I.

Space Physics
Another application of Plasma Physics, which is important is in the study of the earth

environment in space. A continuous stream of charged particles, called the solar wind, collided on the earth magnetosphere, which shields us from this radiation. Typical parameters in solar wind are n=5x106 m-3 and drift velocity 300 Km/sec. KTi = 10 eV KTe = 50 eV B = 10-9 Tesla

II.

MHD Energy Conversation and Ion Propulsion

It is the practical application of "plasma physics" MHD energy conversion utilizes a

dense plasma jet propelled across a magnetic field to generate electricity. The Lorentz force is q (VxB) where is the jet velocity causes the ion to drift upward and electrons downwards charging the two electrodes to different potentials electrical current can be used drown from the electrodes without efficiency of a heat cycle. The mechanism of the process as show in the fig 1.1 below.

Figure 1.1:

Principal of the MHD generator

The same principal in reverse is used to develops engines for enter planetary missions in fig 1.2 .Current is driven through plasma by applying the voltage to the two electrodes. The jxB force shoots the plasma out of the rockets and reaction accelerates the rocket. The plasma ejected must always be neutral otherwise the space ship will charge to a high potential.

Figure 1.2:
III.

Principal of plasma jet engine for space craft propulsion

Solid state plasma

The free electron and the holes in semi conductors constitute plasma exhibiting the

same sort of oscillation and instabilities as gaseous plasma. Plasma injected in Sb has been particularly useful in studies of this phenomenon because of the latest effect. The effective collision frequency is much less than one would in solid with n=1029 m-3. Furthermore the holes in semiconductors can have high cyclotron frequency. If one were to calculate ND for a solid state Plasma, it will be less than unity quantum mechanical effects. However give the plasma an effective temperature high enough to make ND respective large.