A Universe full of Plasma...What on Earth do we do with them?

6^th March 2023, 14:00 Online Webinar
Dr Kirsty McKay
Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics

Abstract

Plasmas make up 99% of the visible Universe, but examples of plasma on Earth are rare, some naturally occurring examples include lightning and the Aurora. Despite the rarity, of this form of matter on Earth, scientists have still managed to reproduce its unique properties in laboratories around the world, harnessing its power for a wide range of useful and ground-breaking applications. In this talk we explore some of the types of plasma that can be made and how they are applied, from energy production to medical treatment.

Biography

Dr Kirsty McKay has been an academic at the University of Liverpool since 2014 and is part of the Technological Plasma Group. Her current research focuses on understanding the physio-chemical properties of atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma sources and tokomak exhaust regions. Her recent work includes nanoparticle charging and detection, mass spectrometry for chemical identification, and deposition and polymerisation/activation of materials for applications such as semi-conductor passivation. Prior to becoming an academic, Dr McKay was a postdoctoral researcher in the same group, from 2012-2014, where she developed her experimental plasma research skills in the fields of plasma source development and diagnostics. She completed her PhD at Loughborough University, which focused on modelling the physio-chemical properties atmospheric pressure low temperature plasmas particularly when water and/or oxygen are present in the discharge. Outside of her research, Dr McKay has a number of other roles both within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (EEE) at UoL, and in the plasma community. Dr McKay’s leadership roles previously included Chair of Recruitment, Outreach and Public Relations committee within the School (EEE and Computer Science), and EEE Outreach Coordinator. She is now Academic Chair of the Staff-Student Liaison Committee (SSLC).