Plasma is a state of matter consisting of a collection of ionized particles, electrically neutral atoms, and molecules. It makes up more than 90% of the observable universe and underpins several high-tech manufacturing industries. Familiar forms of plasma include the sun, stars, lightning, neon signs, television screen displays, welder’s torches, and rocket exhaust. The NSF EPSCoR CPU2AL project seeks to understand, predict, and control plasma processes and interactions in low-temperature plasma (LTP) environments. This knowledge can be used to develop new technologies for aerospace, manufacturing, medicine, agriculture, and food safety. Research thrusts include investigating the basic physical properties and modeling of complex low-temperature plasma in both naturally occurring and commercial and industrial settings, and the prediction and preparation of novel materials that have unique physical and biological properties. Potential applications include superhard materials, prosthetics, and food disinfection. The project shares resources and leverage partnerships among Alabama institutions and industries to strengthen the research capacity and to build and train an inclusive workforce in plasma science and technology. The NSF EPSCoR CPU2AL project involves a partnership comprising nine universities and a research corporation in Alabama and is funded through Cooperative Agreement OIA-1655280 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track-1 five-year grant within the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The Principal Investigator of the NSF CPU2AL grant is Gary P Zank and the Project Manager is Indira Richardson. The CPU2AL project is overseen by the Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF. ALL Newsworthy Aug 23 As fall 2024 semester begins, UAH welcomes 25 new faculty members to Charger community Aug 25 "The Exciting World of Plasma" Event Enlightens Birmingham Middle-School Students Feb 06 Empowering the Next Generation of Physicists – CUWiP: a Conference sponsored by CPU2AL at Auburn University Dec 12 New plasma stratification computer model has manufacturing, space science uses ALL Newsworthy Aug 23 As fall 2024 semester begins, UAH welcomes 25 new faculty members to Charger community Aug 25 "The Exciting World of Plasma" Event Enlightens Birmingham Middle-School Students Feb 06 Empowering the Next Generation of Physicists – CUWiP: a Conference sponsored by CPU2AL at Auburn University Dec 12 New plasma stratification computer model has manufacturing, space science uses ALL Newsworthy Aug 23 As fall 2024 semester begins, UAH welcomes 25 new faculty members to Charger community Aug 25 "The Exciting World of Plasma" Event Enlightens Birmingham Middle-School Students Feb 06 Empowering the Next Generation of Physicists – CUWiP: a Conference sponsored by CPU2AL at Auburn University Dec 12 New plasma stratification computer model has manufacturing, space science uses Contact Us NSF EPSCoR CPU2AL Cramer Research Hall 2007 320 Sparkman Drive Huntsville, AL 35899256.961.7403 nsfepscor@uah.edu
