Plasma Physics Academic Year 2024 – 2025 Jump To: Jump To: General Information Address Forrestal Campus Phone 609-243-2678 Website Program in Plasma Physics Program Offerings: Ph.D. Department for program: Astrophysical Sciences Director of Graduate Studies: Matthew Kunz Graduate Program Administrator: Dara Lewis Overview Plasmas, the fourth state of matter, are collections of freely moving charged particles (mainly electrons and ions) in which collective phenomena, such as waves and turbulence, often dominate the system’s behavior. The scientific study of plasmas involves a fascinating amalgam of classical and quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, atomic physics, applied mathematics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory, often combined in unique and innovative ways. Aside from being of intrinsic scientific interest, plasmas are also essential to many high-technology applications. One example is fusion energy, for which the fuel is a high-temperature plasma. Low-temperature plasmas are used for a growing number of materials fabrication processes, including the formation of complex microscopic and nanoscopic patterns for microelectronic and micro-optical components, and the deposition of tribological, magnetic, optical, conducting, insulating, polymeric, and catalytic thin-films. Plasmas are also important for illumination, display technology, microwave generation, destruction of toxic wastes, lasers, spacecraft propulsion, astrophysics, and advanced-design accelerators for fundamental particle research.Applications of plasma science and technology meld several traditional scientific and engineering specialties. This program aims to provide strong interdisciplinary support and training for graduate students working in these areas. The scope of interest includes fundamental studies of plasmas, their interaction with surfaces and surroundings, and the technologies associated with their applications.Academics and ResearchThe faculty responsible for the teaching program hold positions within the Department of Astrophysical Sciences. Recognizable on the list of faculty are many names associated with classic textbooks or research papers in the field of plasma physics. Students can pursue research with the teaching faculty, associated faculty in other departments, or any of the nearly one hundred scientists at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). The Program in Plasma Physics emphasizes both basic physics and applications. There are opportunities for research projects in the physics of the very hot plasmas necessary for controlled nuclear fusion; projects in plasma astrophysics and solar, magnetospheric, and ionospheric physics; projects in plasma processing, plasma devices, plasma-laser interactions, materials research, and nonneutral plasmas; and projects in other emerging areas of plasma physics such as applications of artificial intelligence to the study of plasma turbulence and disruptions in fusion devices, and the extreme plasma physics essential to multi-messenger astronomy. With the field of fusion energy entering an exciting phase of burning plasma and technological implementation, increasing attention is paid to the practical engineering issues that will allow fusion reactors to become economically competitive.Graduate students entering the Program in Plasma Physics spend the first two years in classroom study, acquiring a foundation in the many disciplines that comprise plasma physics: classical and quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, atomic physics, applied mathematics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory. The curriculum is supplemented by courses offered in other departments of the University and by a student-oriented seminar series in which PPPL physicists share their expertise and graduate students present their research.In addition to formal classwork, first- and second-year graduate students work directly with the research staff, have full access to laboratory and computer facilities, and learn firsthand the job of a research physicist. First-year students typically assist in experimental research areas, and second-year students usually undertake a theoretical research project. Students must take and pass the Physics Department’s preliminary examination typically during their first year of study and the program’s general examination at the end of their second year of study. Upon passing the general exam, students concentrate on the research and writing of a doctoral thesis. Apply Application deadline December 1, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (This deadline is for applications for enrollment beginning in fall 2025) Program length 5 years Fee $75 GRE General Test - optional/not required; Subject Test in Physics - optional/not required Program Offerings Ph.D. Program Offering: Ph.D. Courses Students in the Program in Plasma Physics are not required to satisfy course requirements. Students are expected to take whatever courses they feel are necessary to prepare for the general examination or in accordance with research interests. In preparation for the preliminary examination in the Department of Physics, some students take graduate-level courses offered by the physics department in the fall. Additional pre-generals requirements The Department of Physics Preliminary ExaminationAll students must pass the preliminary examination given by the physics department. This exam is given over two days and contains material on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Students typically take the exam in January of the first year, but a May examination is also offered. Qualifying for the M.A. The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after successfully passing (a) the physics preliminary examination and (b) the written general examination. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met. Post-Generals requirements Thesis ProposalThe thesis proposal takes place in the twelve months following the successful completion of the general examination. A completed thesis proposal consists of a written proposal and a proposal presentation. The thesis committee notifies the student of the results of the thesis proposal immediately following the proposal presentation. Dissertation and FPO The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained. Faculty Director of Graduate Studies Matthew W. Kunz Associated Faculty Amitava Bhattacharjee, Astrophysical Sciences Edgar Y. Choueiri, Mechanical & Aerospace Eng Samuel A. Cohen, PPPL Appl Mat & Sustainblty Sc Steven C. Cowley, PPPL Office of the Director Ilya Y. Dodin, PPPL Theory Nathaniel J. Fisch, Astrophysical Sciences Robert J. Goldston, Astrophysical Sciences David B. Graves, Chemical and Biological Eng Gregory W. Hammett, PPPL Theory Hantao Ji, Astrophysical Sciences Egemen Kolemen, Mechanical & Aerospace Eng Richard P. Majeski, PPPL Appl Mat & Sustainblty Sc Julia Mikhailova, Mechanical & Aerospace Eng Felix I. Parra Diaz, Astrophysical Sciences Hong Qin, PPPL Theory Allan H. Reiman, PPPL Theory William M. Tang, PPPL Computational Science For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website.