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
Well done, Hoony!
During June's commencement ceremonies, Hoony Kang was named the recipient of the Shang-keng Ma Memorial Award. This recognition is presented each year to a graduating physics student who has shown exceptional ability and promise during their UC San Diego undergraduate years. The Ma award was established in 1984 to commemorate the contributions of Prof. Shang-keng Ma to the UCSD Department of Physics. Congratulations, Hoony!
Congratulations, Xiang!
Xiang Fan defended his doctoral thesis on May 23. Thanks to all who attended!
Thesis title: "Cascades, spectra, real space structure, inhomogeneous mixing and transport in active scalar turbulence"
Staircase evolution article chosen as Editor's Suggestion
A recent article by Drs. Malkov and Diamond on staircase structure and dynamics was selected as a PRFluids Editor's Suggestion.
Avalanching article featured as AIP Scilight
We're thrilled that Robin Heinonen and Pat Diamond's new article describing a unified model of turbulence spreading and avalanching was selected as an AIP Scilight! Scilights summarize the significance of the most interesting new physical science research published across AIP Publishing journals. Congratulations, Robin!
"Uncovering what triggers avalanches in plasma" by Chris Patrick
Interview with Roald Sagdeev
Professor Diamond's oral history interview with Professor Roald Z. Sagdeev is now published in the European Physical Journal H., as part of a special issue on the history of plasma physics.
This interview presents Roald Z. Sagdeev's story of plasma physics in Russia (1956-1988). It chronicles the Russian school's achievements in basic, laboratory, fusion, and space plasma physics. The interview includes Sagdeev's memories of his graduate school days in Moscow and his work at several institutes—Kurchatov, IKI, and the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics. He also shares many stories of his collaborations and friendships with notable scientists, including Marshall Rosenbluth, Mikhail Leontovich, Alec Galeev, and Vladimir Zakharov. The conversation reflects Sagdeev's unique and significant influence in modern plasma theory, Russian space exploration and his support of international cooperation for the advancement of humanity.
Special thanks to Dr. Mikhail Malkov for participating in the seventh discussion, "Space plasma physics and the IKI years."
We hope you'll enjoy hearing Prof. Sagdeev's stories in his own words!
1st Chengdu Theory Festival
Thank you to the scientists who joined us for last month's Chengdu Theory Festival. You made this first-ever conference an incredible success! Special thanks to the organizers and the Southwestern Institute of Physics for hosting more than 120 students and 25 lecturers.
The Chengdu Theory Festival aims to promote collaboration and education at the cutting edge of research in theoretical fusion plasma physics and related fields. Early career scientists, postdocs, and PhD students have in-depth discussions with leading researchers and collaborate on current theory (similar to Festival de Theorie).
From our UC San Diego research group, Prof. Pat Diamond and Prof. George Tynan gave lectures on turbulence, drift waves, and density limits. Prof. Pat Diamond also served as chair of the Scientific Organizing Committee.
Again, thank you to everyone who attended and made this festival possible! We look forward to seeing you at the next Chengdu Theory Festival. Visit the conference website to view topics, learn more about SWIP's Center for Fusion Science, and find lectures and videos posted from the conference.
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Newest Publications
Summary of the Fundamental Plasma Physics Session in the First AAPPS-DPP Conference
Xu, M., G.Z. Hao, and P.H. Diamond
Rev. Mod. Plasma Phys. 3:4, 2019; doi:10.1007/s41614-019-0028-y
[download PDF]
Spontaneous Transport Barriers Quench Turbulent Resistivity in Two-dimensional Magnetohydrodynamics
Fan, Xiang, P.H. Diamond, L. Chacón
Phys. Rev. E 99, 041201(R), 2019; doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.99.041201
Article: [download PDF]
Supplemental material: [download PDF]
Dynamics of Potential Vorticity Staircase Evolution and Step Mergers in a Reduced Model of Beta-plane Turbulence
Malkov, M.A. and P.H. Diamond
Phys. Rev. Fluids 4, 044503, 2019; doi:10.1103/PhysRevFluids.4.044503
[download PDF]
Subcritical Turbulence Spreading and Avalance Birth
Heinonen, R. and P.H. Diamond
Phys. Plasmas 26, 030701, 2019; doi:10.1063/1.5083176
[download PDF]
E x B Flow Shear Mitigates Ballooning-driven Edge-localized Modes at High Collisionality: Experiment and Simulation
Kong, D.F., X.Q. Xu, P.H. Diamond, J.G. Chen, C.B. Huang, T. Lan, X. Gao, J.G. Li, and the EAST Team
Nucl. Fusion 59, 016016, 2019; doi:10.1088/1741-4326/aaef0c
[download PDF]
Radial Density and Heat Fluxes Description in the Velocity Space: Nonlinear Simulations and Quasi-linear Calculations
Médina, J., M. Lesur, E. Gravier, T. Réveillé, M. Idouakass, T. Drouot, P. Bertrand, T. Cartier-Michaud, X. Garbet, and P.H. Diamond
Phys. Plasmas 25, 122304, 2018; doi:10.1063/1.5057420
[download PDF]
Editorial Introduction to the Special Issue "Plasma Physics in the 20th Century as Told by Players"
Diamond, P.H., U. Frisch, and Y. Pomeau
Eur. Phys. J. H., 2018 ; doi:10.1140/epjh/e2018-90061-5
[download PDF]
An Interview with Roald Sagdeev: His Story of Plasma Physics in Russia, 1956-1988
Sagdeev, R.Z. and P.H. Diamond
Eur. Phys. J. H., 2018; doi:10.1140/epjh/e2018-90042-3
[pdf, accepted manuscript]
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.