University of Southern California Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science The USC Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering USC
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Martin A. Gundersen, Ph.D

Professor of Electrical Engineering, Physics and Astronomy
 

Research Interests
Research activities are in applied plasma science with applications to combustion, pollution control, and pulsed power; quantum electronics, semiconductor devices and physics, and biophysics. Current interests include applications of pulsed power to biological cells, and investigation of cellular responses to pulsed electrical fields. Plasma research includes the transient plasma devices for treatment of polluting gases including NOx emissions from diesel engines, VOC emissions abatement, and applications to power plants, gasoline engines and other sources. The work combines research and development of both plasmas and advanced pulsed power technology, and study of underlying physical mechanisms responsible for plasma chemistry. Research is investigating the application of transient plasmas to ignition for a variety of combustion applications. Gas phase switch research includes optical diagnostic methods for high current discharges, laser induced fluorescence, theory and experiment in developing quantitative models of processes in high power thyratrons. Results for high power switching include the development of a new high power glow discharge switch, the back-lighted thyratron, which can operate at voltages >= 100 kV, peak currents > 50 kA. Semiconductor switch research for pulsed power applications includes investigation of basic physics problems related to high power devices, and fabrication of GaAs switches. Research in semiconductor physics includes development of a model for phonon sideband structure that appears in radiative recombination. Work in quantum electronics includes research and development of optically pumped and other lasers, investigation of new lasing mechanisms, and the development of powerful single mode IR lasers. Dr. Gundersen was technical advisor to Tristar Pictures during production of the motion picture Real Genius and appeared in a bit role, The Lost World, and Congo, several television productions, and has worked with the American Film Institute on workshops for science fiction writers for television and motion pictures.

Research Areas
Plasma

Other Link
See Prof. Gunderson's webpage in Electrical Engineering Department.
 
Contact Information

Web Site: 
http://pulsedpower.usc.edu/
E-mail:            
mag@usc.edu           
Mailing Address:      
Department of Electrical Engineering - Electrophysics
SSC 421
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Office Location:       
SSC 421
Office Phone:          
(213)740-4396
Fax:                         
(213)740-8677


Education
B.A. 1965, University of California at Berkeley
Ph.D. 1972, University of Southern California
 
Research Images

 
Selected Publications

  1. H. Chen, E. Kallos, P. Muggli, T. C. Katsouleas and M. A. Gundersen, “A High Density Hydrogen-Based Capillary Plasma Source for Particle-Beam-Driven Wakefield Accelerator Applications,” IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., Vol. 37, pp. 456-462, 2009.
  2. H. Chen, E. Kallos, P. Muggli, T. C. Katsouleas and M. A. Gundersen, "A High Density Hydrogen-Based Capillary Plasma Source for Particle-Beam-Driven Wakefield Accelerator Applications", IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., accepted for publication.
  3. M. Gundersen, V. Puchkarev, A. Kharlov, G. Roth, J. Yampolsky and D. Erwin, “Transient Plasma-Assisted Exhaust Remediation”, book chapter in “Low Temperature Plasmas” Volume 2, second edition, R. Hippler, H. Kersten, M. Schmidt and K. Schoenbach, Editors, 2008, pp543-550.
  4. C. Cathey, J. Cain, H. Wang, M. A. Gundersen, M. Ryan, and C. Carter, “OH Production by Transient Plasma and Mechanism of Flame Ignition and Propagation in Quiescent Methane-Air Mixtures", Combustion and Flame, Volume 154, Issue 4, September 2008, Pages 715-727.
  5. D. Singleton, M. A. Gundersen, C. Brophy, J. Sinibaldi, J. W. Luginsland, "Development of High Rep-Rate Pulse Detonation Engines Based on Transient Plasma Ignition Technology," IEEE 35th International Conference on Plasma Science, 2008, 15-19 June 2008.
  6. C. Cathey, and M. A. Gundersen, “Transient Plasma Ignition,” Low Temperature Plasma Physics, Rainer Hippler (Editor), Sigismund Pfau (Editor), Martin Schmidt (Editor), Karl H. Schoenbach (Editor) 2008, pp 525-541.
  7. D. Singleton, C. Cathey, A. Kuthi, and M. A. Gundersen, “Applications of Power Modulator Technology to Ignition and Combustion”, Proceedings of the 2008 IEEE International Power Modulator Conference and High Voltage Conference, pp. 174-177, 27-31 May 2008.
  8. K. Busby, J. Corrigan, S. Yu, S. Williams, C. Carter, F. Schauer, J. Hoke, C. Cathey, and M. A. Gundersen, “Effects of Corona, Spark and Surface Discharges on Ignition Delay and Deflagration-to-Detonation Times in Pulsed Detonation Engines,” 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, 8-11 Jan 2007.
  9. C. Cathey, F. Wang, T. Tang, A. Kuthi, M. A. Gundersen, J. Sinibaldi, C. Brophy, J. Hoke, F. Schauer, J. Corrigan , J. Yu, E. Barbour, and R. Hanson, “Transient Plasma Ignition for Delay Reduction in Pulse Detonation Engines,” 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, 8-11 Jan 2007.
  10. Tang, T., F. Wang, A. Kuthi and M.A. Gundersen, "Diode opening switch-based nanosecond high voltage pulse generators for biological and medical applications", IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, 14, No. 4, 878-883; 2007.
  11. P. Krishnaswamy, A. Kuthi, P.T. Vernier, and M.A. Gundersen, "Compact subnanosecond pulse generator using avalanche transistors for cell electroperturbation studies", IEEE Trans. Dielect. Elec. Ins. 14:873-877, 2007.
  12. C. Cathey, T. Tang, T. Shiraishi, T. Urushihara, A. Kuthi, and M. A. Gundersen, “Nanosecond Plasma Ignition for Improved Performance of an Internal Combustion Engine,” IEEE Trans on Plasma Sci., Volume: 35, 6, Part 1, 1664-1668 2007.
  13. Fei Wang, Kuthi, A., Gundersen, M.A., "Compact High Repetition Rate Pseudospark Pulse Generator," IEEE Trans. on Plasma Science, 33 , Issue: 4 , Part 1, 1177 – 1181, Aug. 2005
  14. C. Jiang, W. Hartmann , A. Kuthi, and M. A. Gundersen, "Pseudospark electron beam as an excitation source for extreme ultraviolet generation," Applied. Phys. Letters. 87, 131501 (2005)
  15. C. Jiang, A. Kuthi, and M. A. Gundersen, "Toward Ultracompact Pseudospark Switches," Applied Physics Letters 86, 024105 (2005).  
  16. T. Tang, M. Gundersen, and G. Roth, “DC Switches”, “The Handbook of Accelerator Physics and Engineering,” 3rd Edition, Eds. A. Chao and Maury Tigner, 2006, pp 454-460.
  17. T. Tang , D. R. Singleton, H. Chen, C. D. Cathey, A. Kuthi, and M. A. Gundersen, "Solid State Pulse Adding System for Transient Plasma Ignition," Pulse Power and Plasma Science Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 2007.
  18. C. Cathey, F. Wang, T. Tang, A. Kuthi, M. A. Gundersen, J. Sinibaldi, C. Brophy, J. Hoke, F. Schauer, J. Corrigan , J. Yu, E. Barbour, and R. Hanson, "Transient Plasma Ignition for Delay Reduction in Pulse Detonation Engines," 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, 8-11 Jan 2007.
  19. Kenneth Busby, J. Corrigan, S. Yu, S. Williams, C. Carter, F. Schauer, J. Hoke, C. Cathey, and M. A. Gundersen, "Effects of Corona, Spark and Surface Discharges on Ignition Delay and Deflagration-to-Detonation Times in Pulsed Detonation Engines," 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, Nevada, 8-11 Jan 2007.
  20. P. Hutcheson, C. Brophy, J. Sinibaldi, C. Cathey, and M. A. Gundersen, "Investigation of Flow Field Properties on Detonation Initiation," 42nd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference 2006, Sacramento , California , 9 -12 July 2006.
  21. Hao Chen, Chunqi Jiang, A. Kuthi, Martin Gundersen, "High Voltage, Small Back- Lighted Thyratrons", Presentated in 17th IPMC2006, May 14-18, 2006 Washington D.C.
  22. Hao Chen, Chunqi Jiang, Andras Kuthi, Martin Gundersen, "Small Size Back Lighted Thyratrons", Presentated in 1st EAPPC 2006, Sep 18-22, 2006 Chengdu, China.
  23. T. Tang, A. Kuthi, F. Wang, C. Cathey, and M. A. Gundersen, "Design of 60kV 20ns solid state pulse generator based on magnetic reactor driven diode opening switch," 27th International Power Modulator Conference 2006, Washington D. C., District of Columbia, May 14-18th, 2006.
  24. P. Hutcheson, C. Brophy, J. Sinibaldi, C. Cathey, and M. A. Gundersen, “Investigation of Flow Field Properties on Detonation Initiation,” 42nd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference 2006, Sacramento, California, 9 -12 July 2006.
  25. F. Wang, C. Cathey, A. Kuthi, T. Tang, H, Chen, and M. A. Gundersen, "Pseudospark Based Power Modulator technology for Transient Plasma Ignition," 27th International Power Modulator Conference 2006, Washington D. C., District of Columbia, May 14-18th, 2006. 
  26. C. Jiang, A. Kuthi, and M.A. Gundersen, "Small BLT Switch for Compact Pulsed Power Studies," 2005 IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, Monterey , CA , June 13-17, 2005.
  27. C. Jiang, A. Kuthi, and M.A. Gundersen, "Mini-BLT Switch for Compact Pulsed Power," poster presentation for 2005 IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, Monterey , CA , June 13-17, 2005.
  28. Q. Shui, C.-Y. Chan, M. A. Gundersen, R. J. Umstattd, J. Shaw, and D. S-Y. Hsu, "Design and Fabrication of JFET-Controlled Carbon Nanotube Field Emitter Arrays," Technical Digest of the 18th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference, IVNC 2005, St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, UK, July 10-14, 2005.
  29. Q. Shui, C.-Y. Chan, M. A. Gundersen, R. J. Umstattd, and J. Shaw, "Simulation and Design of JFET-controlled Carbon Nanotube Field Emitter Arrays," the 32nd IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, ICOPS 2005, Monterey, California, June 18-23, 2005.
  30. Ryan Umstattd, C. Schlise and F. Wang, "Gas Evolution during Operation of a CsI-Coated Carbon Fiber Cathode in a Closed Vacuum System," IEEE Trans. Plasma Science, 33, Issue: 2, Part 3, 901-910, 2005.
  31. J.B. Liu, F. Wang, G. Li, A. Kuthi, E. J. Gutmark, P.D. Ronney, and M.A. Gundersen, "Transient Plasma Ignition," IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 33, No. 2, April 2005.
  32. F. Wang, J.B. Liu, J. Sinibaldi, C. Brophy, A. Kuthi, C. Jiang, P. Ronney, and M.A. Gundersen, ‘Transient Plasma Ignition of Quiescent and Flowing Air/Fuel Mixtures," IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 33, No. 2, April 2005
  33. M. Gundersen, "Pseudospark-Based Pulse Generator for Corona-Assisted Combustion Experiments," to appear in "Combustion Processes in Propulsion," 2005.
  34. F. Wang, A. Kuthi, C. Jiang and M. Gundersen, "Technology for Transient Plasma Ignition," 43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno , NV , Jan. 10-13, 2005. AIAA Paper 2005-0951.
  35. D. Lieberman, J. Shepherd, F. Wang and M. Gundersen, "Characterization of a Corona Discharge Initiator Using Detonation Tube Impulse Measurements," 43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno , NV , Jan. 10-13, 2005. AIAA Paper 2005-1344.