013

Building a better tokamak by blowing giant plasma bubbles

Researchers at the National Spherical Torus Experiment have successfully created giant plasma bubbles using a method called Coaxial Helicity Injection, which harnesses the power of magnetic reconnection. The simulation results shed light on the complex mechanisms behind this phenomenon, revealing how forces and currents interact to gen...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Fusion foe lends a helping hand

Recent experiments have found that lithium bound to carbon walls in fusion devices plays a key role in improving plasma performance. The combination of lithium, oxygen, and carbon improves deuterium retention and reduces recycling, leading to enhanced energy confinement and reduced edge plasma instabilities.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013

Plasma experiment demonstrates admirable self-control

A joint experiment between Chinese and American scientists successfully demonstrated a tokamak fusion reactor's ability to maintain high fusion performance for extended periods. The experiment exploited plasma self-generations of electrical current, reducing the need for external coils and increasing cost-effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013

Hot lithium vapors shield fusion facility walls

Researchers have successfully shielded fusion facility walls using lithium vapors, extending protection to 10 times longer than expected. The breakthrough could alleviate concerns about plasma contamination and aborting fusion reactions in future devices.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Putting a new spin on tokamak disruptions

Researchers discovered that rotating plasma during disruptions can spread energy around the vessel, reducing heat load. The Alcator C-Mod team found spontaneous rotation in tokamaks, while DIII-D tested theory using 3D magnetic fields to control instability direction.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 2013

World's smallest droplets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created the world's smallest liquid droplets in a lab experiment. The tiny droplets, about one-100,000th the size of a virus, exhibit flow-like behavior similar to quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter thought to have existed in the universe during its early stages.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMay 16, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Magnetic fields created before the first stars

A team of researchers has calculated the strength and distribution of magnetic fields in the early universe, finding that they existed even before the first stars formed. The calculations show that these weak magnetic fields were present throughout the entire plasma volume, with strengths as low as 10^-20 Tesla.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 2, 2013

Bringing measuring accuracy to radical treatment

Researchers at Ghent University have developed a simplified model to measure the absolute density of OH radicals in plasma, improving the accuracy of radical treatment for medical applications. This breakthrough could stimulate tissue regeneration and induce targeted antiseptic effects without harming neighboring tissues.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 12, 2012

CERN collider to become the world's fastest stopwatch?

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology propose a new measuring method using the forward calorimeter at CERN, enabling the creation of the world's most precise stopwatch for light pulses. This could revolutionize quark-gluon plasma physics and open up new avenues for nuclear research.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2012

Plasma screens enhanced as disorder strikes

A new study has improved understanding of plasma sources, a state of matter used in plasma display panels. Researchers found that reducing voltage can cause disordered systems to form.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 11, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

It's always sunny in Caltech Lab

Scientists at Caltech have successfully recreated plasma loops, which could help predict solar flares. By studying the magnetic forces controlling these loops, researchers aim to develop a two-day warning period for massive solar flares.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2012

Extreme plasma theories put to the test

Researchers have created extremely hot and dense plasmas hundreds of times hotter than the sun's surface, challenging a widely accepted model. The study demonstrates the capabilities of LCLS X-ray laser, providing detailed information about plasma properties.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 6, 2012

Graphite enters different states of matter in ultrafast experiment

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have observed a 40 femtosecond ultrafast transition of graphite into two different states of matter, including solid to liquid and plasma. This discovery provides new insights into the behavior of matter irradiated by intense hard X-rays.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 16, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Handheld plasma flashlight rids skin of bacteria instantly

A handheld plasma flashlight has been developed to effectively kill bacteria on the skin's surface, including antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. The device, powered by a 12-volt battery, generates a plasma plume that penetrates deep into bacterial layers, killing them in tens of seconds.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateApr 25, 2012

When ions get closer

Researchers discovered a previously unknown phenomenon in quantum plasmas, enabling positively charged particles to form atom-like structures. This discovery accelerates current conduction, potentially revolutionizing nanotechnology and applications such as micro-chips and semiconductors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 26, 2012

Plasmas torn apart

Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A zap of cold plasma reduces harmful bacteria on raw chicken in Drexel study

Researchers at Drexel University demonstrate that cold plasma can effectively kill pathogens on uncooked poultry, including Campylobacter and Salmonella. The study shows that plasma treatment eliminates or significantly reduces bacteria levels, offering a promising method for reducing foodborne illness.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateFeb 2, 2012

Plasma treatment zaps viruses before they can attack cells

Researchers found a method to damage adenoviruses using plasma in the lab environment, reducing viral activity by up to 99%. The technique could lead to safer stem-cell therapies for patients at risk of life-threatening infections.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 16, 2011

Study of flow induced by sine wave and saw tooth plasma actuators

Researchers developed novel plasma actuators using winding-shaped electrodes to induce three-dimensional variations in the shear layer, offering significant flexibility in flow control. These new designs adjusted the plasma-induced flow in the form of a ZNMF jet with streamwise and spanwise vortices.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 26, 2011
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Ionized plasmas as cheap sterilizers for developing world

Researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered that ionized plasmas can kill bacteria in water for up to a week, making it a potential cheap and effective sterilizer for developing countries. The plasma-generated molecules create a cocktail of highly reactive chemicals that attack and destroy microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateNov 15, 2011

Feeling the heat: 30 tons of fine control for fusion plasmas

Researchers installed a movable 30-ton particle-beam heating system to develop fusion plasmas that can burn indefinitely. The system allows scientists to vary the spatial distribution of the plasma current to maintain optimal conditions for sustaining high-temperature plasmas needed for fusion energy production.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2011

With lithium, more is definitely better

A team of scientists found that increasing lithium coating in the wall of an experimental fusion reactor greatly improves plasma confinement. This leads to smaller and cheaper fusion machines. The study also enhances certain plasma properties aiding the reaction.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2011

A new spin on understanding plasma confinement

Recent experiments in the DIII-D tokamak have shown that spinning plasma can prevent magnetic island formation, which reduces fusion power production. By applying torque to spin the plasma faster while minimizing stray magnetic fields, tokamak fusion performance can be raised.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

I-mode powers up on alcator C-mod tokamak

Scientists at MIT's Alcator C-Mod tokamak reactor have successfully maintained I-mode operation over a wider power range. This breakthrough could enable the application of I-mode to larger ITER projects and future fusion reactors.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2011

Tokamak experiments come clean about impurity transport

New research at MIT's Alcator C-Mod tokamak provides insight into the transport of impurities in fusion plasmas, a crucial step towards improving reactor performance. By tracking impurities using high-resolution spectrometry and computer simulations, scientists aim to develop more accurate models for predicting impurity behavior.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2011

Fusion diagnostic developed at PPPL sheds light on plasma behavior at EAST

Researchers at PPPL developed a high-resolution X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer to observe the effects of radiofrequency waves on plasma behavior. The spectrometer revealed self-generated and RF-driven flow, which could be beneficial for fusion research and future reactors.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 4, 2011

AIAA to present technical awards at June conference in Honolulu

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will present technical achievement awards at a June conference in Honolulu. Notable recipients include Dr. Hans Hornung, Dr. Chul Park, Preston A. Henne, and Dr. Ramesh Agarwal for their contributions to fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and thermophysics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateMay 25, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Simulating tomorrow's accelerators at near the speed of light

Researchers successfully simulated the operation of a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator in three-dimensional detail using the 'boosted-frame' method. This breakthrough enables calculations that were previously beyond the state of the art, reducing computational time by tens of thousands of times.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 22, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Student innovation at Rensselaer holds key to safer remote detection of dangerous materials

Benjamin Clough, a doctoral student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has developed a novel method for eavesdropping on terahertz information hidden in invisible plasma acoustic bursts. His technique uses sound waves to boost the distance from which researchers can use powerful terahertz technology to remotely detect hidden explosiv...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

Plasma therapy: An alternative to antibiotics?

A study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that low-temperature plasma was effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria causing wound infections, and increased the rate of wound healing. Plasma therapy may offer a promising method to treat chronic wound infections where other approaches fail.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateDec 15, 2010

Taming thermonuclear plasma with a snowflake

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have made significant progress in reducing thermal plasma-wall interaction challenges for fusion energy devices. A new 'snowflake' divertor concept successfully reduced plasma-material interface heat load and erosion, extending component lifetime.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2010

Vacuum arcs spark new interest

Scientists model vacuum breakdown to understand its implications for applications, including particle accelerators and fusion reactors. A new model reveals that the breakdown arc is triggered by an electric field tearing apart the metal surface, leading to extremely damaging effects.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2010

Study describes a tabletop source of bright, coherent X-rays

Researchers from Imperial College London describe a tabletop instrument that produces synchrotron X-rays with energy and quality comparable to some of the largest X-ray facilities in the world. This development could enable more precise investigations at higher resolutions, benefiting scientific and medical advances.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 24, 2010
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Findings show promise for nuclear fusion test reactors

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered critical mechanisms for the plasma-material interface in nuclear fusion test reactors. The findings show promise for developing new coatings capable of withstanding extreme conditions inside the reactors.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 27, 2010

Painless plasma jets could replace dentist's drill

Researchers found that firing low temperature plasma beams at dentin reduced the amount of dental bacteria by up to 10,000-fold. The technology could be used to remove infected tissue in tooth cavities, replacing conventional drilling methods.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJan 19, 2010

Plasma produces KO cocktail for MRSA

Researchers have developed two prototype devices to combat drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. One device can disinfect human skin safely and quickly, while another can target infested chronic wounds for quicker healing.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 26, 2009

Plasma-in-a-bag for sterilizing devices

Norbert Koster and colleagues have developed a way to sterilize medical tools by sealing them in vacuum bags and then using electromagnetic fields to remotely ignite plasma inside the bag, killing bacteria and viruses. This technique could replace traditional autoclave methods for certain instruments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 9, 2009
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Upping the power triggers an ordered helical plasma

Increasing power in RFP fusion device leads to self-organized helical plasma with improved trapping and hotter temperatures. The helical state is spontaneously chosen by the plasma, improving magnetic confinement and renewing fusion prospects.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 2, 2009

Nuclear fusion research key to advancing computer chips

Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new plasma-based lithography to create extremely thin features in computer chips, replacing current ultraviolet light technology. The goal is to extend Moore's law by creating nanolithography that can produce fine features without using conventional methods.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 18, 2009

A supercharged metal-ion generator

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a powerful new sputter process that can deposit high-quality metal films in complex nanoscale patterns. The method, called 'self-sputtering far above the runaway threshold,' uses short high-power pulses to create a dense plasma of metal ions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 28, 2009
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New accelerator technique doubles particle energy in just 1 meter

Researchers have developed a new accelerator technique that doubles the energy of electrons in just one meter, revolutionizing the field of high-energy physics. This breakthrough technology, using plasma to amplify energy, has the potential to make future accelerators more feasible and affordable.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 2007

Answer from 'dusty shelf' aids quest to see matter as it was just after big bang

Researchers dust off dusty shelf by applying Hanbury Brown-Twiss Interferometry to high-energy gold nucleus collisions, reconciling experimental data with theoretical expectations. They found that pions in the plasma have a low mass inside but a higher mass outside, helping create quark-gluon plasma conditions similar to those just aft...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2005
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Temperature inside collapsing bubble four times that of sun

Scientists at the University of Illinois discovered a collapsing bubble that reached temperatures of 20,000 degrees Kelvin, four times hotter than the surface of the sun. This result was achieved through sonoluminescence, which generates intense local heating when bubbles in a liquid collapse.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2005