An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Our Work : Areas of Research : Plasma Physics

    Plasma Physics
Phone: (202) 767-5635

 

Overview

The Plasma Physics Division conducts broad theoretical and experimental programs 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.

Core Capabilities 

  • Radiation Hydrodynamics - The principal emphasis is in the development and application of theoretical models and state-of-the-art numerical simulations combining magnetohydrodynamics, high energy density physics, atomic and radiation physics, and spectroscopy.
  • Laser Plasma - Primary areas of research include physics underpinnings of laser fusion, high-energy-gain laser-inertial- fusion target designs, experiments and simulations of laser-matter interactions at high intensity, advancing the science and technologies of high-energy krypton fluoride and argon fluoride lasers, advancing the technologies of durable high-repetition-rate pulse power and electron-beam diodes for laser pumping and other applications, laser fusion as a power source.
  • Space and Laboratory Plasmas - Space research includes theoretical, numerical, and laboratory and space experimental investigations of the dynamic behavior of the near-Earth space plasmas and radiation belts, and the modification of space plasmas for strategic effects on HF communications, satellite navigation, over-the-horizon radar, and UHF satellite communications.  Applications-oriented plasma research is performed in the production, characterization, and use of low-temperature plasmas and related technology for applications to advance capabilities across the Navy and DOD.  Pulsed-power investigations include electromagnetic launch science and technology and research on directed energy systems for the U.S. Navy.
  • Pulsed Power Physics - Experimental and theoretical research is performed to advance pulsed power driven accelerator technology in areas relevant to defense applications. Research concerns the production, transport, characterization, and modeling of pulsed plasmas and intense high-power, charged particle beams using terawatt-class hundred-kilojoule pulsed power systems that employ capacitive or inductive energy storage and advanced switching. 
  • Directed Energy Physics - Research encompasses the integration of theoretical/computational and experimental research relevant to DOD, ONR, DARPA, and DoE in the areas of ultra-high field laser physics, atmospheric propagation of intense lasers, advanced radiation and accelerator physics, laser-generated plasma-microwave interactions, and dynamics of nonlinear systems. 

Facilities Fact Sheets

  • Electra Experimental Lab Facility - Electron beam pumped laser.  [ Download PDF]
  • NIKE KrF Laser Target Facility.  [Download PDF]
  • Space Plasma Simulation Chamber.  [Download PDF]

Plasma Physics News

NEWS | April 12, 2024

NRL Releases 25 Technologies for the Next 25 Years, Ensuring Future Maritime Dominance

By Nicholas E. M. Pasquini, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON  –   The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) releases 25 Technologies for the Next 25 Years publication featuring a collection of science and engineering concepts under development to meet critical national security needs over the next quarter century.
 
The select technologies highlight some of the most promising and visionary current areas of NRL research. This work is laying the foundations for enabling future naval technologies wielding the potential to harness powerful new capabilities for our Navy and the Joint Force.
 
“The very nature of science, innovation, and our mission compel us to move forward,” said NRL Director of Research Dr. Bruce G. Danly, SES. “Tomorrow’s challenges will not wait for us to act – naval superiority is essential to deterrence and freedom of the seas. And when called upon to go into harm’s way, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps must be equipped with the weapons and capabilities to fight and win.”
 
NRL is pioneering advancements in fields integral for maintaining the technological edge necessary for future conflicts. From quantum algorithms enhancing computing capabilities to artificial intelligence systems capable of mirroring human cognition, NRL’s research is setting the stage for unprecedented naval applications.
 
In undersea warfare, the Laboratory’s focus on acoustics, sonar technology, and unmanned, coordinated underwater operations demonstrates resolve to address emerging threats. Surface warfare research and disruptive emerging technologies are shaping maritime security through advanced radar technologies and infrared countermeasures, ensuring our vessels’ safety and operational readiness.
 
“The NRL's role as a nexus for innovation ensures our readiness to meet the evolving threats to our national security,” said NRL Commanding Officer Capt. Jesse H. Black. “Reflecting on a century of scientific excellence, we draw inspiration from the NRL's inception in the aftermath of World War I, recognizing the pivotal role of scientific innovation in national defense. Today, as we face new global security challenges, our commitment to advancing science and technology is unwavering.”
 
The 25 Technologies for the Next 25 Years were spotlighted during an event held at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., Apr. 8, where the Chief of Naval Research (CNR) Rear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus delivered a keynote address.
 
“What I admire from NRL is how it constantly challenges its assumptions and does the heavy thinking to pivot to the needs of the Fleet,” said Rothenhaus. “You just need to turn on the news to know the impact your efforts are having in supporting the Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint warfighter. Our brave Sailors and Marines are counting on everyone in this room to continue to keep up the great and important work.”
 
NRL has a longstanding relationship with academia and industry as a collaborator, contractor, and through technology transfer partnership mechanisms, such as commercial licensing, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA), and Educational Partnership Agreements. NRL is a critical link within the Navy’s Research, Development, and Acquisition chain and Naval Research Enterprise.
 
Through NRL, the Navy has direct ties with sources of fundamental ideas in industry and the academic community throughout the world and provides an effective coupling point to the research and development chain for Office of Naval Research.

NRL 25 Technologies for the Next 25 Years Spotlighted at Sea, Air, Space Symposium

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) 25 Technologies for the Next 25 Years were spotlighted during an event held at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., Apr. 8. The event highlighted the promising horizons of NRL research, ensuring the continued superiority of naval forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Sarah Peterson)

   
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
 
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
 
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil.