Plasma is called the fourth state of matter and comprises over 99% of the visible universe. Understanding such an important state of matter is critical to many applications and at Strathclyde we cover many of them. From physics relevant to the new generation of fusion reactors planned to deliver power to the UK grid by 2040 to atmospheric plasmas and developing knowledge used to understand the processes in supernovae. We study high intensity laser interactions producing particle and photon beams with unique properties at SCAPA and develop radio frequency devices relevant to drone defense and other high-power applications.
Atoms, Beams and Plasmas
Fusion
At Strathclyde the physics of microwave beams propagating in plasmas is studied. These processes are relevant to both inertial and magnetic confinement fusion and are studied though computer simulation but also in experiment; we operate the UK’s largest linear plasma device. As well as studying the fundamental physics, we also design instrumentation for and develop the microwave and millimeter wave sources needed for fusion.
- Theoretical investigation of plasma wave propagation and evolution of non-linear structures using fluid and kinetic approaches
- Investigation into non-linear wave interactions in the ionosphere
- Experimental and numerical investigations of magnetospheric cyclotron instabilities, non-linear behaviour of instabilities in non-thermal plasmas and pseudospark discharges
- Theoretical, numerical and experimental investigation of parametric instabilities in plasmas
- Theoretical and numerical investigation of relativistic laser plasma interactions
- Low pressure and low temperature experimental plasma physics
- Particle in Cell (PiC) simulations of plasma dynamics
- Theoretical and numerical simulations of quantum plasmas
- Research relevant to inertial and magnetic confinement fusion and shock physics
Free Electron Physics
Free electron devices have been at the forefront of high-power radio-frequency power for Radar and particle accelerator design since before the second world war. As the field has developed, it has grown to encompass a huge area of interests that underpin many machines at the cutting edge of discovery science. The frequencies accessed through free electron devices continues to expand as do the powers achieved. Free electron research at Strathclyde includes:
- Microwave amplifiers and oscillators based on free electron techniques
- High frequency sources based on novel slow wave and fast wave systems to address the ‘THz gap’
- Novel electron optical systems for forming low emittance electron beams
Propagating mode in 3-fold helical waveguide
Particle Accelerator Technology
Strathclyde is one of the founder members of the LhARA collaboration which seeks to:
- Transform particle beam cancer therapy by harnessing the unique properties of laser-driven particle beams
- Make the best treatments available to as many patients as possible by developing compact and affordable treatment facilities
LhARA uses the SCAPA (and other international) laser facilities.
Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
- Fundamental atomic scattering theory and collisional-radiative modelling theory
- Development of the ADAS software and database for computation of fundamental atomic data and production of effective rate data for modelling and analysis of emission-based diagnostics
- Analysis of spectra from laboratory (including fusion) and space plasmas
- Cross section data for analysis of storage ring collision measurements
- OPEN-ADAS is a discipline-specific (fusion and astrophysics) repository of open data for fundamental and effective atomic data
Who we work with
In the UK we've strong working relationships with:
- The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
- UKAEA - the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
- The University of Lancaster
- The University of St Andrews
- Queen Mary University of London
Many members of the ABP group are also part of the Cockcroft Institute, working on accelerator science. Internationally we have worked with West Virginia and Maryland Universities in the USA and the Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
We're engaged in the ADAS project, ITER and the UK Atomic Processes for Astrophysical Plasmas (APAP) network including the space missions Hinode and Solar Orbiter.
We also have strong links and long-term partnerships with a number of leading UK high technology manufacturing companies.
Strathclyde intense Laser Interaction Studies (SILIS)
The SILIS group investigate radiation-beam-plasma interactions at large field intensities for the production of high energy particle beams (electrons, protons, ions) and high brightness radiation pulses (X-rays, gamma-rays, THz).
Intense light generation from interaction of an ultraintense (1021 Wcm-2) laser pulse with an ultrathin (10 nm) foil target.
Applications of these beams in medical, industrial and scientific fields is at the heart of the Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators (SCAPA). SCAPA is a world-leading research centre comprising a suite of high-power femtosecond terawatt laser systems and shielded radiation bunkers.
Our research topics
- Laser-driven accelerators (wakefield, target normal sheath, radiation pressure)
- Coherent radiation sources (betatron, free-electron laser)
- Laser-driven inertial fusion and nuclear physics (transmutation, isotope production)
- Radiobiology and medical imaging
- High field physics relevant to the new EU Extreme Light Infrastructure facilities