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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 | Aug. 11, 2025

The Navy’s Airborne Lab Puts Tech to the Test

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 is the U.S. Navy’s only research and development squadron; responsible for airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development connecting laboratory innovations to operational deployment.
 

“The science we enable is ambitious, often foundational, and it unfolds over years,” said VXS-1 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tony Levine. “But our purpose is immediate and unwavering: to defend the nation. Every line of code, every prototype, every test run – we partner with the scientists and do it with a mission in mind.”
 
Stationed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, VXS-1, also known as the "Warlocks," serves as the initial testing ground for NRL-developed airborne technologies - providing the critical link between theory and reality.
 
"VXS-1 is NRL’s own aircraft testing squadron,” said Executive Officer, Cmdr. Andrew Vawter, at VXS-1.  “We work with NRL to test cutting-edge equipment, accelerating its readiness for use in the field. Our primary mission is to deliver these new capabilities to the Naval Research Enterprise and in turn, into the hands of the warfighter.”
 
VXS-1 operates a diverse Fleet of aircraft, each uniquely configured to support specific research objectives:
  • P-3 Orion: Modified P-3s provide substantial payload capacity for testing complex systems, including advanced sensors and communication equipment, ensuring they are robust and reliable under operational conditions. Recent projects include deploying buoys in front of major hurricanes to gather wave and storm surge data, improving forecasting models for future storms in turn safeguarding ships, infrastructure, and lives.
  • Twin Otter: This versatile aircraft enables low altitude testing of technologies such as advanced mapping systems and environmental monitoring tools, providing critical data for naval operations in coastal regions.
  • C-12: The C-12 supports higher altitude testing of technologies like missile defense systems and communication relays, ensuring seamless integration with existing naval infrastructure.
 
Steve Rorke, project liaison officer at VXS-1, highlights the squadron's commitment to facilitating rapid technology transition: "Our job is to support the scientists and engineers to get their equipment into the air, to further their research and ultimately deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter."
 
By providing dedicated airborne platforms for science and technology testing, VXS-1 accelerates the development and deployment of critical technologies that enhance naval capabilities and ensure the warfighter maintains a decisive advantage. The squadron's unique expertise and specialized resources make it an indispensable asset in the Navy's innovative ecosystem.
 
"Waking up in the morning, I'm super excited to go fly and work with all these guys and gals," said Operations Officer Brandon Bui. "At VXS-1, every mission is driven by one goal: delivering tomorrow’s technology to today’s Fleet – faster, smarter, and mission-ready. Everyone's committed to providing good science and technology for the Fleet out there."
 
VXS-1 is not just a testing squadron; it is an intersection for innovation and real Fleet applications, ensuring that the U.S. Navy remains at the forefront of technological advancement and that the warfighter is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation.
VXS-1