Curtin University Physics Honours student, Mark Zammit, has completed a unique study into Debye plasmas which could maximise fusion energy production.<\/p>\n
His theory can assist in accurately predicting the occurrence of fusion reaction activity within stars, which could then be modeled and used by scientists to efficiently harness fusion energy, a potentially carbon-free source of energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cDebye plasmas are the states of matter found in the core of stars, which can be modeled to increase the efficiency of fusion energy production,\u201d Mr Zammit said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy theory is now being put to use by physicists in Germany, as well as attracting interest from Macedonia, to assist their understanding of fusion reactions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the supervision of Professor Igor Bray and Associate Professor Dmitry Fursa, at Curtin\u2019s Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITP), Mr Zammit said the ultimate goal of fusion was to generate cost-effective, efficient, renewable and clean electricity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith rising awareness of global warming, population increase and pollutants, countries around the world are putting more emphasis on research into alternative energy sources,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Zammit said his theory would be tested by controlled experiments which replicated conditions within the core of stars to initiate a fusion reaction. These experiments are currently taking place across Europe, Japan and the USA.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn these experiments, high-energy laser beams are used to symmetrically hit the target to initiate the fusion reaction, which is then heated to temperatures as high as 100 million Kelvin and pressures as high as 100 billion atmospheres,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
To illustrate just how hot that would be, Mr Zammit said the approximate optical surface (photosphere) temperature of the sun was a \u2018cool\u2019 6000 Kelvin, compared to the 100 million recreated in the experiments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea is to produce more power than the laser energy required to spark the same reaction. This reaction is called inertial confinement fusion (ICF) which is also the process which powers the sun,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy results, produced at ITP, are essential for accurately modeling these plasmas and hence these ICF reactions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recently published in the American scientific journal, Physical Review, for his paper, Mr Zammit said he hoped his work would inspire future students to enter the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are doing some very exciting work at ITP and I hope my story will help young aspiring students to realise they can make a significant contribution to their chosen field,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Contacts:<\/p>\n
Professor Igor Bray Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin
\nHead of Department of Imaging & Applied Physics, School of Science, Curtin University
\nTel: 08 9266 4416; Email: i.bray@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n
\nTel: 08 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 532, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n