Research Expertise and Interest

applied plasma physics: fusion technology: microwaves, experimental investigation of RF plasma heating, experimental studies of compact toroids spectral method for magnetohydrodynamic stability

Research Description

One of Prof. Morse's research projects involves the study of the spheromak fusion confinement scheme as an approach to magnetically confined nuclear fusion. This study involves experimental plasma physics and theoretical studies of MHD behavior and nonlinear radiofrequency wave propagation. This effort also includes an experimental study of the effects of boron coatings on plasma-facing components. Another project involves the development of the Rotating Target Neutron Source (RTNS) as a tool for investigating radiation damage in fusion materials. A study of the radiation damage properties of nonlinear optical crystals for use in the National Ignition Facility laser fusion device at Livermore is currently underway.