The Research Training Group 1051 Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Low-Temperature Plasmas: Diagnostics-Modeling-Application establishes a scientifically outstanding research and training program in plasma science and technology. The program is supported by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) and constitutes a coherent scientifically interaction between several partners. All teams together represent the recently founded Center for Plasma Science and Technology .

The subject Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Low-Temperature Plasmas is essential to the field. Diagnostics and Modeling refer to the fact that the complex dynamics of non-equilibrium plasmas can only be understood within an integrated diagnostics and modeling approach. Application refers to the conviction that innovative applications are the true hallmark of a successful interdisciplinary effort.

The recent decades have seen a surging interest for the scientific fundamentals and the technical applications of low-temperature plasmas. Originally employed by the semiconductor industry, plasma based technologies have found a multitude of applications in industries as diverse as metallurgy, optics, lighting, auto, biotechnology and medicine. The once arcane subject of gas discharge physics has become plasma science and technology, and the utilization of the fourth state of matter is now acknowledged as a branch of high-tech and a key to innovation.

In this exciting new field, the Ruhr-Universität Bochum is an internationally recognized leader. Bochum’s Department of Physics has five, the Department of Electrical Engineering two groups working on low temperature plasmas. All teams together represent the Center for Plasma Science and Technology. A further partner is the Forschungszentrum für Mikrostrukturtechnik, Bergische Universität Wuppertal (Department of Electrical Engineering).

The eight groups aim to establish a scientifically outstanding research and training program in plasma science and technology.

The subject Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Low-Temperature Plasmas is essential to the field and harmonizes well with the research direction of the SFB. Diagnostics and Modeling refer to the fact that the complex dynamics of non-equilibrium plasmas can only be understood within an integrated diagnostics and modeling approach: A firm theoretical framework is mandatory for scientific inroads as a well-equipped diagnostics arsenal. Application refers to the conviction that innovative applications are the true hallmark of a successful interdisciplinary effort.

To ensure that the graduates achieve their PhD degrees within three years, and at a high level of scientific and technical excellence, several traditional and innovative instruments will be integrated into the Research Training Group. The scientific research for a doctoral thesis will be supplemented by a comprehensive study program and a series of practical laboratory exercises and internships in selected industrial companies. Regular symposia will be held to give the PhD students the opportunity to interact among each other and to view presentations of leading scientists.

Forces will be joined with the Sonderforschungsbereich to establish a lively seminar culture. In addition to the scientific and technological education, there will be an effort to teach the ”soft skills” of communication and project management.
Particular emphasis will lie on achieving ”international competence”. An integral part of the RST will be the international WE-Heraeus summer school Low Temperature Plasma Physics , Basics and Application and its integrated master class. Participation at international conferences will be strongly encouraged. A close scientific exchange is planned with renowned international partner institutions, among which are the Center for Science and Information, Amsterdam, the Center for Plasma Physics and Radiation Technology, Eindhoven, and other partners further abroad.

In summary, the research and study program of the proposed Research Training Group will bring the recent scientific and technological progress of the field of low temperature plasmas to the collaborating universities’ post-graduate teaching. The graduates of the school will have gained both scientific excellence in the field and a thorough understanding of the diverse applications. With this two-fold qualification, they will be in a good position to apply for qualified positions in wither academia or the technical industry.