About NCPST
Plasmas have diverse applications in material processing, environmental technologies, medicine, information technologies, energy and space.
The National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology (NCPST) unites researchers from multiple disciplines, provides support for all levels, and connects with industry and the wider community to foster an inclusive interdisciplinary research environment.
What are plasmas?
Plasmas are the fourth state of matter, and the most abundant in the visible universe. They are ionised gases where electrons are freely mobile. Plasmas consist of electrons, ions, atoms and molecules and exhibit unique phenomena and processes. Plasmas have a broad parameter regime that allows for diverse applications, from nanoelectronics to healthcare.
Naturally occurring plasmas include glows from stars, aurorae, and lightning. On Earth, plasmas have revolutionised society by enabling technologies like computer chips, solar cells, and material growth. Plasma science offers opportunities to develop solutions for global challenges like clean energy, cancer therapeutics, antimicrobials, and environmental technologies.