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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. 25, 2025

Vanguard Award Recognizes Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs, NRL Proud to Contribute

By Nicholas E. M. Pasquini, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –   The Department of Navy Office of Small Business Programs (DON OSBP) earned the prestigious Vanguard Award, for the second consecutive year, and third time in the last four years recognizing it as one of the Department of Defense (DoD) components that best exemplified a commitment to strengthening small business participation and industrial competitiveness across the defense acquisition landscape.

“The 2024 award was a moment of immense pride, demonstrating the tangible results of initiatives that increase small business participation, streamline procurement processes, and expand collaboration across industry sectors,” said L. Nicole Perry, Department of Navy, Office of Small Business Programs, Acting Deputy Director. “This recognition belongs to every individual who believes in the power of small business. To our team at DON OSBP, Small Business Professionals throughout our 10 major buying activities, DoD partners, and to every entrepreneur who dares to innovate for the future of defense – we share this honor.”
 
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) supports DON OSBP’s mission through collaboration, partnerships, and technology transition initiatives creating opportunities for small businesses to contribute to national defense priorities.
 
In fiscal year 2024, NRL exceeded all Office of Naval Research (ONR) and command-level small business contracting goals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting small business enterprises. Small businesses received 55.88% of total prime-contract awarded dollars, well above the command-level goal of 44%. This achievement underscores NRL’s ongoing efforts to forge innovation and opportunity through strategic small business partnerships.
 
“Thanks to the efforts of our requirements owners, contracting professionals, and the Office of Small Business Programs, the Office of Naval Research and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory are out front in exceeding all small business goals,” said NRL Associate Director of Research for Business Operations Dr. Lisa Swan, SES. “This award reflects the power of partnership, and the critical role small businesses play in national security.”
 
Presented annually, the Vanguard Award is part of the DoD Small Business Vanguard Awards Program, which honors members of the defense acquisition workforce who go above and beyond in promoting small business involvement in national defense priorities. The DON OSBP was acknowledged for its leadership in fostering procurement practices and empowering small businesses to thrive in the defense industrial base.
 
“The DoD Small Business Vanguard Awards recognize the exemplary contributions of the defense acquisition workforce that influence small business procurement,” Swan said. “These efforts are foundational to maintaining a resilient and innovative supply chain.”
 
The DON OSBP’s recognition underscores its ongoing efforts to integrate small businesses into the Department’s acquisition processes, helping ensure the Navy and Marine Corps maintain access to warfighter-focused technologies, streamlined solutions, and competitive sourcing.
 
Swan credited the award to a collaborative, enterprise-wide commitment to small business advocacy.
 
Established in 2015, the Vanguard Awards program is overseen by the Director of the DoD Office of Small Business Programs on behalf of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. The program spotlights professionals and teams within the Department who drive measurable outcomes in small business participation.
 
The award reinforces the Department of the Navy’s strong track record in small business engagement and highlights the operational value these partnerships bring to naval readiness and modernization.
 
Andrew Chappell, ONR Office of Small Business Programs Acting Director, applauded this year’s commands for setting the standard in federal acquisition excellence.
 
“The recipients selected for the awards demonstrated excellence and significantly contributed to the small business mission during the period of Fiscal Year 2024,” Chappell said. “They represent the best of what public service and acquisition leadership look like when paired with an unwavering dedication to mission success. Small businesses are recognized as vital partners in national defense – delivering innovation, agility, and critical capabilities that support warfighters and advance technological superiority.”
 
DON OSBP works across the Navy and Marine Corps to ensure these businesses have meaningful opportunities to compete for contracts, develop solutions, and scale to meet the Department’s evolving needs.
 
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; and Monterey, California. NRL 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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