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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 | Feb. 19, 2025

NRL Researcher Named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –   U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) researcher Matthew Laskoski, Ph.D., will be inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26, in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
Laskoski, Advanced Materials Section Head, is one of 170 exceptional inventors for the 2024 Class of Fellows. His contributions to the field of high temperature polymeric materials include 56 U.S. patents, 26 of which have been licensed to two small businesses. These patents cover novel polymeric and ceramic materials with exceptional processing advantages, allowing for the manufacturing of parts for high-speed aircraft at more manageable temperatures while achieving superior performance.
 
“I am honored to be receiving this recognition,” Laskoski said. “Even though this is an individual award, I would not be recognized if it wasn’t for the tireless effort of those who I work with, who are the co-inventors on all of my patents.”
 
Laskoski has pioneered multiple generations of high-temperature resin systems and polymer-derived ultra-high temperature ceramics. His leadership as a principal investigator (PI) on numerous successful programs has resulted in significant advancements in his field and patented intellectual property.
 
Through partnerships with multiple companies, large and small, Laskoski facilitated the mass production of NRL-developed resin systems. These collaborations are propelling continued growth in the high-temperature polymer/ceramic fields, both commercially and within NRL.
 
In addition to his research, Laskoski has mentored numerous employees, postdoctoral associates, and students. His dedication to fostering a collaborative research environment has empowered many to excel in STEM fields.
 
“As an NAI fellow I hope to encourage the next generation of young scientists to create and protect their ideas and results using the patenting process,” he said. “The goal is to  work hard to further develop these government ideas and technologies, and to make them accessible to the scientific community.”
 
Laskoski's achievements have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including five NRL Edison Awards, which are given annually to a select few NRL patents with the greatest potential benefit to the country, three NRL Technology Transfer Awards for transitioning/licensing inventions to the private sector, and the Alan Berman Research Publication Award twice for the high quality and significance of his research. One of his research programs was selected as the "Project of the Year" by the DoD Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP).
 
The NAI Fellows Program was established to highlight academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society. Election to NAI Fellow status is the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.
 
 
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. 
 
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