I am a CDT student based at York under the supervision of Dr Roddy Vann.
My PhD will focus on the 3D simulation of microwave propagation and mode conversion in tokamaks. This work has interesting applications in many areas; specifically I will be looking at microwave mode conversion at the plasma edge which can be applied to improving theorists models of plasma H-mode formation (self insulating plasma) which currently has no satisfactory explanation. Furthermore, by 3D modelling of Bernstein wave formation in hot plasmas, one can identify how the microwave conversion from X-mode to B-mode effects the power injected into the plasma through microwaves – thus more efficient heating methods can be identified. Understanding of the Physics in these areas is highly relevant to the successful operation and development of ITER and MAST.