Welcome
I am a
postdoctoral researcher at the Department
of Mathematics at the University
of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I work
on astrophysical and fusion ionized
gases a.k.a. plasmas, and have a
side interest in fluid dynamics (both astro
and geophysical). My current work is on
developing effecient computer models for
marginally collisional plasmas. This is
especially important for understanding the
so-called edge regions of
magnetic-fusion energy devices.
My earlier work focused on some of the ways that magnetic fields can fundamentally alter the behaviour of collections of galaxies (clusters), the inter-stellar medium and accretion discs. Specifically I examined how a magnetized plasma (one where charged particles orbit magnetic field lines faster than they collide with one another) transports momentum and energy. Understanding this will help explain the nature of galaxy clusters and the formation of stars and planets.
About Me
I was born and raised in London, UK, but I now split my time between Los Angeles and San Francisco. When I'm not working, I enjoy football (the proper English kind), traveling, being outside, and live music.
Galaxy Clusters, Northern Lights and Plasma Physics
This is a picture of the Coma cluster of galaxies.
Galaxy clusters contain around 1000 galaxies (like our Milky Way) which are gravitationally bound to one another. Unopposed the galaxies will move towards each other, collecting slowly in a central region. However, this is not what we observe. One explanation for this is that the sparse ionised gas (plasma) in between the galaxies impedes their motion. To properly understand if and how this process occurs a good understanding of the plasma dynamics in this environment is required. This is part of my work.
Another plasma phenomenon closer to home, but no less spectacular, is the Auroras: the Northern and Southern Polar Lights. The Northern Hemisphere Aurora Borealis is shown at the top of this page. Charged particles (plasma) thrown off from the sun travels through the solar system until they strike the earth's magnetic field and collide with particles in the upper atmosphere giving off light in spectacular patterns.