Space Physics Simulation Chamber Experiments
This project studies space plasma physics with experiments in vacuum chambers, simulating conditions like space vehicle charging and magnetic reconnection.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Naval Research Laboratory opportunity)
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available for eligible awardees.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship to conduct experimental and theoretical research in space plasma physics at the Naval Research Laboratory using vacuum chamber simulations of space environments.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents holding a doctoral degree; requires contacting the Research Adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports research in space plasma physics at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, DC. The research involves both theoretical and experimental approaches using two large, connected cylindrical vacuum chambers capable of achieving neutral pressures near 10^-7 Torr. Plasmas are generated with various DC and RF plasma sources to simulate space plasma conditions.
Key research areas include:
- Plasma wave generation and particle heating
- Space vehicle charging and discharging in variable plasma and neutral gas environments
- Magnetospheric plasma dynamics and magnetic reconnection
- Laboratory studies of in situ plasma diagnostic probes and measurement techniques
- Development of plasma diagnostic instrumentation, including microwave plasma sources and plasma probe analyzers
The program offers a unique environment to study ionospheric and magnetospheric plasma phenomena, laboratory plasmas, plasma waves, and turbulent flows relevant to space physics.
