Fellow
Center for Integrated Plasma Studies
University of Colorado
Ph.D. 1985, University of Colorado

Office: Gamow Tower room F825
Phone: 303-492-6967
Fax: 303-492-0642

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Research

My primary research activities are in the field of nonlinear plasma physics, with emphasis on theoretical modeling and nonlinear simulation of wave and particle phenomenon in a variety of near-earth space-plasma and laboratory environments. Specific research projects in 2002 included studies of the interaction of "transition layers" (a generalization of double layers) with electron phase-space holes, extended into a second spatial dimension for highly magnetized electrons and ions. These and other research projects were complemented by data visualization efforts using state-of-the-art computer graphics packages (such as OpenDX) to aid in the analysis of multidimensional data sets.

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Selected Publications

Main, D.S., D. L. Newman, and R. E. Ergun, “Double Layers and Ion Phase-Space Holes in the Auroral Upward Current Region,” Phys. Rev. Lett., 97, 185001:1-4 (2006).

M. V. Goldman, D. L. Newman and R. E. Ergun, “Phase-space holes due to electron and ion beams accelerated by a current-driven potential ramp.” Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 10, 37-44, (2003).

R. E. Ergun, L. Andersson, C. W. Carlson, D. L. Newman, M. V. Goldman. “Double layers in the downward current region of the aurora,” Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 10, 45-56, (2003).

R. E. Ergun, C. W. Carlson, J. P. McFadden, R. J. Strangeway, M. V. Goldman, D. L. Newman, “Fast auroral snapshot satellite observations of very low frequency saucers.” Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 10, 454-462, (2003).