GRK 1051:  Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Low-Temperature Plasmas: Diagnostics - Modelling - Application

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2005 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 375788

The recent decades have seen a surging interest for the scientific fundamentals and the technical applications of low temperature plasmas. Originally employed by the semiconductor industry, plasma based technologies have found a multitude of applications in industries as diverse as metallurgy, optics, lighting, automobile, biotechnology and medicine. The once arcane subject of gas discharge physics has become plasma science and technology, and the utilisation of the fourth state of matter is now acknowledged as a branch of high technology.The Research Training Group enables the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the Bergische Universität Wuppertal to realise a scientifically outstanding research and training programme in plasma science and technology. The subject Non-equilibrium phenomena in low temperature plasmas harmonises well with the direction of other local plasma research, such as the Collaborative Research Centre Universal Behaviour of Plasmas far from Equilibrium . Diagnostics and modelling are employed to analyse the complex dynamics of low temperature plasmas, innovative applications are seen as the true hallmark of a successful interdisciplinary effort.The graduates are expected to achieve their PhD degree within three years, and at a high level of scientific and technical excellence. The scientific research for a doctoral thesis will be supplemented by a comprehensive study programme and a series of practical laboratory exercises and internships in selected industrial companies. Regular symposia are held to give the PhD students the chance to interact among each other and view presentations of leading scientists. Forces will be joined with the Collaborative Research Centre to establish a lively seminar culture. In addition to the scientific and technological education, there will be an effort to teach the soft skills of communication and project management.Particular emphasis will lie on achieving international competence . The international WE-Heraeus summer school Low Temperature Plasma Physics, Basics and Application and its master class are an integral part of the Research Training Group. Participation at international conferences is strongly encouraged. A close scientific interaction is conducted with renowned international partner organisations. Among them are the Center for Science and Information, Amsterdam, the Center for Plasma Physics and Radiation Technology, Eindhoven, and the Plasma-Nano COE of Nagoya University, Japan.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Ralf-Peter Brinkmann
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr.-Ing. Peter Awakowicz; Professor Dr. Uwe Czarnetzki; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Engemann; Professor Dr. Rainer Grauer; Professor Dr. Achim von Keudell; Professor Dr. Henning Soltwisch; Professor Dr. Jörg Winter