This Engineering Research Equipment Grant is for acquisition of computer equipment compatible with a microvax II for a new research group for computational gaseous electronics being established under the direction of Professor Kushner. The purpose of this group is to computationally investigate multidimensional and transient phenomena in low temperature, highly collisional plasmas. These plasmas are applied to technologically important devices such as gas lasers, plasma processing reactors, lighting sources (plasma displays), MHD, and pulse power switches. There are three research projects in progress in Professor Kushner's group during which large computer simulation programs are being developed: 1) modeling plasma deposition and surface morphology of amorphous silicon, 2) simulation of surface flashover discharges on spacecraft, and 3) modeling of fission fragment pumped excimer lasers. Research has also been proposed to investigate the flow of plasma through constrictions (as applied to thyratrons), a microwave controlled opening switch, and plasma instabilities initiated by particulate matter in gas discharges.
