About the Plasma Physics Division

The Plasma Physics Division conducts a broad theoretical and experimental program of 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; nuclear weapons effects; inertial confinement fusion; atomic physics; plasma processing; nonlinear dynamics and chaos; free electron lasers and other advanced radiation sources; advanced accelerator concepts; and atmospheric laser propagation. Areas of experimental interest include laser-plasma, laser-electron beam, and laser-matter interactions, high-energy laser weapons, laser shock hydrodynamics, thermonuclear fusion, electromagnetic wave generation, the generation of intense electron and ion beams, large-area plasma processing sources, electromagnetic launchers, high-frequency microwave processing of ceramic and metallic materials, advanced accelerator development, inductive energy storage, laboratory simulation of space plasma phenomena, high altitude chemical releases, and in situ and remote sensing space plasma measurements.

Research Activity Areas