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When most people hear the word "plasma," they think of the clear fluid part of blood. But to the 450 international scientists and engineers meeting in Raleigh next month, plasma brings to mind lightning bolts, neon signs and fusion reactors. The scientists will be attending the 25th Anniversary Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS) hosted by North Carolina State University June 1 through 4 at the North Raleigh Hilton.
Dr. Duncan T. Moore, associate director for technology in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is one of several nationally prominent speakers who will address the conference. Moore works with President Clinton's science adviser to counsel the president on U.S. technology policy.
Sponsored by the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society, the four-day conference will feature sessions on microwave generation, microwave/plasma interaction, intense electron and ion beams, applications of high energy density plasmas, industrial and commercial applications of plasma and other plasma technology applications.
Plasma plays an integral part in modern daily life in the form of fluorescent light, computer chip fabrication, microwave devices, lasers and even neon signs. Plasmas are also used to maneuver orbiting satellites and apply coatings to jet engine components and human prosthetics. NC State University conducts about $3 million in plasma research each year in the areas of space plasmas, electronic materials fabrication, plasma guns, fusion energy and other applications. In nature, plasmas appear in the form of lightning bolts, auroras, nebulas and flames of fire.
Conference registration information is available on the ICOPS 98 web site at http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/departments/ne/icops98.html or through the IEEE web site under conferences at http://www.ieee.org. Interested media may contact the ICOPS 98 chairman, Dr. John Gilligan, associate dean for research and graduate programs at NC State, at (919) 515-3939.
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