![An argon plasma jet forms a rapidly growing corkscrew, known as a kink instability. [Credit: A. L. Moser and P. M. Bellan, Caltech ]](https://cloudfront.eas.caltech.edu/eas_news/images/613/medium/plasma-bellon-release.jpg?1329342520)
An argon plasma jet forms a rapidly growing corkscrew, known as a kink instability. [Credit: A. L. Moser and P. M. Bellan, Caltech ]
Using high-speed cameras to look at jets of plasma in the lab, Paul M. Bellan, Professor of Applied Physics, and colleagues have made a discovery that may be important in understanding phenomena like solar flares and in developing nuclear fusion as a future energy source. "Trying to understand nature by using engineering techniques is indeed a hallmark of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech," says Ares Rosakis, Chair of the Engineering and Applied Science Division. [Caltech release] [Plasma movie]
Professor Paul Bellan