Department of Applied Physics

Elementary Processes in Gas Discharges

We study the elementary processes in gas discharges through a mix of theory, modeling and the development of diagnostics.

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As much as we enjoy exploring new fields of application, our research has always been based on one underlying interest: the elementary processes in and the physics of plasmas

In the EPG group, we use our thorough understanding of elementary processes to develop predictive models of a large range of plasmas. These models take into account the intensity and effectivity of processes such as ionization, recombination, transport, radiation, excitation, de-excitation, chemical reactions and surface processes.

We integrate state-of-the art plasma diagnostics (imaging, passive and active spectroscopy) and advanced plasma models that enable plasma users to optimize the plasma source for their specific application. Over the years, the group has worked on a wide range of applications: plasma etching, lighting, medical applications and so much more.

Our PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

Ana Sobota

Atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasmas and their interaction with targets

Transient on a nanosecond timescale and featuring high density gradients, atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasmas are fascinating systems…

Job Beckers

Complex Ionized Media

We focus on discovering how nanometer- to micrometer-scale particles interact with plasmas on the most fundamental level. These researched…

Behnaz Bagheri

Computational plasma-(bio)materials

We are an interdisciplinary group, with diverse backgrounds comprising plasma physics, condensed/soft matter physics, and mathematics. Our…

Sander Nijdam

Extreme non-equilibrium plasmas

We investigate the physics and applications of fast, transient discharges and the inception stages of gas discharges. The primary example of…

Work with us!

Please check out the TU/e Vacancies page for further opportunities within our group. 

 

Research Areas

Corona discharges and lightning

Dusty and complex plasma

EUV induced plasma

Plasma assisted combustion

Plasmas for energy and environmental applications

Meet some of our Researchers

Full Professor

Gerrit Kroesen

Associate Professor

Job Beckers

Associate Professor

Jan van Dijk

Associate Professor

Sander Nijdam

Associate Professor

Ana Sobota

Assistant Professor

Behnaz Bagheri

Assistant Professor

Jurgen Kohlhepp

Doctoral Candidate

Jovana Petković

Harry Philpott

Doctoral Candidate

Calum Ryan

Full Professor
(Part-time)

Ute Ebert

Postdoc

Ravi Patel

Full Professor
(Part-time)

Vadim Banine

Full Professor
(Part-time)

Gerard van Rooij

Hani Francisco

Education and Research Technician (Design and Development)

Ab Schrader

Doctoral Candidate

Yihao Guo

University Researcher

Eddie van Veldhuizen

Education

Check out all our courses

Are you a student interested in doing a BEP project or graduating in the EPG group? There are ample traineeship opportunities for students within our group. In experimental projects you will familiarise yourself with one or more of the passive or active plasma diagnostics that we have available. It is also possible to work on theoretical subjects, ranging from plasma fluid modelling to atomic-scale Monte Carlo simulations. In all projects you team up with one or more of our PhD students and staff members. You are a full member of such research team and will get a flavour of state-of-the-art plasma research.

If you are interested, please contact one of our PhD students or staff members

News

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October 31, 2023
Streamer discharges and their interaction with dielectrics
Xiaoran Li defended her PhD thesis at the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education on October 30th.
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October 20, 2023
Towards plasma-assisted ignition-stabilized combustion
Ravi Patel defended his PhD thesis at the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education on October 18th.
Read more
More news
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Towards a fundamental understanding of energy-efficient, plasma-based CO2 conversion
July 4, 2023
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Towards plasma charging visualization
June 20, 2023
Hyper-gravity controlled microparticles probing the plasma sheath
February 15, 2023
Computational Physics of Low-Temperature Plasma Simulation
February 1, 2023

Facilities

In order to understand and improve plasmas, we are using a blend of experimental and theoretical/numerical techniques:

Imaging and passive spectroscopy

The most straightforward optical techniques that can be used for plasma diagnostics are optical imaging and emission spectroscopy.

Active spectroscopy

Apart from investigation the emission properties of plasmas more direct information can often be obtained by laser diagnostics.

Modelling and numerical simulation

By carrying out experiments, you can gather all kinds of information about the plasma, like its electron temperature and density, its rate of emission of radiation of a particular wavelength, and the like.

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Recent Publications

Our most recent peer reviewed publications

Plasmacure

Within our EPG group we work on all kinds of medical applications of plasma. Through Plasmacure we have compelling evidence that this plasma technology has a right to exist in the medical world and can be used safely in a clinic. That in turn helps us with funding for other studies of this type. We have a very cordial cooperation with Plasmacure. Bas knows how to get things done that I - if you had told me 5 years ago - would never have believed.

Gerrit Kroesen - Dean of the Applied Physics department and chair of the EPG group

 

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