Description

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Spacecraft Propulsion Section, within the Spacecraft Engineering Division, is conducting cutting-edge research on reactive plasma sources in collaboration with the NRL Plasma Physics Division. This postdoctoral fellowship opportunity focuses on the development of novel high-current electron sources for spacecraft propulsion systems using architected materials infused with plasma.

The research involves:

• Measuring plasma properties through in-situ and optical diagnostics to understand and improve system efficiency.
• Translating fundamental plasma physics findings into innovative electron source designs.
• Utilizing modern manufacturing techniques for rapid prototyping of new materials and devices.
• Investigating thermionic emission in plasmas and global plasma modeling.
• Employing standard plasma diagnostics such as Langmuir probes and CAD tools.
• Potential exposure to thermionic cathodes and Hall thruster technologies.

Fellows will collaborate with personnel from both the Spacecraft Engineering and Plasma Physics Divisions. Facilities include high-vacuum test chambers, ultra-high vacuum material characterization labs, a variety of plasma diagnostic tools, high-power laser equipment, and access to Department of Defense high-performance computing resources.

This research has broad applications in aerospace propulsion and plasma engineering, including plasma actuation and materials processing.