Science Themes
Centre of Excellence
In 2004 an international Centre of Excellence in plasma physics was established. The aim of this network is to foster collaboration and exchange between the members of the leading institutions worldwide. In July 2005 the UK Nonthermal Plasma Network was invited to join. Below is our formal statement of activity.
NPN (UK)
In March 2005 the Nonthermal Plasma Network (NPN) was established in the UK with funding by the National Research Council (EPSRC). This organisation links over twelve UK university groups with common interests in the areas of Nonthermal Plasma Science and Technology. The Network brings together various research groups with expertise that includes physical chemistry, material science and plasma physics. The funding is expected to last in the first instance for 3 years and involves principally an infrastructure for exchanging information within the UK by means of workshops and exchange visits of scientists. International collaboration is part of our mission.
The following topics are grouped into four themes, based on the scientific ideas that underpin them. The network also has four orthogonal technology themes.
1. Physical and chemical properties of non-equilibrium plasmas at reduced pressure, at and above atmospheric pressure.
2. Fundamental atomic, molecular and surface phenomena in the non-thermal plasma environment, including plasma-based surface modification mechanisms, plasma surface interactions, coatings, biomedical processes
3. Emerging plasma concepts (e.g. new length and time scales, plasmas in liquid and solid media)
4. Robust measurement techniques, simulations, models and tools for exploration, monitoring and control of plasma parameters
