23rd National Symposium on Plasma Science & Technology (PLASMA-2008)

Abstract

It is our pleasure to present the proceedings of the 23rd National Symposium on Plasma Science and Technology (PLASMA-2008) held at Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai, 10– December 2008 in association with the Plasma Science Society of India. The Plasma Science Society of India has been holding regular symposia on general topics related to Plasma. The symposium was designed to provide a forum for young researchers in Plasma Science and Technology to interact with eminent plasma scientists from India and abroad and to present their work. The scope of the symposium included frontline research in Basic Plasma Physics as well as significant advances in Plasma Technology. In view of the ever-growing importance of Plasma Science and Technology to India's Nuclear Energy program, the focal theme of the symposium was chosen as ‘Plasmas in Nuclear Fuel Cycle’. The scientific program of this four day symposium consisted of review talks, invited topical lectures, contributed oral and poster presentations in the following areas of Plasma Science & Technology. Basic Plasma Physics, simulations and modeling (BP) Nuclear fusion and Technology (NF) Space & Astrophysical Plasma(SA) Exotic Plasmas, Non-linear Dynamics(EP) Laser Plasma Interaction and Beam Physics (LP) Industrial applications of plasmas (IP) Plasma Diagnostics(PD) Plasmas and clean environment(PC)There was also a Special Session devoted to the focal theme Plasmas in Nuclear Fuel Cycle (PANFC) Applications in Nuclear Fusion Technology (ANFT) Physics and technology of Processing Plasmas in Nuclear Fuel Cycle (PPNFC). Plasma Technology finds wide applications not only in nuclear, space and defense-related industries but also in medical, nano-technology and semiconductor industries. Plasma technologies have distinguished themselves in terms of compactness, process efficiency, techno economics and innovative possibilities. As we advance into the new technology era, there is a need for evolving strategies to apply the plasma technology to a large number of industrial sectors. The number of users of plasma machines is steadily increasing in the country. In recent years, the use of plasma has become common practice to develop novel materials, to increase specific yields and to improve the all-round product quality.The main emphasis of this symposium has been to focus on issues related to new directions in Basic Plasmas as well as Plasma Technology. The response to this symposium has been overwhelming. The present volume is a compilation of the papers from plenary lectures, invited talks and contributory papers presented by the participants. The invited presentations and contributed papers cover a wide spectrum of issues including novel plasma based devices and their applications. The industry response to this symposium has also been highly encouraging. It is heartening to note the enthusiastic response from the student community.We are thankful to the leading national and international experts who readily agreed to participate in the symposium and provided the abstracts of their talks well in advance. Our sincere thanks are due to all invited and plenary speakers. The editors and editorial working group express their heartfelt thanks to Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Government of India, for his constant encouragement. Our grateful thanks are due to Dr S Banerjee, Director, BARC, for his keen interest, encouraging message and support for the symposium. Thanks are also due to Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), Department of Science and Technology, Board of Research in Fusion Science and Technology and other agencies for sponsoring this symposium. The editors are extremely grateful to the National Advisory Committee and its Chairman, Professor P K Kaw, Dr L M Gantayet, Director, BTDG, BARC, and Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee, Dr A K Das, Chairman, Symposium Organizing Committee and the Plasma Science Society along with all the members of the organizing committee for their help in publishing this volume.We shall consider these proceedings a success if young researchers are initiated and inspired to work in this multidisciplinary technology area and foundation is laid for collaborative ventures between research laboratories, academic institutions and industry. Editors BARC Mumbai