The PlasmaLab@TU/e was officially opened on December 22nd, 2011 by Rector Magnificus Hans van Duijn of the Eindhoven University of Technology.

TU/e Rector Magnificus Hans van Duijn opening the Plasmalab

TU/e Rector Magnificus Hans van Duijn opening the Plasmalab

It had taken more than a year to build-up the PlasmaLab, a project that was supported by FUSENET and involved several research groups of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Interested people, students and staff, all gathered for this special and festive opening of the PlasmaLab. Enjoying drinks and wondering over the colorful experiments of the PlasmaLab, more and more visitors gradually filled up the 100 m2 of the brand-new PlasmaLab.

Niek Lopes Cardozo as chairman of the TU/e Fusion Group started the official part of the ceremony, giving the word to Klaas Kopinga, the Dean of the department of Applied Physics, who gave an inspiring speech on the cooperation of different plasma physics groups and the possibilities the new PlasmaLab offers, in teaching, outreach and courses for industry.

Niek Lopes Cardozo then emphasized in his speech the main goal of the PlasmaLab: to offer students excellence in plasma physics education, by giving them the opportunity to let theory come alive and gain hands-on experience with the experiments in the PlasmaLab. He also personally thanked all who contributed to the establishment of the lab over the past year.

Overview of the PlasmaLab@TU/e at the Official Opening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rector Magnificus Hans van Duijn of the Eindhoven University of Technology then stressed the importance of our plasma physics expertise for the TU/e’s strategic areas and expressed his support for the collaboration that has led to this hands-on laboratory.

At 16:30, the PlasmaLab was then officially declared opened by TU/e Rector Magnificus Hans van Duijn. With a push on the red button, the letters “PLASMALAB@TU/e” lighted up in the huge sky-banner that is hanging at the top, with a hint to the stars that are made up mostly of plasma.

The push on the button and the official inauguration marks a milestone in the project. “Looking back at the past year, the lab was gradually taken in use and recently the first international hands-on plasma course has been organized.” says PlasmaLab project leader Hans Oosterbeek.

With this inauguration, the buildup phase is closed and the exploitation phase of the PlasmaLab starts, “but it does not mean that new developments are over”, says Oosterbeek. “Some of the more complex setups can be modified to be used not only for education, but also for research purposes”. Add to this the new setups that are already planned, and we can be sure that the PlasmaLab will remain a dynamic place on the TU/e campus for the coming years.

 

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