PRR Project

Summary

The AC-FPLFN (http://plasmas.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/) covers all areas of plasma science and engineering, as defined by main international outlook reports (see 5.3): low temperature plasma science and engineering, controlled nuclear fusion, intense lasers, and the broad topic of high-energy-density plasma physics that encompasses laser-plasma interactions, intense x-ray and secondary sources and their interaction with matter and applications, plasma accelerators, and relativistic plasma astrophysics.Research in controlled nuclear fusion focuses on the work programme established by the Euratom Fusion roadmap, which includes activities associated with the system development, operation and scientific exploitation of large and medium-sized tokamaks and stellarators, as well as the design and construction of the next generation of fusion devices. Our team has internationally recognized expertise in key areas of the EU Fusion Programme: engineering and systems integration (namely, microwave diagnostics, control and data acquisition, and remote handling), theory and modelling, tokamak operation, and material characterization. The fusion programme has made a transition from pure research to design, construction and operation of future facilities like ITER and DEMO. This transition requires IPFN/DF/IST to strengthen its competencies in engineering and systems integration, as well as the possibilities of spin-off applications and technologies. Furthermore, these competencies are enabling a growing participation in some privately funded initiatives for the development of innovative nuclear fusion solutions.Research in low temperature plasma science and engineering intertwines experimental and modelling/simulation activities, carried out in an environment of strong international relations by a world-leading team. The activities focus on: the cutting-edge field of plasma nanoscience (with the novel continuous, large-scale plasma-based fabrication of free-standing 2D nanostructured materials); the proposal of innovative technologies using non-equilibrium reactive plasmas as alternative pathways for chemistry synthesis (enabling new strategies for energy storage, fertilizer production, and the reforming of Mars’ atmosphere); and the development of key enabling technologies for ensuring access to Space, by combining CFD simulations with radiation diagnostics in shock plasmas, created at the European Shock-Tube for High Enthalpy Research – ESTHER (an unique European facility belonging to FCT’s National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures, developed with competitive funding from ESA, awarded to an international consortium led by IST/IPFN).Research in intense lasers and high-energy-density physics focuses on the theoretical, computational and experimental study of laser-plasma interaction and associated phenomena. This activity is locally supported by two experimental infrastructures (Laboratory of Intense Lasers - L2I and VOXEL) and a computing infrastructure (epp), and through international scientific collaborations and access to large-scale laboratories and supercomputing systems. In L2I (founding member of FCT´s National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures), high-intensity ultra-short laser systems are used to study non-linear optics, laser-plasma interaction and the development of laser technology. In VOXEL, a dual laser system is used to generate coherent X-ray sources by high harmonics, alternating between imaging experiments and laser-plasma interaction experiments. epp hosts a world-leading team in kinetic PIC simulations using massively parallel computing systems and their applications in plasma-based accelerators, fundamental plasma science, relativistic astrophysics, and ultrahigh intensity laser-matter interactions.The renewal of human resources in AC-FPLFN plays an outstanding role in supporting the strategic scientific infrastructures mentioned above, in consolidating the international scientific leadership and competencies of IPFN/DF/IST in the field, and in seizing opportunities to develop emerging areas. This is demonstrated by the recent hirings of F. Fiúza (Full Professor, ERC Consolidator grant), J. Vieira (recently promoted to Assoc. Prof.), and M. Lino da Silva (Assist. Prof., ESTHER PI), as well as by the ongoing recruitment in QED Plasma Physics - theory and simulations, a sub-domain at the intersection of plasma physics, intense lasers and QED. To support the preparation of potential recruits, the AC-FPLFN started in 2018 a continuous talent search program, following three main steps:i) identification of potential candidates for future positions, through responses to expressions of interest (using contact networks and invited professor positions);ii) benchmarking potential candidates with internationally recognized scientists and academics at similar career stages, and defining a short-list;iii) invitation to visit the department, with colloquium presentation and talks to faculty members.