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 | Sept. 19, 2024

NRL's Innovative TSN and TSRV Technology Enhances Navy Ship Readiness

By Emily Winget, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON   –   U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering engineers install an advanced Thermal Spray Nonskid (TSN) coating system on the USS Kearsarge, with the new Thermal Spray Robotic Vehicle (TSRV), to further support U.S. Navy mission readiness, safety, and a well-equipped Fleet.
 
“The successful application of TSN using the TSRV on the USS Kearsarge marks a significant milestone in the Navy's efforts to modernize its Fleet and improve operational readiness,” said NRL Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering Branch Head Ted Lemieux. “NRL is committed to developing innovative technologies that support the Navy's mission and enhance the safety and well-being of our Sailors.”
 
The USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, is under routine maintenance at the British Aerospace (BAE) Shipyard in Norfolk, Va. During her overhaul, the vessel will undergo multiple repairs and upgrades, including TSN installation for the first time.
 
“The TSN flight deck nonskid coating system, transitioned to the Navy by NRL, offers significant advantages over traditional nonskid coatings,” said NRL Materials Research Engineer Jimmy Tagert. “The standard epoxy nonskid requires replacement every 2 to 3 years, whereas TSN has proven to last 10 years. Therefore, a ship with TSN does not have to include nonskid replacement for 3-4 repair cycles, reducing the need for shipyard resources.” Additionally, TSN is a metallized coating that can withstand the harsh shipboard environmental conditions and enhance the long-term corrosion protection of the structure. 
 
The TSRV, a state-of-the-art robotic vehicle, automates the process of applying TSN, further improving efficiency and reducing costs. The TSRV combines multiple steps of the TSN application process, from deck preparation to spraying the nonskid solution.
 
“Combining multiple steps of the TSN application process into a single unit helps us get the work done 2 to 3 times faster, providing schedule relief during complex maintenance availabilities,” Tagert said. “The efficiency demonstrated by this project ensures stability and preparedness for the Department of the Navy. The TSRV is a great example of how robotics and automation can be deployed to accomplish maintenance tasks during ship repair availabilities.”
 
"The TSN and TSRV project has the potential to revolutionize ship maintenance," said Tim Wise, Senior Engineer with Precise Systems and NRL contractor. "By reducing maintenance time and costs, we can ensure that our ships are always ready for deployment.”
 
TSN and TSRV technology provides enhanced durability, improved safety, increased efficiency and environmental benefits all while reducing life cycle maintenance costs and supporting the Navy’s mission of operational readiness.
 
NRL strives to continue enhancing this technology to support TSN operations for the Navy. Mr. Tagert and his team intend to shape the TSN application process to expand nonskid technology to all ship classes, including smaller vessels, to further support the Navy’s operational readiness.
 
The NRL Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering continues to address challenges in corrosion and marine fouling. The Marine Corrosion Facility is located in Key West, Fla. residing in an unparalleled site for natural seawater exposure testing and marine related materials evaluation. 

 
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.