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​My research, to date, has focused on the theoretical and computational modeling of problems related to high power RF applications, gas
discharge and breakdown, plasma physics, and accelerator technology.
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Here is a brief account of my research projects -
Multipactor
Multipactor refers to the process of developing an electron avalanche in a high-power microwave device that causes a multitude of problems
in satellite communication and Radio Frequency (RF) applications. These problems include, but are not limited to, breakdown of RF
windows, erosion of metallic structures, melting of internal components of devices, detuning RF systems etc. Therefore, multipactor is a
major concern in building and operating high power microwave sources, RF accelerators, and space-based communication systems.
My research focuses on the characterization and mitigation of multipactor in different geometric configurations. I am especially interested
in multipactor induced by RF fields that consist of multiple frequency components, commonly referred to as the multi-frequency RF
operation.
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Want to learn more about multipactor? Here's a short video presentation which I prepared as part of a semester project while I was in my
grad school.
Electron Induced Secondary Electron Emission (SEE)
Secondary Electron Emission (SEE) is the process of emitting secondary electrons from a surface when a primary electron/ion impacts the
surface. Electron induced SEE causes performance degradation in rf accelerators, microwave components, and satellite
communication systems, by introducing effects like electron cloud, electrostatic discharge, and multipactor.
I study electron induced SEE characterization and mitigation in porous surfaces and its application on multipactor mitigation.
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(Here's an excellent introductory YouTube video on secondary electron emission, hope it helps you understand what this curious thing is!)
Electrical Discharge in Gases (also referred to simply as "Gas Discharge")
Many modern technologies employ low temperature plasma and gas discharge in a variety of applications including surface treatment and
spectroscopy, pollution control, air purification, water treatment, space propulsion, and plasma medicine.
I study the characterization of streamer and glow discharge in gases. My research especially focuses on the breakdown characterization of
gases under different discharge conditions which is important for optimization of plasma technological processes in discharge devices.
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If you have time, I do recommend visiting this YouTube video to learn a little bit more about the fascinating phenomenon of electric
discharge in gases! Following are a couple of beautiful pictures (of course, borrowed from the Wikipedia :P) showing a couple of different
types of the gas discharge phenomena.
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Glow discharge
Streamer discharge from a Tesla Coil