Website:  http://www.ieee.org/icops2004

We wish to extend a cordial invitation to the 31^st IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science to be held in Baltimore, MD, between June 27 and July 1, 2004. The conference technical program will feature exciting, up-to-date reports on new developments in plasma science and engineering. The conference location is the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, located on the inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD.

Plasma physics covers a spectrum of topics and has a broad range of applications. This conference will offer a balanced technical program that will have representation from a wide range of research areas including basic plasma physics, inertial- and magnetic-confinement fusion, high-energy-density plasmas, thermal and non-equilibrium plasmas, plasma processing, microwaves, lighting and medical applications. Results from work representing researchers the world over will be presented. The conference will have seven plenary talks of general interest to the plasma physics community given by recognized leaders in their fields.

The Hyatt Regency Baltimore has a lovely view of the Baltimore Inner Harbor. The meeting space is ideally suited for moving between poster and oral talks, and provides room for interactions with colleagues. The hotel is walking distance from many attractions such as the Baltimore Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, Camden yards and many fine shops and restaurants, as well as being only a 30 to 40 minute drive from the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. The conference dates merge with the fourth of July weekend, and a limited number of rooms have been reserved at the conference rate for those wishing to take part in the elaborate 4th of July festivities in both Baltimore and Washington, DC.

The conference organizers, including committee members, session organizers, and conference planners, and the Plasma Science and Applications Committee (PSAC) encourage you to attend this meeting. We will work hard to ensure that the technical program will be rewarding and that your stay in the Baltimore/Washington area will be especially enjoyable.

Bob Commisso, Chair ICOPS 2004, can be reached at the Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6777, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20375-5346; Phone: +1 202 404-8984; Fax: +1 202 767-2012; E-mail: commisso@suzie.nrl.navy.mil