Department of Plasma Physics and interaction of Radiation with Matter

Research topics:

Plasma Physics

Astrophysics

Spectroscopy Experiments with Alkali Atoms and X-ray Absorption Studies

Astrobiology

Planetary Atmospheres and Habitability

Radiolysis and Thermolysis in Prebiotic Chemistry

• Plasma Physics

We contribute to the solution of equilibrium, stability, and transport of magnetically confined plasmas in the context of controlled nuclear fusion research. Specifically, our investigation focuses on mechanisms that can enhance plasma confinement in toroidal devices, such as tokamaks and stellarators.

Researchers:

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• Astrophysics

We conduct studies on astrophysical fluids, focusing on various types of jets: jets associated with gamma-ray bursts, jets from young and evolved stars, and jets in stellar binary systems. We also study other astrophysical fluids, including supernova remnants, turbulent molecular clouds, galactic-scale flows (such as winds from star formation, and mass redistribution within galaxies), photoionized regions, and interactions between exoplanets and stellar winds and their magnetic fields. To carry out these studies, we develop computational codes for fluid dynamics (newtonian and relativistic hydrodynamics andmagnetohydrodynamics, radiative transport, and chemical kinetics). We also create analytic models and conduct observational work using both ground-based and orbital telescopes.

Investigadoras/es:

Website:

Astrophysics at the ICN-UNAM

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• Spectroscopy Experiments with Alkali Atoms and X-ray Absorption Studies

The interaction processes between atomic systems and laser radiation fields are studied with the aim of developing experimental quantum control tools, both in thermal atomic vapours and in clouds of cold atoms confined in magneto-optical traps. The precision spectroscopy techniques developed enable the manipulation of the internal and motional degrees of freedom of atoms. The research includes the production of Rydberg states through multiphoton excitation processes, with the goal of developing quantum technologies such as electromagnetic radiation sensors in the terahertz range. Additionally, the effects of intensity structure, polarization, phase, and orbital angular momentum of a light beam on the probability of inducing transitions that are forbidden under the electric dipole approximation are investigated. The primary motivation of this research is the creation of novel quantum control methods for atomic states. The group also studies the structure of highly correlated materials containing transition metals using resonant X-ray absorption and inelastic soft X-ray scattering (RIXS). In addition, to contribute to the advance of quantum technologies in Mexico through the implementation of quantum metrology and high-precision spectroscopy systems, the development of high-precision quantum sensors based on matter-wave interferometry techniques, specifically an atomic gravimeter, is also a research goal of the department.

Researchers:

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• Astrobiology

We conduct experimental research in astrobiology, to study some of the most important physicochemical processes in chemical evolution leading to the abiotic formation of organic compounds in terrestrial environments. Additionally, similar processes that may occur in extraterrestrial locations within our solar system, such as Mars and the icy moons Titan, Europa, and Enceladus, are examined. Furthermore, the research aims to contribute to quantitative chemical analysis techniques that can be used in space exploration missions.

Researcher:

Dr. Jorge Armando Cruz

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• Planetary Atmospheres and Habitability

We carry out theoretical studies on planetary atmospheres, planetary habitability conditions, and remote detection of life on exoplanets. Additionally, we conduct experimental research on the physical and chemical characteristics of protoplanetary disks and meteorite components.

Researcher:

Dr. Antígona Segura Peralta

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• Radiolysis and Thermolysis in Prebiotic Chemistry

Research is conducted on radiolysis and thermolysis of compounds relevant to prebiotic chemistry, including radiation-induced reactions in frozen aqueous systems and the effects of radiation on solids such as alkali halides with rare-earth impurities. Additional studies focus on changes in the properties of irradiated solids, surface phenomena, and applications of solid-state properties to chemical evolution and dosimetry.

Investigador:

Dr. Sergio Ramos Bernal

Department of Plasma Physics and
Interaction of Radiation with Matter