Plasma Physics Division

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