The UK’s plasma science landscape is a dynamic and innovative arena, positioning the country as a global leader in the field. Dr. Kate Lancaster, Chair of the Plasma Physics Group at the Institute of Physics, sheds light on the diverse projects, applications, and collaborations that are driving this progress. The Institute of Physics’ (IOP) Plasma Physics Group serves as a pivotal body, promoting plasma science and addressing the needs of its community. This group encompasses a wide range of expertise, from high-power laser-plasma interactions and magnetically confined fusion plasmas to space and astrophysical plasmas, and even industrial and biomedical plasmas.
One of the group’s primary activities is organising an annual conference, which brings together around 100 researchers from various fields of plasma physics. This intimate gathering fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue, breaking down silos and encouraging the exchange of ideas. “Researchers often become siloed in their specific areas,” Lancaster notes. “This conference fosters crosstalk between different segments of plasma physics and plasma science.” The conference also provides guidance to the community, addressing initiatives and promoting collaboration.
In the realm of fusion energy, the UK is making significant strides. The country has world-class facilities and expertise in both inertial confinement fusion and magnetically confined fusion. A standout project is STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. STEP aims to become operational around 2040 and will utilise a unique device configuration with a high magnetic field, resembling a cored apple rather than the traditional doughnut-shaped tokamak. This represents a substantial investment in fusion research, with initial funding of approximately £220m, followed by a wider investment of up to £650m through the ‘Fusion Futures’ programme. Recent recommitments have added an additional £410m, underscoring the UK’s commitment to making fusion a reality.
The UK’s fusion community is highly engaged globally, extending beyond academia to include companies focused on fusion technology and a growing supply chain. Additionally, the country is making significant progress in space propulsion technologies, particularly in plasma thrusters, ion thrusters, and Hall effect thrusters. These technologies are crucial for deep space exploration and are already employed on satellites for precise trajectory adjustments.
Innovative research in non-thermal plasma is exploring the unique combination of reactive species and UV light to address medical challenges. For example, non-thermal plasma therapies can disrupt bacterial biofilms, aiding the treatment of chronic wounds. These plasmas also have applications in sterilisation, wastewater treatment, and semiconductor processing. As chip features continue to shrink, a profound understanding of plasma behaviour at the atomic level becomes increasingly essential, driving the development of new plasma diagnostic techniques.
The UK’s strong presence in space plasmas, both in academia and national labs, is another area of notable progress. The study of space plasmas is a global effort, with missions like the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Solar Orbiter and NASA’s Parker Solar Probe enhancing our understanding of solar wind and magnetic reconnection. These missions provide in-situ measurements and high-resolution images, addressing fundamental questions about the Sun’s behaviour.
Laboratory astrophysical experiments, often conducted on large laser or pulsed power systems, allow scientists to create miniature versions of astrophysical phenomena. These experiments provide valuable insights into cosmic processes and enhance our understanding of various astrophysical objects. The National Ignition Facility (NIF), although not located in the UK, involves many British scientists in research that combines laser-driven fusion energy studies with discovery science.
Despite these advancements, several challenges hinder the practical realisation of fusion energy. Plasmas are inherently unstable, and substantial engineering challenges must be addressed, such as developing materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. Overcoming these barriers will be crucial for achieving real-world applications.
The UK’s plasma science landscape is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment. As the country continues to push the boundaries of plasma research, it is poised to shape the future of energy, space exploration, and medical technologies. The developments in this sector are not just scientific achievements but also catalysts for economic growth and technological advancement. The UK’s commitment to plasma science is a beacon for the global community, inspiring further exploration and discovery in this dynamic field.