PPST Graduate Students

In its 50+ years, the PPST has supported the research activities of about 200 Princeton graduate students. Most have gone on to receive advanced degrees from their departments (Applied Mathematics, Astrophysical Sciences, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, or Physics) and to rewarding careers in academia and industry.

Based on students’ research interests, candidates are recommended for the PPST by faculty in their home departments. Students typically start in the PPST after passing their department's qualifying exam.

An alphabetical list of PPST Graduate Students.

PPST Graduate Students by Academic Year:

2024-2025
2023-2024 2008-2009
2022-2023 2007-2008
2021-2022 2006-2007
2020-2021 2005-2006
2019-2020 2004-2005
2018-2019 2003-2004
2017-2018 2002-2003
2016-2017 2001-2002
2015-2016 2000-2001
2014-2015 1999-2000
2013-2014 1998-1999
2012-2013 1997-1998
2011-2012 1996-1997
2010-2011 1995-1996
2009-2010 1994-1995


Current Sheet Evolution in a Parallel-plate Accelerator

markuics current sheet

A current sheet is observed to propagate from the breech of a parallel-plate accelerator and exit at a speed of approximately 35 km/s. Two things, among others, are evident in the movie. The first is that the current sheet severely tilts, with the anode attachment leading the cathode. Also, a dense blanket of luminous plasma on the cathode is seen to trail behind the current sheet. Both of these phenomena have negative implications for the performance of pulsed plasma thrusters.

The movie, by Tom Markusic, was made from frames recorded with an Imacon framing camera. For more on the visualization technique and the movie, see "Visualization of Current Sheet Evolution in a Pulsed Plasma Accelerator," T.E. Markusic, J.W. Berkery, and E.Y. Choueiri, IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Vol 33:2 Part 1 (December 2005) 526-529.

The movie file format is mov. The file is 55 kB and it will be downloaded to your computer.