Our research focuses on plasma characterization using catalytic probes, optical emission spectroscopy, VUV spectroscopy, laser absorption spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. We design and construct all of our plasma systems. We work with RF, MW and pulsed DC low-pressure plasmas, atmospheric-pressure plasmas, plasmas in liquids, as well as fusion plasmas in ASDEX-U tokamak. Our work includes plasma material treatment, plasma-enhanced deposition, plasma-surface interactions, and plasma treatment of water. We also study plasma-facing components in fusion reactors, particularly interaction between plasma and divertor materials.
The candidate will focus on measuring plasma parameters with our innovative fiber-based probe that measures simultaneously the density of charged and neutral particles. This probe will be tested in various different plasmas and compared to the commercially available Langmuir probe and catalytic probe. Our department has also recently acquired the COMSOL Multiphysics software package with several additional modules, including the Plasma Module. This investment was made to strengthen the scientific impact of our work by complementing experimental measurements with advanced numerical simulations. By integrating modeling and simulation with our experimental activities, we aim to achieve a deeper understanding of plasma processes, validate our diagnostic results, and optimize plasma system design and operating conditions. So, the candidate will also use COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the low pressure ICP hydrogen and oxygen plasma and compare the simulated results to measured ones.