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BASICS
Overview
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What are Plasmas?
| Powers
of 10 | Photo Gallery
States of Matter*
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Primary Natural Systems
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solids |
condensed
matter, compact (nuclear) |
liquids,
neutral gas |
fluid
(Navier-Stokes)** systems |
plasmas |
electromagnetic
(Maxwell-Boltzmann)** systems |
*There
are only four dominant naturally-occurring states of matter although many
other states of matter exist when considered broadly (see A. Barton, States
of Matter, States of Mind, IOP Press, 1997). |

X-rays fromYohkoh
ISAS, NASA
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**The
Navier-Stokes equations are basic equations for studies of fluids and
neutral gas systems. The Maxwell equations for electromagnetism and the
plasma Boltzmann equation are the basic equations for studies of electromagnetic
systems of which plasmas are a prime example
- see references. |
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Plasmas
are conductive assemblies of charged particles, neutrals and fields that exhibit collective effects. Further,
plasmas carry electrical currents and generate magnetic fields.
Plasmas are the most common form of matter, comprising
more than 99% of the visible universe, and permeate the solar system, interstellar and intergalactic environments.
Plasmas are radically multiscale in two senses
(1) most plasma systems involve electro-dynamic coupling across micro-,
meso- and macroscale and (2) plasma systems occur over most of the physically
possible ranges in space, energy and density scales. The figure here illustrates where many plasma systems
occur in terms of typical densities and temperatures. |
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However,
the full range of possible plasma density, energy(temperature) and spatial
scales go far beyond this illustration. For example, some space plasmas have
been measured to be lower in density than 10 to the power -10 per cubic meter or (10exp-10)/m3 - 13 orders of magnitude
less than the scale shown in the figure! On the other extreme, quark-gluon plasmas
(although mediated via the strong force field versus the electromagnetic field)
are extremely dense nuclear states of matter. For temperature (or energy),
some plasma crystal states produced in the laboratory have temperatures close
to absolute zero. In contrast, space plasmas have been measured with
thermal temperatures above 10+9 degrees Kelvin and cosmic rays (a type of
plasma with very large gyroradii) are observed at energies well above those
produced in any man-made accelerator laboratory. Considering Powers
of 10 is useful for grasping the unique way in which plasmas are radically
multi-scale in space, energy and density.
Comprehensive listing of sites featuring educational resources - In particular, the
Coalition for Plasma Science provides a teacher's guide and educational publications.
Essay by James Glanz from a brochure of the
American Physical Society, Division
of Plasma Physics
Because
plasmas are conductive and respond to electric and magnetic fields and
can be efficient sources of radiation, they can be used in innumerable
applications where such control is needed or when special sources of energy
or radiation are required.
The
topics page provides close to 200 subject
areas in plasma science and technology and nearly 100 applications!
Major
topical areas of plasma science and technology
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Plasma
Equilibria, dynamic and static |
Wave
and Beam Interactions in Plasmas |
Naturally-occurring
plasmas |
Numerical
Plasmas and Simulations |
Plasma
Sources |
Plasma
Theory |
Plasma-based
Devices |
Plasma
Diagnostics |
Plasma
Sheath |
Industrial
Plasmas |
Alan Watts of Environmental
Surface Technologies in Atlanta, Georgia has suggested the following grid
for organizing industrial plasmas with reference to the major "revolutions,"
energy type and technology.
Revolution |
Energy |
Technologies
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Industrial
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Mechanical
Energy
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Engines,
Metallurgy
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Chemical
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Chemical
Reactions
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Waste
handling, Catalysts
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Electrical
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Electromagnetic
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Transformers,
Switches
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Nuclear
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Nuclear
Reactions
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Reactors,
Isotopes
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Electronic
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Solid-state
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Electronics,
Semiconductors
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Optical
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Photon
Interactions
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Lighting
Sources, Lasers
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When considered
inclusively, it is clear that plasma science and technology encompasses immense
diversity, pervasiveness and potential. Diversity through numerous topical
areas; pervasiveness by covering the full range of energy, density, time and
spatial scales; and potential through innumerable current and future applications.
Thus the theme of our exhibition.
This primary natural systems table above is a "unit" for purposes of legal permission.
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