Optical Spectroscopy of Laser-Produced Plasmas - Nuclear Nonproliferation Applications

Dr. Sivanandan Harilal

Chief Scientist in the National Security Directorate, at the DOE Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Seminar Information

Seminar Series
Energy: Joint Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Dept & Center for Energy Research

Seminar Date - Time
April 1, 2024, 11:00 am
-
12:15

Seminar Location
EBU2 Room 584

Headshot Dr. Sivanandan Harilal

Abstract

Optical spectroscopy is one of the most established plasma diagnostic tools.  The basics of optical spectroscopy include analyzing atomic and molecular line radiations, which can be used for diagnosing the laser-produced plasma (LPP) through the knowledge of plasma spectroscopy. In this presentation, the applications of optical spectroscopy (emission, absorption, and laser-induced fluorescence) of LPP will be discussed in the context of nuclear nonproliferation.

Speaker Bio

Sivanandan S. Harilal is working as chief scientist in the National Security Directorate, at the DOE Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington, USA.  His research interests include laser-plasma interaction, plasma chemistry, plasma and fireball spectroscopy, and materials under extreme environments.  Dr. Harilal received a Ph.D. degree in plasma physics from Cochin University of Science & Technology, in 1998 and was an Alexander Humboldt fellow at Ruhr University of Bochum during 1999-2001.  Prior to joining PNNL in 2014, he worked as an associate professor at the School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University, IN (2008-2014) and was a member of the fusion group at the University of California San Diego, CA (2001-2007).