Dynamics of dense plasma structures generating strong fields and energetic particles: from lightning to inertial fusion

Although formation mechanisms and evolution dynamics of plasma structures, especially those of spherical and toroidal shape, have been studied since the very beginning of the plasma research their understanding is limited yet. The student would combine advanced diagnostic and theoretical (leading to computer simulations) techniques to shed light on behaviour of dense plasma structures (e.g., plasmoids, toroids, filaments, and so on) on different temporal, spatial and complexity scales. Obtained results should reveal how energetic particles, their currents and the fields associated with them affect the formation of plasma structures (e.g., plasmoids), et vice versa, how the spatio-temporal evolution of these structures influences the particles, currents and fields. This understanding is important not only for fundamental plasma physics but also for laboratory astrophysics, laser-plasma chemistry, physics and chemistry of atmosphere (ball lightning; formation and decomposition of greenhouse gases) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF).