AFRL is currently working on several aspects of plasma-microwave interactions including the generation of steady-state plasmas in focused microwave beams as well as fundamental breakdown problems. This research includes a substantial experimental effort. A theme of these experiments is the need to develop non-invasive diagnostic techniques for use with these plasmas. This research opportunity focuses on developing diagnostic apporoaches for plasmas that are difficult to diagnose using conventional techniques. In particular, low density plasmas where the use of probes is either impractical or creates unacceptably large perturbations to the system. A recent focus is on the use of neural networks to interpret the output from diagnostic instruments.

Available laboratory assets include three plasma sources: a variable DC/RF parallel plate discharge, a free-space microwave plasma, and high current (20A) hollow cathode discharges. Working diagnostics include optical spectrometers, fast-frame cameras, a 532 Thompson scattering system and electrostatic and RF probes. 

Keywords:

Plasma; Microwave; Diagnostic; Spectroscopy; Neural network; Thompson scattering; Experimental; Computational

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants