Pulsed-power generators can drive intense pulses of electrical current through initially solid targets, creating hot, dense plasmas, threaded with strong magnetic fields and travelling at high velocities. Pulsed-power is used to drive a diverse range of plasma physics experiments, from producing x-rays for inertial confinement fusion, to recreating the conditions inside extreme astrophysical phenomena. At the PSFC, we are building a new pulsed-power facility called PUFFIN, which will study fundamental processes in magnetized high-energy-density plasmas. PUFFIN is designed to produce longer pulses of current than existing facilities, allowing the plasmas it produces to be sustained and reach a quasi-steady-state.
Through collaboration with other pulsed-power facilities across the US and internationally, we carry out cutting edge research into processes such as:
Our group works closely with Dr. Petrasso's HED physics group, and Prof. Loureiro's Plasma Theory group.
Prof. Jack Hare, jdhare@mit.edu
Plasma Science and Fusion Center
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, NW17
Cambridge, MA 02139
info@psfc.mit.edu
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