| Basic research on low energy electron-atom/molecule interactions has provided fundamental knowledge which allowed an understanding of the behavior of gaseous matter in externally applied electric fields. This understanding, in turn, enabled the tailoring of gaseous materials for use in many advanced technologies. The transition from basic research to application, facilitated by this knowledge, is illustrated for the case of gas-discharge lasers, particle detectors, gaseous dielectrics for use by the electric power industry, pulsed power switching, and plasmas for use in the semiconductor industry. |
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