Applied Physics Division Committee
Research Interests
Interests in Applied Physics include research using computational methods applied to HIV-AIDS epidemiology, as well as research in bibliometrics, solar energy, and solar radiometry.
Research Interests
Plasma propulsion: Feasibility of a new type of electric propulsion system.
Activities include experimental investigations and construction of mathematical and computational models to determine efficiencies, physical principles and space mission parameters. The aim is the inclusion of such a propulsion system on a functional CubeSat.
Renewable energy: We work on improvements on a receiver for a solar trough systems. Improvements include hyper-concentration of solar beams, cavity type receiver geometries and inclusion of a hot mirror to increase solar to heat efficiencies. Performance is modelled theoretically, experimentally and computationally.
Home page: https://www.wits.ac.za/staff/academic-a-z-listing/f/philippeferrerwitsacza/
Research page: https://www.wits.ac.za/physics/research-areas/space-propulsion-/
Treasurer, Manuscript Review, and Judging
Leader of the Physics Department’s Photovoltaic Research Group (PVRG).
Managing Director of PVinsight (spin-off company), a SANAS-accredited laboratory which conducts quality assurance testing on Photovoltaic modules.
Research Interests
Solar Energy, specialising in Photovoltaics.
DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials (focus area Diamond, Thin Hard Films and Related Materials)
School of Physics, Wits (Materials Physics Research Institute).
Research Interests
Interaction of ion beams with solid surfaces, ion implantation, ion beam analysis, diamond surfaces, other hard materials, radiation damage.
CoE webpage https://www.wits.ac.za/strongmaterials/focus-areas/diamond-thin-hard-films-and-related-materials/
