2025 Internship Project Overview

The Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration II Device (PFRC-2) is a compact plasma confinement experiment designed to form and sustain field-reversed configurations (FRCs) using odd-parity rotating magnetic fields (RMF). Understanding PFRC-2 is essential for scaling the device toward future fusion power production with Deuterium–Helium-3 fuel in the PFRC-4. Our group focused on plasma diagnostics to better characterize instabilities and confinement. We analyzed x-ray emissions, arising from Bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation, to assess plasma confinement and infer electron energies. In parallel, we examined high-speed camera data collected at 140,000 frames per second, which provided unprecedented visualizations of plasma oscillations about the device axis. Together, these diagnostics offer complementary insight into PFRC-2 behavior: x-rays quantify energy distribution, while imaging reveals dynamical motion. By combining these approaches, our work contributes new perspectives on instability mechanisms and confinement quality in FRC plasmas.

 

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)

LOCATION

Princeton, New Jersey

 

Interns

Jonah Johnson ’27
Major: Physics
Minor(s): Computer Science, Music
"I learned about the vast scope of questions that fusion scientists are tackling. Our mentors were incredibly helpful and kind in our efforts to approach the questions at hand. I plan to continue working with Professor Cohen for junior independent work."
Andrew Ryan ’26
Major: Chemical and Biological Engineering
Minor(s): Engineering Physics, Materials Science and Engineering
"During this internship, I learned more about how science pushes the boundaries of what we do not know. When exploring, it was super fun to develop a skill I felt we all lose as we grow up: curiosity."
Madelyn Smoyer ’27
Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Minor(s): Creative Writing
"It was so interesting to see the PFRC-2 in action and learn how varying parameters can affect the resulting plasmas. Working with Dr. Cohen and Liam was wonderful. I will definitely look for more research opportunities in the future."

Click to view the end-of-project presentation

 

Samuel Cohen,
Director, Program in Plasma Science and Technology, PPPL

Mentors

  • Bruce Berlinger, Exp/Heating Advanced Technician, Engineering, PPPL
  • Liam David, Ph.D. Candidate, Astrophysical Sciences, PPPL