Carlos Romero-Talamas

Dr. Carlos Romero-Talamas is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), affiliated with the Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics. His research focuses on plasma physics, particularly dusty plasmas, magnetic confinement fusion, and plasma diagnostics. He leads the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment (CMFX) and the ECLAIR magneto-inertial fusion projects, exploring high-temperature plasma confinement and applications in energy and space propulsion.

• Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Caltech, 2005), M.S. in Aeronautics (Caltech, 2000), M. Space Studies (International Space University, 1998), B.S. in Engineering Physics (ITESM, 1995).
• Affiliations: UMBC Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics.

Research interests include magnetized rotating plasmas, dusty plasma crystallization, and fusion energy. He develops advanced diagnostics like interferometry, Thomson scattering, and magnetic field mapping systems. Notable projects include the 1-T Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) and the ALPHA magnet system.

His work addresses challenges in plasma stability, confinement scaling, and materials compatibility under extreme conditions. Recent publications focus on centrifugal mirror experiments, ion rotational dynamics, and fusion yield measurements. Awards include the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2014) and Mid-Career Excellence Award (2023).

• Awards: Mid-Career Faculty Excellence Award, DARPA Young Faculty Award, PROMISE AGEP Mentorship Award.

Grants include funding from the BETHE program for CMFX. He collaborates on projects like the Helicity Space peristaltic compressor and neutron source development. His lab (DPLX) studies dusty plasma flows and shear instabilities.