Physics & Engineering Student | Stellarator Researcher | Radio Enthusiast
Hello! I'm Ikhlas, a passionate physics and engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, pursuing a B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics with a certificate in Nuclear Engineering Materials.
My journey in science is driven by a fascination with plasma physics, fusion energy, and the potential for clean, sustainable power. I'm currently involved in cutting-edge stellarator research, working on impurity control and magnetic confinement optimization.
When I'm not in the lab or analyzing spectroscopic data, you might find me at the campus radio station WSUM, where I host shows and share my love for music with the community. I believe in the power of both scientific discovery and creative expression to make the world a better place.
I'm always eager to tackle complex problems, whether they involve designing experimental hardware, optimizing plasma confinement, or building innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
Boronization is a critical wall conditioning technique in stellarator plasma physics. By injecting boron powder in real-time, we create a protective coating on the plasma-facing components that significantly reduces impurities entering the plasma. This research involves sophisticated spectroscopic analysis to monitor the effectiveness of the boron deposition and its impact on plasma performance.
Modern stellarator optimization involves balancing multiple competing physics requirements: excellent confinement, manageable heat loads, and practical engineering constraints. My work focuses on quasi-isodynamic configurations that minimize particle drifts while maintaining stability. This involves solving complex magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium equations and optimizing magnetic field topology using advanced computational methods.
Currently designing and building a compact quasi-isodynamic stellarator for research and educational demonstration—a groundbreaking fusion device that represents the cutting edge of magnetic confinement technology.
The project is currently in an intensive design and prototyping phase, where theoretical optimization meets practical engineering reality. I'm working through significant challenges with the permanent magnet holder system, which must precisely position dozens of magnets while maintaining structural stability under magnetic forces. The optimization code requires constant refinement to balance the competing demands of magnetic field quality, manufacturability, and material constraints. Each iteration brings new insights into the delicate interplay between coil currents, permanent magnet orientations, and the resulting field topology.
Magnetic Field Decomposition Analysis: Comprehensive contour visualization demonstrating the normal magnetic field components (B_n) generated independently by the toroidal field coils, the permanent magnet dipole array, and their superposed configuration.
Initial Permanent Magnet Architecture: First-generation distributed magnet configuration that, while theoretically optimal for field shaping, presented insurmountable manufacturing and assembly challenges.
Advanced Toroidal Shell Architecture: Revolutionary compact permanent magnet arrangement utilizing a segmented toroidal shell geometry that accommodates variable magnet dimensions and orientations.
A stellarator is a type of fusion reactor that uses external magnetic coils to confine hot plasma in a twisted, doughnut-shaped chamber. Unlike tokamaks, stellarators don't rely on plasma current, making them inherently steady-state devices. The quasi-isodynamic design I'm working on represents an advanced optimization that minimizes particle losses while maintaining excellent confinement properties.
The quasi-isodynamic configuration represents a breakthrough in stellarator optimization. By carefully shaping the magnetic field, we achieve properties that dramatically reduce neoclassical transport—the dominant loss mechanism in stellarators. This involves precise control of the magnetic field's contours of constant magnetic field strength, which must be optimized to minimize particle drifts while maintaining stability.
Designing and fabricating precision-wound coils that can generate the complex 3D magnetic fields required for quasi-isodynamic confinement. This involves careful consideration of current density, heating effects, and magnetic field accuracy.
Integrating a custom permanent magnet system to supplement the electromagnetic coils, allowing for more flexible field shaping while reducing power requirements and complexity.
Thoughts on plasma physics, hobby updates, album reviews, and other musings.
I'm starting this blog as a space to share thoughts on plasma physics papers/textbooks I'm reading, updates on my stellarator project, album reviews, current craft projects and other musings. Expect posts roughly once every week or two.
Check back soon for my first proper post!
I host shows at WSUM 91.7 FM, Madison's student radio station. I love discovering new music and sharing it with listeners through my weekly programs.
A weekly deep-dive into metal music techniques, exploring different riffs, compositions, and instrumental approaches that define the genre.
Weekly exploration of metal subgenres, covering everything from black metal to progressive death metal and emerging fusion styles.
I enjoy the challenge of bouldering and rock climbing. Each route is like solving a puzzle—figuring out the right sequence of moves and building the strength to execute them.
I collect vintage clown figurines and memorabilia. It started as a quirky interest but has grown into an appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind these unique pieces.
Running gives me time to listen to music, think, and take a break from my crazy schedule. I enjoy exploring Madison's trails and having that quiet time to decompress.
I love making cute clothes and accessories through knitting. There's something satisfying about creating something wearable from just yarn and needles.
I'm a big fan of horror films, from classic monster movies to modern psychological thrillers. I enjoy the storytelling, cinematography, and the way good horror can build tension and atmosphere.