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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 | June 13, 2025

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Welcomes New Commanding Officer

By U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –   The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) bid farewell to Capt. Jesse Black and welcomed Capt. Randy C. Cruz during a time-honored change of command ceremony, June 13.

Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus presided over the ceremony noting Black’s accomplishments during his command.

“He is an Olympic athlete of solving hard problems. He is the guy you call in to build the team,” Rothenhaus said. “The team at the lab is really good at keeping that North Star with an optimistic sense of urgency.”

Black, who assumed command in July 2023, oversaw a range of groundbreaking research programs supporting Navy and Marine Corps missions. During his tenure, NRL advanced capabilities in space systems, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and climate science—reinforcing its reputation as a world-class research institution.
 
In his remarks, he repeatedly reinforced collaboration and teamwork.
 
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation,” he said. “At NRL, we believe the future of naval power is built together – with the ingenuity of industry and the purpose of service.
When we collaborate, we’re not just building systems – we’re building capability that saves lives, deters conflict, and ensures our forces have the decisive edge. The most powerful technologies are the ones shaped by mission, hardened by need, and delivered by partnership.”
 
Cruz, who joined NRL as the executive officer in 2023, became the Lab’s 43rd commanding officer. He brings more than two decades of operational, technical, and leadership experience to the role. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Cruz is a career naval flight officer and a graduate of both TOPGUN and the United States Naval Test Pilot School.
 
He echoed Black’s sentiment of teamwork.
 
“It is with great humility and honor that I take command of this amazing laboratory,” Cruz said. “We are a group of professional technical experts in our field. That is the foundation of who we are, and it is our strength. What’s even more inspiring is how we work together as a team. We will take on challenges and hard problems together.”
 
Cruz’s career includes command of the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117), leadership of developmental flight test programs, and a key role in delivering the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to operational status. He has also served ashore as a senior mission planner at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, a project officer at VX-20, and as an advanced weapons and tactics instructor.
 
In 2018, Cruz was selected by NASA as a senior advisor, where he contributed to the safe return of American astronauts launching from U.S. soil. He later served as Executive Assistant and Assistant Chief of Naval Research, helping shape science and technology policy for the Department of the Navy.
 
With more than 2,900 flight hours and numerous awards, including five Meritorious Service Medals and the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award, Cruz is widely respected for his leadership, technical acumen, and dedication to service.
 
“One of the many things that makes this laboratory unique is that the Navy officers selected to lead NRL are not restricted to a specific background,” said Dr. Bruce Danly, NRL Director of Research (DOR). “Over the years, the varied backgrounds of senior officers at NRL have truly strengthened the relevancy and quality of our research.”
 
NRL's DOR and Navy Commanding Officer (CO) share executive management responsibility for the Laboratory. By Navy requirement, the CO is responsible for overall Laboratory management and the usual functions of command. The DOR is responsible for the technical program, its planning, conduct, and staffing.
 
Danly thanked Black for his stewardship and partnership and then welcomed Cruz as Commanding Officer.
 
“Your energy and ideas have propelled the Laboratory forward, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds, and the history we will contribute to in the next few years,” Danly told Cruz in his remarks.

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, 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@nrl.navy.mil. Please reference package number at top of press release.