What Are the Career Opportunities in Plasma Physics Beyond Nuclear Fusion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the career opportunities in plasma physics, particularly beyond the field of nuclear fusion. Participants explore various applications of plasma physics in different industries and research areas, expressing concerns and curiosity about the breadth of opportunities available.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in pursuing a PhD in plasma physics with a focus on nuclear fusion, while questioning the narrowness of career opportunities in the field.
  • One participant mentions following recent developments in fusion and suggests that a definitive market for fusion may not emerge until at least 2018 due to ITER being experimental.
  • Another participant notes that plasma physics has applications in astrophysics and mentions potential uses in propulsion methods like ion drives, though they are uncertain about the involvement of plasma physicists in those areas.
  • Concerns are raised about the relative lack of applications in plasma physics compared to fields like solid state physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that plasma physics has applications beyond nuclear fusion, but there is uncertainty regarding the extent and variety of these opportunities. Multiple views on the relevance and future of plasma physics in industry remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific timelines and developments in fusion research, indicating that the discussion is contingent on ongoing experimental results and market readiness.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in plasma physics, particularly those interested in nuclear fusion and its applications in other fields such as astrophysics and propulsion technology.

Itchtakov
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Hi. I'm thinking of doing a PhD in plasma physics, ideally to get into nuclear fusion research. But I am a little concerned that the opportunities with plasma physics are a little narrow. Does anyone know anything about its uses or otherwise in industry/non-fusion research? Thanks.
 
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Itchtakov said:
Hi. I'm thinking of doing a PhD in plasma physics, ideally to get into nuclear fusion research. But I am a little concerned that the opportunities with plasma physics are a little narrow. Does anyone know anything about its uses or otherwise in industry/non-fusion research? Thanks.

i'm actually considering the same thing. I've followed the recent developments in fusion for a while a now and have borrowed a number of books on particle physics and plasma physics.

I can't say how fast it will be as ITER is still experimental. We'd have to wait until 2018 at least for a definitive market for fusion.

I'd pursue it in hopes of working on fusion research, possibly contributing to faster fusion development.
 
Well, its used in astrophysics as well, a lot of the terrestial fusion researchers were originally studying astrophysical plasmas. I think it might help in certain types of propulsion methods too like the ion drives but I'm not sure how many plasma physicists are involved.

I don't think the opportunities are ridiculously narrow, but it doesn't have as many applications as solid state physics etc.
 
Ian_Brooks said:
I can't say how fast it will be as ITER is still experimental. We'd have to wait until 2018 at least for a definitive market for fusion.

Just out of curiosity. Why that date in particular?
 

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