Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
cold room, temperature, plasma, ultra cold neutral plasmas, UCNP
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Many scientists throughout the world are currently doing research on ultra cold neutral plasmas (UCNP). These plasmas are difficult to make and require quite a sophisticated setup. A method that we employ in our lab requires multiple laser pulses to be timed perfectly and aligned precisely in order to ionize the atoms. It also requires the use of a magneto optical trap, which traps the atoms before they are ionized. This setup is very time consuming to build and maintain but we have a mathematical model for it. Since the current methods of creating ultra cold plasmas are hard to use, we set out to show that a much simpler method is available in certain situations. Our goal was to show that, using strong field ionization, it is possible to create neutral plasmas at room temperature that can be described by the same mathematical model as UCNPs.
Recommended Citation
Rupper, Stephen and Bergeson, Dr. Scott
(2015)
"“Ultra Cold” Room Temperature Plasma,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2015:
Iss.
1, Article 210.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2015/iss1/210