Speaker: Dr. Matthew Stoneking, Lawrence University
Abstract: The hydrogen atom provides the simplest system and in some cases the most precise one for comparing theory and experiment in atomics physics. The field of plasma physics lacks an experimental counterpart, but there are efforts underway to produce a magnetically confined positron-electron plasma that promises to represent such a simplest plasma. Our approach is to utilize techniques from the non-neutral plasma community to trap and accumulate positrons prior to mixing them with electrons in a magnetic trap with good confinement properties. Ultimately we aim to use a levitated superconducting dipole configuration fueled by positrons from a reactor-based positron source and buffer-gas trap. This talk will provide an overview of progress toward this goal.