My research interests lie in the areas of experimental and computational Plasma Physics. This work has applications in basic plasma physics, laboratory studies of space and astrophysical plasmas, plasma processing and fusion diagnostics. My primary research is conducted in the Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory.
I’m presently involved in the following research topics:
- Dusty or Complex Plasmas
- Transport and thermodynamics of dusty plasmas
- Development and operation of a multi-user facility for magnetized dusty plasmas
- Diagnostic development, waves, and transport in microgravity complex plasmas
- Plasma flows in magnetized plasmas
- Multi-scale studies of electrostatic instabilities in plasmas with sheared flows.
- Properties of lower hybrid and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in laboratory and space plasmas.
This research is supported by grants from:
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (OFES)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Previous support from: Defense of Defense (DoD) – Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
As of Spring, 2023, Prof. Thomas has led research activities that have received over $17 million in external funding.