Sander Nijdam

Sander Nijdam is an Associate Professor in the Elementary Processes in Gas Discharges (EPG) group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He focuses on transient plasma phenomena, including streamers, microwave discharges, and EUV-induced discharges, with applications in both industrial and natural contexts like lightning. His research bridges fundamental physics and practical engineering solutions.

• Education:
  • MSc in Applied Physics, TU/e (2000)
  • PhD in Experimental Plasma Physics, TU/e (2011)
• Affiliations:
  • EPG Group Lead
  • Course Instructor (e.g., Electromagnetism and Optics)

His research investigates the dynamics of transient discharges, aiming to control and utilize these phenomena. Key projects include plasma-assisted combustion optimization, surface charging diagnostics, and lightning physics. Nijdam’s work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through energy and environmental applications.

Research Trends: Recent articles focus on electric field measurements in streamers, plasma-ignition combustion, and advanced diagnostics like E-FISH and Pockels effect. These studies emphasize interdisciplinary methods, combining experiments with numerical simulations.

• Awards:
  • Noah Hershkowitz Early Career Award (2017)
  • NWO Veni Award (2014)
  • ERC Consolidator Grant (2024)
• Grants/Projects:
  • Defect-Driven Local Charging (2022–2027)
  • Plasma Power: Plasma Torch Design (2021–2027)
  • PhotoLitho Surface Charging (2020–2027)

Labs/Teams: Leads the EPG group, collaborating on plasma diagnostics and combustion projects. Active in media engagements to explain lightning science and plasma technology.