Physics of the Earth’s Radiation Belt
This project studies how to remove dangerous high-energy electrons trapped in Earth's radiation belt, potentially after a nuclear event, using electromagnetic waves and chemical releases.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available; typical tenure 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on theoretical and computational studies of Earth's radiation belt physics, focusing on active remediation of high-energy electrons trapped after nuclear events.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents holding a recent doctoral degree; requires contacting a Research Adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports a theoretical and computational research program at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focused on the Earth's radiation belt environment. The research aims to understand and develop active remediation techniques for high-energy (~MeV) electrons trapped in the radiation belts, particularly those enhanced by a high-altitude nuclear explosion.
Key research areas include:
- Physics of whistler wave amplification driven by free energy in a nuclear-enhanced radiation belt.
- Triggered emission phenomena and enhanced pitch angle scattering of energetic electrons.
- Investigation of ultra-low frequency (ULF) turbulence and pitch angle scattering induced by chemical releases in the radiation belt.
- Development of quantitative scaling laws for electromagnetic wave amplification.
- Creation of viable active remediation schemes to reduce hazardous energetic electron populations.
This program is designed to advance fundamental understanding of radiation belt physics and contribute to national security-related space environment mitigation strategies.
