SSX Lab

SSX Lab

A Turbulence and Plasma Astrophysics Laboratory

Department Overview

The Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment

In 2014, the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment celebrated its 20th of year of research in plasma physics. Professor Brown has led a team of over forty undergraduates and three postdoctoral researchers in cutting edge laboratory research of astrophysical phenomena including magnetic reconnection and MHD turbulence.

A Bright Bluish Glow

A large glass chamber was recently installed on SSX in preparation for the development of the plasma pulser coils. A helium glow discharge gives off the characteristic bluish color.

Conference of Cutting Edge Energy

Profs Brown and Schaffner traveled to Washington, DC, to present SSX work at the annual ARPA-E Summit, a gathering of researchers looking at cutting edge energy technology.

SSX wins ARPA-E Contract

Swarthmore has received a portion of the $30 million ALPHA projected established by ARPA-E to study the prospects of a twisted Taylor state as a target for a fusion energy reactor. Read more...

SSX Wind Tunnel Extension

Turbulence and plasma research is conducted inside the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment wind tunnel.

Plumes of Plasma

The magnetized plumes of plasma produced inside SSX (right image) are similar to coronal loops produced on the surface of the sun (left image). 

A Plasma Pulse

Over 100,000 Amperes of current is driven through Hydrogen gas to create the bright flash of plasma.

Probing Plasma Turbulence

The magnetic probe and Langmuir probe are ready to measure fluctuations when plasma emerges from the tunnel

All Hands on Deck

Swarthmore Students Emily Hudson '17 and Peter Weck '15 help clean the copper wind tunnel before it is inserted into the SSX chamber.

A Bright Bluish Glow

A large glass chamber was recently installed on SSX in preparation for the development of the plasma pulser coils. A helium glow discharge gives off the characteristic bluish color.

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Our Plasma Physics Community

Here are a few of many organizations, groups, and institutions in our plasma physics research community