ILTPC Newsletter 18 (amended with additional workshop notice)

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 1st, 2022.

Details

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

Quantemol Workshop – New Releases

Quantemol is holding a workshop on the 9th of November to showcase our new releases for calculating electron scattering and plasma properties. Featuring:

• A guide to using Quantemol-EC for calculating electron particle collision cross sections by Dr. Matt Turner – 16:00 BST / 11:00 EST / 08:00 PST
• “Electron-molecule scattering calculations with QEC” a talk by Dr. Harin Ambalampitiya – 16:30 BST / 11:30 EST / 08:30 PST
• An introduction to Quantemol-DB and our new global modelling tool by Dr. Sebastian Mohr – 17:00 BST / 12:00 EST / 09:00 PST

Sign up

Contact: Dr. Matt Turner Quantemol, United Kingdom m_turner@quantemol.com

Open Solicitation of Collaborative Research Proposals on Low Temperature Plasma at Department of Energy User Facilities (Experiment and Computations)

The Princeton Collaborative Research Facility (PCRF) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), (New Jersey, USA), and the Sandia Plasma Research Facility (PRF) at the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), (Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA), are now soliciting collaborative research proposals on low temperature plasma and applications. Collaborative research opportunities are available using the experimental facilities and computational capabilities at these Department of Energy funded laboratories. Please consult the websites of each facility for an overview of their experimental and computational capabilities. Collaborative research can be performed onsite at the PCRF and PRF or remotely, and is open to the international community. The schedule for this year’s call is:

• Call for proposals opens: October 12th, 2021
• Call for proposals closes: December 17th, 2021
• External Review: ~1 month
• Notification of Principal Investigators: by February 4, 2022

For inquiries on PCRF, contact Yevgeny Raitses: yraitses@pppl.gov.

For inquiries on Sandia PRF, contact Shane M. Sickafoose: smsicka@sandia.gov.

The PPPL PCRF is supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences, under contract DE-AC02-09CH11466.

The SNL PRF is supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences. SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525.

Contacts: Dr. Yevgeny Raitses Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, USA yraitses@pppl.gov Dr. Shane M. Sickafoose Sandia National Laboratory, USA smsicka@sandia.gov

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International Online Plasma Seminar (IOPS)

The International Online Plasma Seminar (IOPS) is a seminar series on low temperature plasma science (LTPS). The seminars are presented bi-weekly via Zoom. The current program and information about IOPS can be found here. Nominations for future speakers can also be made from this page.

The next IOPS (3:00 pm, Central Europe Time) will be given by Prof. Vasco Guerra and Prof. John Foster (November 11, 2021); and Dr. David Pai (November 25, 2021).

To attend IOPS, use this Zoom link.

Online LTP Seminar (OLTP)

The schedule of the Online Low Temperature Plasma (OLTP) Seminar series is available here. The next seminars (9:00 am US Eastern Standard Time) will be presented by Dr. Pascal Chabert (November 16, 2021) and Prof. Holger Kersten (November 30, 2021). To obtain the Zoom link to attend the seminars, contact Dr. Yevgeny Raitses (yraitses@pppl.gov) and/or Prof. Michael Keidar (keidar@gwu.edu).

Merger of the OLTP and IOPS Online Seminar Series

Over the past few years, we have had the fortune of benefiting from two online LTP seminars where excellent lectures on plasma science and applications have been delivered. The International Online Plasma Seminar (IOPS) is now in its fourth year. The Online LTP Seminar (OLTP) series was started in May 2020 with the goal of remedying the lack of in-person conferences/workshops due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leadership of IOPS and OLTP have agreed to merge the two seminar series to enable better coordination and ultimately bigger impact. This merger is planned to occur in two stages. In the first stage, from January to June 2022, IOPS and OLTP will continue to be run as they are now, but will be managed under the umbrella of the Gaseous Electrons Conference (GEC). There will be joint talks between the IOPS and OLTP, and the seminars will be announced as OLTP-IOPS Seminars. The current archive of past seminars (presentations and videos) will be moved from their current location on the MIPSE website to the GEC website. During this period a committee will work on the final format and organization details for the merged seminar series, including the future speaker selection process. Starting July 2022, the seminars will formally merge and will be run under the auspices of the GEC with the tentative name of Online Plasma Science Seminar (OPSS). More details will be forthcoming as we get closer to the merging date.

Contacts: Dr. Yevgeny Raitses and Prof. Michael Keidar OLTP Co-Chairs yraitses@pppl.gov, keidar@gwu.edu Dr. Julian Schulze and Dr. Kallol Bera IOPS Co-Chairs schulze@aept.ruhr-uni-bochum.de, kallol_bera@amat.com

Collaborative Workshop on Transient Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas: Bridging the Pandemic - Reigniting Cooperation on Plasma Research

160 years ago, the Japanese government and Prussia signed the first treaty addressing diplomatic, com-mercial, and cultural exchange, which was the start of a long history of official relations between Japan and Germany. The 160th anniversary is now being celebrated. The goal of this workshop on Transient Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas, is to revitalize relations between Japan and Germany in low-temperature plasma science, which have been hit hard by the pandemic lockdown.

Research on topics generally related to the CRC1316 (Transient Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas: From Plasmas to Liquids to Solids) at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is the focus of the workshop. The schedule of the workshop is distributed over seven days within six weeks, from 29 October 2021 to 3 December 2021.

In addition to speakers from RUB, there will be speakers from the following Japanese universities and institutes: AIST (National Institute of Industrial Science and Technology), Hokkaido University, Iwate University, Keio University, Kyushu University, Nagoya University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, University of Tokyo. See the schedule and registration information (please ignore the deadline).

Contacts: Prof. Dr. Uwe Czarnetzki Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany uwe.czarnetzki@rub.de

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Assistant Professor, Aerosol Science and Engineering, Washington University St. Louis, USA

The McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, USA invites applications and nominations for tenure-track faculty position(s) in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering. Joint appointments with other departments (e.g. Earth and Planetary Sciences) may be possible for suitably qualified candidates.

The faculty search is open to all areas of aerosol science and engineering, with a preferred emphasis on identifying individuals with expertise in two distinct areas: atmospheric aerosol processes. Special consideration will be given to research involving a transdisciplinary approach e.g. in studies of atmosphere-biosphere interactions; and gas-phase synthesis of functional materials, including plasma methods, and/or characterization for application e.g. in chemical catalysis or photonics and optoelectronics. Special consideration will be given to research involving metastable phases including application-oriented characterization.

More information and application directions

Contact: Prof. Elijah Thimsen Washington University in Saint Louis, USA elijah.thimsen@seas.wustl.edu

Faculty Position, Experimental Plasma Physics, University of California at Los Angeles, USA

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) invites applications for a full time faculty position at the assistant professor level in the area of experimental plasma physics. The Department is seeking outstanding candidates with the potential for exceptional research, the capacity for excellence in teaching, and a clear commitment to enhancing the diversity of the department. Individuals with a history of and commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the teaching mission of the department at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree prior to the anticipated start date, which is July 1, 2022. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

The UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy has active research programs in theoretical, computational, and experimental plasma physics which include particle-in-cell simulation, turbulence and transport in magnetized plasmas, the nonlinear optics of plasmas, intense laser and beam plasma interactions, plasma-based acceleration, magnetic reconnection, inertial and magnetic confinement fusion energy, high-energy density plasmas, and space plasmas. Outstanding candidates are sought with expertise in plasma experiment and research interests in frontier areas of plasma physics.

Initial review will start on November 29, 2021 and for full consideration, applications should be received by January 3, 2022, however applications will be accepted after that date and until the search is closed.

Apply online via the UCLA Academic Recruit website. Candidates should please submit: a cover letter; a curriculum vita; a statement of research accomplishments, interests and plans; a list of publications; a statement of teaching experience or interest; and a statement on the candidate’s past, present, or planned contribution to equity, diversity and inclusion. Please arrange through this website to have 3-5 letters of recommendation submitted as well.

Contact: Prof. Troy Carter University of California at Los Angeles, USA tcarter@physics.ucla.edu

PhD/Postdoc Position, Numerical Modeling of Plasmas for Methane Conversion, Maastricht University, The Netherlands

We are part of the newly created Department of Circular Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maastricht University. Our research group is uniquely situated in the heart of the Dutch chemical industry at the Brightlands Chemelot campus, 20 km north of Maastricht. We seek a PhD student/postdoc to work on methane conversion using plasma. The research will be primarily based on numerical modeling and simulation - the candidate will perform analysis of chemical reaction pathways and transport in synergy with state-of-the art laser diagnostics at Maastricht University to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physical and chemical processes occurring in the plasma.

You will join a small team working on experiments and numerical models. We expect that you will regularly discuss, share, and present your work with fellow team members, colleagues, and wider audiences at international conferences. We expect you will write a number of high-quality scientific articles. For the PhD position, such articles shall ultimately culminate in your PhD thesis.

For the PhD position:

We seek motivated and highly talented candidates with a Master degree (or an equivalent diploma giving access to doctoral studies) in Physics or Chemistry. We offer a full-time employment contract as a PhD candidate. The employment contract will be for a period of 1 year and will be extended for another 3 years after positive evaluation. The applicant should have, general knowledge of low temperature plasmas, knowledge of computational modelling, good programming skills (e.g., Fortran, C, C++) are essential and good communication skills in English (both written and spoken).

For the postdoc position:

The applicant should have a PhD in physics or chemistry or computational science and experience in low temperature plasma modeling preferably with a focus on plasma chemistry. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in the development and use of computer simulation codes and who have qualifying experience in a scientific research institute. Very good programming skills (e.g. Fortran, C, C++) are essential as well as good verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory. We offer a 3 year full-time fixed-term employment contract as postdoc. Intended start date is as soon as possible.

More information on this vacancy can be obtained from: Dr. Paola Diomede Maastricht University, The Netherlands p.diomede@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Tenure Track Faculty Position (Assistant or Associate Professor), Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ohio State University, USA

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University (USA). We are the home to nearly 80 faculty and over 35 dedicated staff members. Approximately 1900 undergraduates are pursuing a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering through rigorous programs that feature hands-on, project-based learning. Nearly 300 graduate students are seeking a degree in either Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering.

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the interdisciplinary fields of nonequilibrium hypersonic flows, high-enthalpy reacting flows, low-temperature plasmas, and advanced laser diagnostics. The successful candidate is expected to augment the experimental capabilities of the Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics Laboratories, develop a highly visible research program, and expand the collaboration with the Aerospace Research Center, Turbulence and Combustion Research Laboratory, and High-Fidelity Computational Multi-Physics Laboratory. Forging collaboration with the research groups in the fields of Physical Chemistry (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (Department of Physics) is of particular importance. The successful candidate will teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of thermofluids and optical diagnostics, and mentor students in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and potentially other graduate programs.

Applicants are required to hold a doctoral degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or in a closely related field, or have equivalent experience.

Interested applicants should submit an application in Academic Jobs Online.

Contact: Prof. Igor Adamovich Ohio State University, USA adamovich.1@osu.edu

Postdoc Position, Plasma Decomposition of CO₂, IPFN, IST, University of Lisbon, Portugal

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research position within the N-Prime group of IPFN (Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal), in the framework of project PARADiSE.

PARADiSE consists of a thorough theoretical, modelling and experimental investigation of plasma de-composition of CO₂. It builds on the results of the previous project PREMiERE and explores three research lines: extension of the prior results to plasma sources widely used for technological applications; fundamental studies on the influence of impurities and industrial gases; and study of plasma-surface interactions and product separation. The work will be done in close collaboration with several foreign laboratories that will conduct a series of measurement campaigns tailored to the needs of the project. By its end the investigation will unveil the mechanisms underlying plasma CO₂ dissociation, identify the optimal conditions for a plasma reactor to operate and produce a proof-of-concept prototype, paving the PlasmA RoAD to Solar fuEls (PARADiSE).

The post is offered on a full-time basis, for 1 year, with a possibility for extension up to 3 years. The start of the position is January/February 2022, but can be flexible up to April 2022. There will be excellent flexibility within the post to investigate various aspects of CO₂ plasma conversion.

The person should have a PhD in plasma physics, engineering physics, materials engineering, or similar fields. It is desirable that the person has experience in plasma modelling, or a demonstrated aptitude for learning new fields of research. Additionally, a strong track record of high-quality journal publications is an advantage. Expression of interest to be sent by the end of November 2021.

Contact: Prof. Vasco Guerra Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Portugal vguerra@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Postdoc and Graduate Student Research Opportunities, Experimental Low-temperature Plasma Science, University of Texas at Austin, USA

The Underwood Group in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics University of Texas at Austin (USA) invites applications for postdoctoral research fellows or students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. Our group is just beginning funded projects (from AFOSR and DOE) spanning experimental low-temperature plasma science including: (1) interfacial catalysis, (2) surface science, (3) plasma photonics, and (4) air-breathing space propulsion. Our group prides itself on being multi-disciplinary and enabling students to pursue research at the interface of plasma physics, fluid mechanics, optics, and chemistry. We are, for example, presently interested in developing novel optical diagnostics to probe chemical interfaces and new propulsion shames to harvest and capture air as a propellant source.

Technical responsibilities will be to oversee project advancement in the laboratory, the training of graduate students, and the publishing of manuscripts. A strong background in analytical chemistry, optical diagnostics, or plasma physics is preferred, although not essential. It is expected for postdoctoral candidates to have an expertise in one of these areas and to develop expertise in the others during their stay. Finally, it is expected candidates will travel to and participate in conferences to highlight their research progress.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the positions will remain open until filled with immediate availability. Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, and a brief statement of research interests to Professor Thomas Underwood (thomas.underwood@utexas.edu).

Contact: Prof. Thomas Underwood University of Texas at Austin, USA thomas.underwood@utexas.edu

Faculty Positions, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, USA

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, Indiana, USA invites applications for multiple tenured/tenure track positions at all ranks, seeking to attract exceptional candidates with interests and expertise in spacecraft engineering. The following areas are of particular interest: spacecraft instrumentation and communication - including data and information systems, in-space propulsion - including nuclear propulsion, spacecraft attitude control, on-orbit servicing & rendezvous, and spacecraft systems design & integration.

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University is consistently recognized as an international leader in the quality of its educational programs, along with the innovation and depth of its graduate research program and its technology and workforce impact on the aerospace industry. With nearly 1,050 undergraduate students, 600 graduate students, and 41 faculty members, the School is among the top six programs in the US. Additional information.

Applications must be submitted electronically via this site.

For information/questions regarding applications contact the Office of Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, at coeacademicaffairs@purdue.edu. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position.

Contact: Prof. Alexey Shashurin Purdue University, USA ashashur@purdue.edu

Postdoc Position, Plasma Physics, West Virginia University, USA

The plasma physics group headed by Professor Earl Scime (escime@wvu.edu) at West Virginia University, USA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position as part of the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics. The primary responsibilities of the position involve the performance of experiments focused on magnetic reconnection, magnetized sheaths, and thermal anisotropy driven instabilities in the PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) facility. A PhD in physics or other relevant field and a strong experimental background and/or experience with low temperature plasma sources, plasma diagnostics, vacuum systems, and spectroscopy are required. The salary and benefits are competitive and the successful applicant will have opportunities to develop new research ideas, participate in proposal development, lead collaborations with other research groups, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Morgantown is regularly listed among the top ten small cities on the east coast of the USA and is located approximately 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA and 200 miles east of Washington, DC. The university has an enrollment of 25,000 students and the Department of Physics and Astronomy has strong research programs in plasma physics, condensed matter physics, physics education research, and astronomy. For a complete job description and to apply for this position (a CV, cover letter, and three letters of reference are required), please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and click on the “View Open WVURC Positions” link to find Position #18037.

Contact: Prof. Earl Scime West Virginia University escime@wvu.edu

Postdoc Position, Phased-Array Antenna Development, University of Wisconsin, USA

At the University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI, USA), we are currently looking to fill a post-doctoral researcher position in the area of applied electromagnetics with emphasis on phased-array antenna design and development. The desired technical qualifications include:

1. Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field, with emphasis on Applied Electromagnetics, Microwaves, or related fields.
2. Experience with the design, fabrication, and characterization of antennas, microwave circuits, or enough background to quickly climb the learning curve.
3. Familiarity with modeling, simulation, fabrication, and measurement of antennas or microwave structures and circuits.

Candidates should have the ability to work independently and work well both individually and as part of a larger team. While all candidates will be considered for this position, candidates who are already in the United States and have the appropriate authorization to work (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals who can legally work in the U.S.) are highly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send their latest CV with the names and contact information of at least three references to either Professor Nader Behdad (behdad@wisc.edu) or Professor John Booske (jhbooske@wisc.edu) via email.

Contact: Prof. John Booske University of Wisconsin, USA jhbooske@wisc.edu

Computational Scientist, Plasma-Surface Interaction and Plasma Physics, Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA

Applied Materials is the world leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at the atomic scale and on an industrial scale is a key enabler behind the advances in most electronics technologies. We have an opportunity for a computational plasma physicist or chemist to help design the next generation of plasma processing equipment. This position requires in-depth knowledge and experience in computational physics or chemistry, computational plasma physics, computational surface science, or related areas. Additional knowledge of plasma materials processing and the semiconductor industry is valuable but not essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and test mechanisms for plasma interaction with surfaces and implement in feature scale etch and deposition models.
• Perform plasma physics and/or plasma chemistry modeling of plasma processing systems to provide a better understanding of plasma behavior during concept & feasibility, design, and development of plasma processing systems.
• Perform feature scale and molecular dynamics modeling of plasma etch and deposition processes for emerging applications.
• Develop, modify, and test internal plasma, feature scale, and related codes as needed.
• Perform engineering analysis. Recommend design modifications to improve plasma and process behavior to address technical/business needs.
• Apply internal and/or external codes to address plasma and plasma–surface interaction problems.
• Work in a team environment. Present modeling results to the product development teams.
• Provide technical expertise in plasma physics and plasma chemistry to management.

Education and experience:

Masters or PhD with 0 – 3 years of relevant experience. Position suitable for new PhDs or postdocs.

Contact: Dr. Shahid Rauf Applied Materials Inc., USA shahid_rauf@amat.com

PhD Position, Plasma-fluid Mechanics, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) Greifswald, Germany

We seek candidates for a PhD position in plasma-fluid mechanics in the research group plasma source concepts at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) Greifswald, Germany. To advance towards a deeper understanding of the complex interaction between cold atmospheric plasma discharges (e.g. for medical application) and the surrounding fluid(s) as well as potential medical flows in general, the INP is going to build up a new gas flow test-rig. Initially, an older setup has to be modified into a versatile, stand-alone test setup for complex flow regimes. Primary focus of the test-rig are optical measurement techniques (such as 2D-2C PIV and spectroscopy). However, more common measurement techniques (pressure, volume flow, temperature) are going to be implemented as well. With an integral approach in mind, additional CFD simulations will go in parallel to the experiment. Using proven in-house plasma sources, the test rig is iteratively adapted to answer first questions regarding plasma-jet / fluid interaction. We offer a project position in Karlsburg near Greifswald, starting on 1st January 2022 for 3 years (26,67 h/week).

Key responsibilities include:

• You design and built a gas flow test facility with integrated control-loops and adaptable interfaces for multiple experiments.
• You do CFD simulations for the test facility and evaluate them with experimental data.
• You use your setup to take the first step into a deeper understanding of plasma discharge / fluid interaction using proven in-house plasma sources.
• You get familiar with top-notch measurement techniques, such as PIV, Fast-framing, robotics and con-trol.
• You interact with an interdisciplinary team from physicists to medical staff.
• You present your results at scientific conferences and publish in peer reviewed journals.

Your profile:

• Very good university-level qualification (Master of Science degree) in mechanical engineering or comparable subject areas.
• Experienced with computational tools such as CAD, CFD.
• Experienced with CAM manufacturing tools (milling machine, lathe) and rapid prototyping.
• Advanced programming skills in Python for data processing.
• Fluent English, advanced German.

Please apply with the common documents (cover letter, CV, references) giving the keyword “0441 PhD Position Plasma-Fluid Mechanics”- preferably via our online application form - until end of November 2021.

Contact: Dr.-Ing. Philipp Mattern Post Doc Plasma Source Concepts, INP, Germany philipp.mattern@inp-greifswald.de

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