There are a variety of ways of producing high-energy density plasmas of moderate Z elements in the laboratory. The properties and dynamics of these plasmas are strongly influenced by radiation processes. Level populations can be inverted either as a result of photoexcitation of one plasma by another or as a result of collisional excitation or recombination, or multiphoton inner shell processes. However, plasma conditions must be properly controlled in order to experimentally realize large outputs of stimulated emission from these inversions. In this program, plasma models are being constructed to study the heating, expansion, photon or collisional pumping, and overall lasing efficiency of laboratory plasmas to achieve population inversion and gain. The research is pursued in active collaboration with experimental groups at NRL and elsewhere.

 

key words

Dense plasmas; High-energy plasmas; Hot plasmas; Laser-generated plasmas; Ultraviolet lasers; X-ray lasers;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants