Gilded decades: The progress of plasma since the 70s Professor Declan Diver, University of Glasgow

Event details

Institute of Physics Lecture

Explore the evolution of plasma science and engineering over the last 50 years, since the very first Institute of Physics Plasma Conference that took place in 1974. Set in the context of the excitement of the 1950s and 60s, the five decades since that first group conference embrace the explosion of activity in magnetic and inertial fusion, plasma surface processing and novel applications of plasmas, including plasma medicine. Touching on the highlights in each area and in each decade, this talk will try to capture the outstanding innovation in plasma physics that has transformed our understanding, and appreciation, of this most creative science topic over the last half-century.

An interactive exhibition will take place before and after the talk, from 5.30pm - 6.30pm and from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Find out more about plasmas in space in a planetarium; learn about the progress of fusion energy, a potentially clean and almost limitless source of power, in the Sundome; and discover more about the uses of plasma with hands-on demonstrations and virtual reality. 

NB: Please use the doors from Wentworth Way into Biology T block.

Professor Declan Diver

Declan's main research theme is the role of self-consistent electric and magnetic fields in the dynamics of charged particles and neutrals for complex gaseous systems (plasmas) in mixed-phase flows (ie in the presence of dust or liquid interfaces), with recent significant emphasis on the physics of life applications of plasmas having direct and indirect interaction with living cells. He also has a continuing interest in high-energy plasmas, including fusion, relativistic pair plasmas and pulsars. He was the consortium lead for Fusion Forward Ardeer, seeking to bring the world's first fusion power station - STEP - to the Ayrshire Coast.

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