Logo CSIC
Logo IEM
Diagnostic and Kinetic Modelling of Cold Plasmas
Diagnostic and Kinetic Modelling of Cold Plasmas

Research lines:

Most of visible matter in the Universe is in the form of plasma. Plasmas make up stars and planetary ionospheres and are of relevance in a number of technological processes and in controlled nuclear fusion studies. Our research is aimed at the experimental diagnostics (emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrical probes) and kinetic modelling of cold plasmas (having fast electrons, but room temperature neutrals). We employ DC discharges produced in hollow cathode cells, and RF discharges. Thus far we have concentrated on plasmas of nitrogen oxides and air (related to the earth’s ionosphere), and in plasmas of hydrogen with admixtures of methane, nitrogen, oxygen, argon and deuterium. At present, we are involved in the generation of nanoparticles and thin films by plasmas and their characterization and processing.

This kind of plasmas is of interest in astrophysics, in controlled nuclear fusion devices and in the semiconductor industry. Our investigation is performed in cooperation with the Molecular Astrophysics Group of CSIC at the ICMM, the Institute of Optoelectronics Systems and Microtechnology (ISOM) of the Universidad Politécnica of Madrid (UPM), and the Division of Fusion Technology at CIEMAT.

 

Collaborations with other groups:

  • Fusion Division of the EURATOM-CIEMAT Association. Plasma-Wall Interaction Group, Dr. Francisco L. Tabarés.
  • Department of Physical Chemistry of the Universidad Complutense of Madrid , Prof. Dr. Javier Aoiz and Prof. Dr. Luis Bañares.
  • Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucía, CSIC: Dr. Francisco Gordillo-Vázquez, expert on modelling of upper atmosphere plasmas.
  • Prof. José Cernicharo and Prof. José Ángel Martín-Gago, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC.
  • Institute of Optoelectronic and Microelectronic Systems (ISOM), Universidad Politécnica of Madrid.