Plasma Physics Researchers Honored

Pursuing advancing plasma physics research has led to the recognition of two distinguished scientists, Elena Belova and Yevgeny Raitses, as the 2024 Distinguished Research Fellows at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). Their work embodies the laboratory’s commitment to experimental and theoretical physics, with Belova’s complex simulations of plasmas in fusion experiments and Raitses’ innovative contributions to low-temperature plasma science and diagnostics.

As leaders in their respective fields, they have not only expanded the understanding of plasma behavior but also paved the way for potential applications in fusion energy, space propulsion, and materials synthesis, underscoring the profound impact of their research on the future of plasma physics and its far-reaching implications for various industries and scientific disciplines.

Elena Belova

• Works on modeling and simulating plasma behavior in fusion devices
• Adapted her code to model the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) and NSTX-Upgrade (NSTX-U)
• Collaborated with major facilities like DIII-D National Fusion Facility and private fusion companies through the DOE’s Innovation Network for Fusion Energy program
• Received the Katherine E. Weimer Award from the American Physical Society in 2005 and became a fellow of APS in 2020
• Initially discouraged from pursuing physics, she advises young people to pursue their dreams
• Enjoys gardening and online chess outside of work

Yevgeny Raitses

• Works on low-temperature plasma (LTP) science and applications, including space propulsion systems, nanomaterial synthesis, and semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Overseen significant growth in LTP research at PPPL, with a department that now has dozens of people and projects
• Passion for the field began with his interest in space travel and plasma propulsion
• Launched PPPL’s Hall Thruster Experiment in 1999 and holds several patents related to propulsion systems
• Heads the Laboratory for Plasma Nanosynthesis & Nanofabrication and leads a major project exploring innovative plasma sources for microelectronics
• Earned his doctoral degree in aerospace at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in 1997 and is a fellow of the APS and an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Enjoys traveling and playing volleyball competitively outside of work

Both Belova and Raitses have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have been recognized for their achievements. They also seem to have a passion for their work and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.