Plasmadynamics

The group is divided into four specialized groups:

Magnetohydrodynamics

The physical properties of plasma equilibrium and plasma instabilities on large length and time scales are studied. This includes the study of so-called Alfvén eigenmodes, electromagnetic waves that can be excited, for example, by fast ions.

Transport, Impurities and Radiation

The object of investigation here is particle transport, especially the sources and transport of impurity particles, which are responsible for a considerable part of the plasma radiation and thus play a significant role in the energy balance of the plasma.

Turbulence

Plasma instabilities driven by pressure gradients on short length and time scales (microinstabilities) are studied. These instabilities evolve strongly nonlinearly and appear in their consequence as plasma turbulence. Plasma turbulence dominantly determines the transport of plasma particles and energy.

Diagnostic Technology

This is where the technical expertise for plasma diagnostic systems is pooled and made available to the scientific groups in the field. The development of scientific instruments ranges from conception and design to manufacturing, testing and installation.