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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. 9, 2026

Internships Connect Students Directly to Mission-Driven Science and Technology

By Jameson Crabtree, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Washington D.C.   –   The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is offering students at every stage, from high school through graduate school, the opportunity to contribute to cutting edge research that supports national security and advances scientific discovery through its internship and fellowship programs.

For more than a century, NRL has led breakthrough research across disciplines including space science, materials engineering, biomedical technology and artificial intelligence. Its student programs are designed not only to train the next generation of scientists and engineers but to integrate them into active research programs where their work has real-world impact.

“These programs are meaningful experiences for students and mentors alike that range from shaping academic paths to launching full-time science and engineering careers in public service,” said Erica Deschak-Joya, NRL Human Resources Specialist and General Laboratory Scientific Interchange Programs (GLSIP) Coordinator.
Former interns say the programs provide rare access to advanced research environments early in their careers.

“I was drawn to NRL because of its cutting-edge research and the fact that it welcomes students early in their academic careers,” said Manya Yellepeddy, a former Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) intern. “It’s an environment where students can work with advanced technology while contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven research effort.”

Mentors emphasize that interns are not just observers, but contributors. Some even go on to become full-time NRL employees.

“They really make an impact on the work we do,” said Maggie Stevens, Ph.D., NRL research scientist and internship mentor for the past two years. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow as researchers while advancing our programs at the same time.”

NRL offers a range of programs for students with different interests and academic levels, including Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), The Student Volunteer Program, the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP), and graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. These represent only a portion of the opportunities available with additional programs designed to meet specialized technical needs and evolving workforce priorities.

Students who are curious, reliable and motivated to tackle challenging problems are encouraged to apply.
 

To hear directly from former interns and mentors, watch the video featured above.    
For information on eligibility, application deadlines and available programs, visit: NRL Student Opportunities

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.

NRL offers several mechanisms for collaborating with the broader scientific community, within and outside of the Federal government. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), LP-CRADAs, Educational Partnership Agreements, agreements under the authority of 10 USC 4892, licensing agreements, FAR contracts, and other applicable agreements.

For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at NRLPAO@us.navy.mil.