'Reference Data' Established to Determine Plasma Calculation Accuracy... Selected as International Cover Article [Reading Science]

Improved Reliability of Plasma Analysis for Fusion, Semiconductor, and Aerospace Applications Expected
Comprehensive Evaluation of Dispersed Oxygen Collision Data
Provides Reference Material Meeting International Standards

Core reference data, which determines the reliability of plasma simulations, has been established by a domestic research team. This development is expected to provide a foundation for improving the accuracy of plasma calculations across advanced industries, including fusion energy, semiconductors, and aerospace.

The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) announced on May 21 that Dr. Song Miyoung of the Plasma Data Group, together with domestic and international researchers, has compiled and evaluated benchmark data on collision reactions involving oxygen molecules, oxygen atoms, and electrons.

Cover article of the Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data. Provided by the National Fusion Research Institute

The results of this research have been selected as the cover article for the March 2026 issue of the international journal, the Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data.

The research team included Professor Cho Hyuck of Chungnam National University; Dr. Grzegorz P. Karwasz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland; Dr. Viacheslav Kokoouline of the University of Central Florida in the United States; Professor Jonathan Tennyson of University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom; and Dr. Klaus Bartschat of Drake University in the United States.

Inside plasma, electrons and atoms or molecules continuously collide, resulting in various reactions. The value quantifying the likelihood of a specific reaction occurring is known as the "collision scattering cross section" data. This serves as fundamental reference material for calculating and predicting plasma states through simulation, and the reliability of the results varies greatly depending on the accuracy of the data.

First Systematic Compilation of "Trusted Reference Data"

Until now, electron collision data related to oxygen had been dispersed across multiple studies, making it difficult for researchers to compare and select appropriate data for use.

The research team comprehensively reviewed and evaluated previous findings to organize reliable benchmark data suitable for oxygen plasma research. By systematizing the previously inconsistent standards for data usage across studies, the team expects more precise plasma calculations and predictions will become possible.

Song Miyoung, Ph.D., Plasma Data Group, National Fusion Research Institute. Provided by the National Fusion Research Institute

This research is part of the ongoing plasma data evaluation studies conducted by the Plasma Technology Research Center at KFE in collaboration with international data experts.

Since 2012, the research team has been evaluating electron collision data for key gases and has published a total of eight related papers, including this one. Among these, two have been selected as cover articles and three as Editor's Picks.

Oh Youngkuk, President of the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, stated, "Reliable basic data that connects experiments, theory, and simulation is essential for the advancement of both plasma source technology and its applications. We will continue to expand the plasma data infrastructure through international research collaboration so that it can be utilized in a wide range of research fields."

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