As theoretical physicists...
We aim to understand the phenomenology of plasma in the laboratory and in the cosmos. We use mathematical models and computer simulations to explain how plasmas move, interact with magnetic fields and boundaries, and evolve on various scales.
Working with collaborators in the U.S. and around the world, we advance fundamental physics concepts that guide experiments and project applications, such as the development of magnetic fusion energy.
This website offers information about our group members, research activities, and publications. We invite you to browse it and to contact us with any questions.
News and Announcements
IAEA synopses and presentations now available
FAPPG PI Prof. Patrick Diamond and Project Scientist Rameswar Singh have just returned from the 129th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in London. Visit our Research and Publications pages to view their presentations and detailed synopses. Congratulations, Pat and Rameswar!
New Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
UC San Diego is pleased to announce the formation of a new Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics within the School of Physical Sciences.
Prof. Diamond will serve as one of the 12 founding faculty members. This new department will leverage the University of California’s substantial existing investment in astronomical facilities to support students in reaching their full research and learning potential.
Research and instruction will cover a broad range of areas, from the evolution of the universe and the first stars to galaxy and planet formation and cosmology. The department will also play a key role in developing instrumentation for the Keck Observatory, Lick Observatory, the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Simons Observatory, and the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI).
Learn more in the UC San Diego Today article, "Across the Universe: UC San Diego Announces New Astronomy and Astrophysics Department." Read the full campus annoucement to learn more.
International Center Fellowship
FAPPG graduate student Mingyun Cao was awarded a 2022-2023 Friends of the International Center Endowed Fellowship. The Center's fellowship supports UC San Diego graduate students in conducting research or study abroad activities that enhance their academic experience and foster friendship, understanding and cooperation in the international community. Congratulations, Mingyun!
Commencement Award
Congratulations to FAPPG undergraduate student Taurean Zhang, who won a 2022 Malmberg Award from UC San Diego's Department of Physics. The John Holmes Malmberg Prize is presented annually at commencement to a graduating physics student who is recognized for potential for a career in physics and a measure of experimental inquisitiveness. Brilliantly done, Taurean!
Teaching Honors
Congratulations to FAPPG Ph.D. student Fredy Ramirez, who was awarded a 2021-2022 UC San Diego Physics Department Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award.
This award recoginizes first- and second-year graduate students for outstanding performance as a teaching assistant. Many congratulations, Fredy!
Upcoming Seminars
Subscribe to Seminar Alerts to receive speaker announcements by email (seminars are currently being held in person; announcements are distributed only to UCSD email addresses). Also explore lists of recent speakers and recorded seminars.
Subscribe to Publication and Seminar Alerts.
Newest Publications
Formation, propagation and conversion of transport barriers triggered by dynamical critical gradient in tokamak plasmas
Li, Xiaobo, Zhibin Guo and P.H. Diamond
Nucl. Fusion 64, 044001, 2024; doi:10.1088/1741-4326/ad2d39 (Open Access)
Potential Vorticity Conservation for Plasma Turbulence in an Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field: Theory and Implications
Hahm, T.S., P.H. Diamond, S.J. Park and Y.-S. Na
Phys. Plasmas 31, 032310, 2024; doi:10.1063/5.0189855
How Turbulence Spreading Improves Power Handling in Quiescent High Confinement Fusion Plasmas
Li, Zeyu, Xi Chen, Patrick H. Diamond, Xueqiao Xu, Xijie Qin, Huiqian Wang, Filippo Scotti, Rongjie Hong, Guanying Yu, Zheng Yan, Filipp Khabanov and George R. McKee
Comm. Phys. 7, 96, 2024; doi:10.1038/s42005-024-01590-0 (Open Access)
Turbulence Spreading Effects on the ELM Size and SOL Width
Li, Nami, X.Q. Xu, P.H. Diamond, Y.F. Wang, X. Lin, N. Yan, and G.S. Xu
J. Plasma Phys. 90(1), 905900117, 2024; doi:10.1017/S0022377824000199 (Open Access)
Nonlinear Elasticity and Short-Range Mechanical Coupling Govern the Rate and Symmetry of Mouth Opening in Hydra
Goel, Tapan, Ellen M. Adams, April L. Bialas, Cassidy M. Tran, Trevor Rowe, Sara Martin, Maia Chandler, Johanna Schubert, Patrick H. Diamond and Eva-Maria S. Collins
Proc. R. Soc. B. 291, 20232123, 2024; doi:10.1098/rspb.2023.2123
Staircase Resiliency in a Fluctuating Cellular Array
Ramirez, F.R., and P.H. Diamond
Phys. Rev. E 109, 025209, 2024; doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.109.025209
[download PDF]
Quasi-mode Evolution in a Stochastic Magnetic Field
Cao, Mingyun, and P.H. Diamond
Nucl. Fusion 64, 036003, 2024; doi:10.1088/1741-4326/ad1e94
[download PDF]
Research
We develop theory related to plasma and fusion science, including:
- Nonlinear dynamics of plasmas and fluids
- Anomalous transport
- Self-organized criticality in confined plasma
- L-H transition, transport barrier physics
- Dynamo theory
- Nonlinear waves in space plasma
Funding
Our work is primarily funded by the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences of the U.S. Department of Energy (Grant No. DE-FG02-04ER54738).
Dedication
In memory of Professor Marshall N. Rosenbluth, an American plasma physicist and UCSD professor of enormous intellect, integrity, generosity, and vision.