Computational laboratory of low-temperature plasma.

Low-Temperature Plasma (LTP) is an electrically neutral mixture of electrons, ions and neutral particles interacting with electromagnetic fields. The highly nonequilibrium nature of LTP (due to the difference in electron and neutral/ion masses) induces a high physical and chemical reactivity. Advancing theory and developing validated computational tools are critical to fully realize the extraordinary potential of LTP science and technologies. The contribution will focus on the following 3 research activities: 1) plasma thrusters for space propulsion; 2) plasma-wall interaction in thermonuclear fusion reactor; 3) negative ion source for neutral beam heating of fusion reactors.