| Plasma Physics Division
|
| (Code 6700)
|
The field of plasma physics is concerned with behavior of the fourth
state of matter in which the kinetic energy per plasma particle exceeds
the ionizing potential of atoms. The Plasma Physics Division conducts
a broad experimental and theoretical
program in basic and applied research in plasma physics,
laboratory discharge and space plasmas, intense electron and ion
beams and photon sources, atomic
physics, pulsed power sources, laser
physics, advanced spectral diagnostics, and nonlinear systems.
The effort of the
Division is concentrated on a few closely coordinated theoretical and
experimental programs. Considerable emphasis is placed on large-scale
numerical simulations related to plasma dynamics; ionospheric,
magnetospheric, and atmospheric dynamics; solar plasma dynamics;
nuclear weapons effects; thermonuclear
plasma confinement; atomic physics; plasma processing; nonlinear
dynamics and chaos;
free electron lasers and other advanced radiation sources;
advanced accelerator concepts; and atmospheric laser propagation.
The
experimental research program is closely coordinated with the
theoretical program in order to minimize expensive short-term
experimental work which can be simulated by numerical techniques.
Areas of experimental interest include
laser-plasma, laser-electron beam and
laser-matter interactions, thermonuclear fusion, electromagnetic wave
generation, the generation of intense electron and
ion beams,
large area plasma processing sources,
advanced accelerator development, inductive energy storage,
high-frequency microwave processing of advanced ceramic and metallic materials,
electromagnetic rail guns,
laboratory simulation of space plasma phenomena,
and in-situ
and remote sensing space plasma measurements. Emphasis is being placed
on a thorough scientific understanding of physical phenomena
encountered in the above research programs as well as the
advancement of scientifically based technologies. The Division is a
major center for in-house Navy and the Department of Defense basic
and applied research in plasma physics. The Division employs approximately
115 full-time civilian personnel.
MAJOR THRUSTS OF THE DIVISION:
- High power radiation
- Charged particle beams
- Pulsed power
- Nuclear weapons effects simulators
- High power, pulsed radiography
- Space plasma physics
- Laser-matter interaction
- Novel plasma sources
- Plasma/microwave processing
- Nonlinear dynamics, control, and information processing
- Rep-rate KrF laser development
- Laser fusion energy
- Atmospheric laser propagation
- Electric launchers
- Directed energy laser sources
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Last modified: Mon Sep 15 10:36:09 EDT 2008
Naval Research Laboratory