17 October 2005 (To download a print-quality photo file of Dr. Fsich, go to the end of this article.)

PPPL's Fisch to Receive Maxwell Prize

Plainsboro, New Jersey — Nathaniel Fisch, a professor at Princeton University and a scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), has been named the 2005 recipient of the American Physical Society's James Clerk Maxwell Prize for Plasma Physics. The prize recognizes Fisch for his outstanding contributions to the field of plasma physics. It will be given at the APS-Division of Plasma Physics annual meeting in Denver this month. Fisch is cited "For theoretical development of efficient radio frequency-driven current in plasmas and for greatly expanding our ability to understand, to analyze, and to utilize wave-plasma interactions." Fisch is best known for his predictions of new ways to drive electric current in hot, magnetized plasma by means of electromagnetic waves, and for his analyses of techniques to use radio waves to drive electrical currents in plasmas. Plasma is a hot, ionized gas that serves as the fuel for nuclear fusion. These wave-induced currents can enable fusion reactors, called tokamaks, to operate continuously, which is necessary for an economical and practical fusion reactor. These currents are now being employed also to control the heat and particle transport in fusion devices around the world. In his recent research, Fisch is also exploring plasma-based methods of generating extreme laser intensities, plasma thrusters and related plasma devices, and new fusion concepts employing magnetically or inertially confined plasma. PPPL Director Rob Goldston said, "Professor Fisch's work on radio frequency waves and their application to driving currents in plasmas has changed the face of international fusion research, making it possible to contemplate fusion systems that operate fully steadily, rather than in short pulses. In many ways the research agenda of the last decade in fusion plasma physics has only been made possible by Nat's insights." Fisch is Professor of Astrophysical Sciences and Director of the Program in Plasma Physics at Princeton University. He also is an Associated Faculty in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. At PPPL, he is the Associate Director for Academic Affairs and the Head of the Laboratory's Hall Thruster Experiment. Scott Tremaine, Chair of Princeton University's Department of Astrophysical Sciences, said, "Nat Fisch is not only an exceptional theoretical physicist but also is committed to the fulfillment of PPPL's unique role in the training of the next generation of plasma physicists, and to strengthening the interactions between PPPL and the University research community. Nat's work exemplifies the benefits that accrue to both communities from close cooperation between universities and national labs." Fisch studied electrical engineering and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was an MIT National Scholar. He received a B.S. degree in 1972, an M.S. degree in 1975, and a Ph.D. in 1978. He received an E.O. Lawrence Award in 2004, a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1985, the 1992 APS Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics, and a Department of Energy Bronze Medal for Outstanding Mentor 2002. Fisch is the author or co-author of more than 200 research papers and has been granted nine U.S. patents. He is a resident of Princeton Borough. The James Clerk Maxwell Prize for Plasma Physics, presented annually, consists of $5,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It was established in 1975 by the Maxwell Technologies, Inc., in honor of Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell and is presently sponsored by General Atomics. The prize shall be for outstanding contributions to the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of properties of highly ionized gases of natural or laboratory origin. The prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person but a prize may be shared when all the recipients have contributed to the same accomplishments. Past PPPL recipients of the Maxwell Prize include Russell Kulsrud in 1993, Harold Furth in 1983, Thomas Stix in 1980, and Lyman Spitzer in 1975. PPPL, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by Princeton University, is a collaborative national center for science and innovation leading to an attractive fusion energy source. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars. In the interior of stars, matter is converted into energy by the fusion, or joining, of the nuclei of light atoms to form heavier elements. End For further information, please contact: Anthony R. DeMeo Head, Information Services Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (609) 243-2755 ademeo@pppl.gov Patricia Wieser Information Services Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (609) 243-2757 pwieser@pppl.gov Downloadable print-quality photo of: Dr. Nathaniel Fisch Resolution is 300 dpi, print size is approximately 3.6 inches wide by 4.6 inches high, file type is jpeg, and file size is 1.1 MB. Photo by Elle Starkman.

PPPL is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by Princeton University.

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Created: 17 October 2005 Send questions or comments to: Anthony R. DeMeo at ademeo@pppl.gov