Dr Craig Stark

My research interest is in dusty, complex, non‑equilibrium, partially ionised plasmas, where I combine numerical simulation, theoretical modelling, and analytical approaches. My work focuses on substellar atmospheres and low‑temperature technological plasmas, with additional interests in high‑energy pair plasmas in pulsars, solar plasmas, and magnetospheric electrodynamics.

Research activities include:

• Plasma chemistry
  Understanding non‑equilibrium plasma chemistry, reaction pathways, and plasma–surface or plasma–dust chemical interactions in both atmospheric and technological plasmas.

• Plasma initiation and electrical activation
  Investigating discharge initiation, electron avalanches, streamer formation, and electrical activation mechanisms in weakly ionised, dusty, or low‑temperature plasma environments.

• Dusty (complex) plasmas
  Studying dust charging, plasma–dust coupling, electrostatic instabilities, grain coagulation/fragmentation, and the role of particulates in shaping plasma transport and dynamics.

• Waves and flows
  Analysing wave–particle interactions, wave‑driven structure formation, turbulence, internal gravity waves, and multifluid flow behaviour in partially ionised plasmas across astrophysical and laboratory settings.