Rhoen Eate

My interest in fusion began during my master’s studies in semiconductor and plasma technology at Dublin City University (DCU). With my master’s project focusing on RF heating of low-temperature plasmas through simulation, my curiosity for plasma as an energy solution deepened, specifically regarding how advanced microwave systems can both probe and control plasma behaviour. This experience, married with my time as an RF and microwave antenna engineer at Saint-Gobain Research Germany, solidified my motivation to combine my knowledge in physics and engineering in the pursuit of fusion technologies.

For my PhD, I will be working under the supervision of Roddy Vann (University of York) and Rennan Bianchetti-Morales (UKAEA) on the development of a hybrid short-pulse and frequency-swept O-mode reflectometer for the MAST-U tokamak. This system will test the feasibility of using compact, integrated-circuit-based microwave diagnostics for real-time control of plasma position and stability. By exploring new architectures for reflectometry, I aim to advance the diagnostic tools needed for the next generation of spherical tokamaks and future power-plant designs such as STEP.

Supervisors

• Prof Roddy Vann