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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 | July 30, 2025

Naval Research Physicist Earns Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award

By Connie Braesch, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –   Scott Browning with U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Signature Technology Office earned the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DCSA) on July 23, 2025, for his service from 1991 through 2024.
 
The DCSA is the highest Department of the Navy award for a civilian employee. It is a highly selective award given only to employees who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary service or contributions of major significance that far exceeds typical job requirements.
 
“It was a surprise to me, and I am humbled and honored about receiving it,” Browning said. “But it’s a team award because nobody does this kind of work by themselves. You just can’t. NRL is a family. It’s a great place to work.”
 
During his 34 years of service, Browning has provided technical advisement and direction for low observable (LO) stealth technologies which repeatedly resulted in state-of-the-art signature control breakthroughs and concepts which transitioned into operational, warfighter capabilities that are in use today and scheduled in the future.

“Since 1999, he’s been the Navy’s lead scientist for Naval wideband advanced EW [electronic warfare] program which has resulted in several compelling demonstrations and innovations which have since transitioned to the operational Navy,” said NRL Associate Director of Research for Systems Dr. Gerald Borsuk. “Throughout his career, Mr. Browning has held many leadership positions including RF [radio frequency] thrust lead, deputy program manager, acting program manager, technical director. and, more recently, senior advisor and historian.”
 
His technical acumen and leadership are highly regarded across the Department of Defense (DOD) and other governmental agencies and are sought after to solve diverse classified technical challenges.

“There are not enough words – not enough awards – to thank you for what you are doing for this country, the Navy, the Marine Corps and our shipmates,” said NRL Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Cruz.
 
The award citation noted his devotion to the development and mentoring of our nation’s future LO workforce which will extend his legacy for decades.
 
“In what I would consider to be Scott’s greatest achievement and contribution to the Navy and the DOD’s science and technology enterprise is his investment in the scientists and engineers and leaders of tomorrow,” said Matt Bastow, a fellow NRL Signature Technology Office colleague. “He’s been such an outstanding mentor, very selfless to so many young people over the years including myself.”
 
Bastow asked the more than 50 members of the audience to stand if Browning has ever mentored them. Nearly everyone stood including members of Browning’s family.
 
“While you were off doing all these amazing technical feats, you were also building the workforce of the future,” Bastow added.
 
Browning has a proven track record of high-level performance, evidenced by many of his technology transitions to the Fleet, dozens of classified and unclassified publications, several patents, over a dozen invention and special act awards. In 2016, Browning was presented the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award as a leading LO systems subject matter expert.
 
Browning has authored more than 20 classified papers, has published 20 papers in refereed journals, authored 28 NRL formal reports, and has presented at dozens of professional society meetings. He is the recipient of five invention awards and five special act awards and was presented the NRL Alan Berman Research Publication Award twice.
 
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.
 
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