• Goals

The goal of FR2 is to measure the basic properties of plasmas over a wide range of experiments and experimental conditions in the FTPP project.  Comparisons will be made between these experiments and combined with the development of theory models and simulations in FR1 in order to support the development of new plasma technologies in the TT portion of the FTPP project.

The specific research topics of FR2 will focus on: 

  1. Studying how the properties of the plasma vary as they are formed (i.e., the fraction of the gas that is converted to plasma).
  2. Simulating space weather effects in the laboratory and comparing against satellite measurements.
  3. Developing new tools and techniques to make plasmas in the laboratory and to make measurements of plasmas.

FR2.1: Fractional ionization in LTPs

(TT1-5)

Objective FR2.1a: Characterizing fractional ionization in three-dimensional (3D) magnetized plasmas at low pressure (p ≤ 10m Torr)

Objective FR2.1b: Fractional ionization in linear, atmospheric, and weakly magnetized plasmas at high pressure (p ≥ 100 mTorr)

FR2.2: Nanoparticle-plasma interactions from lab to space

(TT1, TT2, TT5)

Objective FR2.2a: Demonstrate controlled nanoparticle formation in reactive plasmas with novel chemistry

Objective FR2.2b: Determination of distribution of micron-sized dust at 1AU

Objective FR2.2c: Model, simulate and experiment on the distribution of micron-sized dust in the inner heliosphere, as well as interaction with solar wind plasma

FR2.3: Integrating theory, lab, and observations of geospace.

(TT5)

Objective FR2.3a-I: Theoretical understand the generation and properties of EMIC waves in geospace

Objective FR2.3a-II: Laboratory experiment and space observation of EMIC waves

Objective FR2.3b-I: Plasmasphere Outreach, Coupling & Modeling

Objective FR2.3b-II: Plasmasphere Wave Generation/Propagation

Objective FR2.3b-III: Plasmasphere Dynamics

Objective FR2.3b-IV: Magnetized Plasma Shock Dynamics

FR2.4: Controlling LTPs via advanced sources and diagnostics

(TT1-5)

Objective FR2.4a: Control the dust particle charge in a LTP

Objective FR2.4b: Implement a Nanomechanical Resonator Diagnostic (NaRD) technique

Objective FR2.4c: Develop A Pulsed Laser System For Plasma

Objective FR2.4d-I: Design New System For Low Power rf Plasma Generation and Control

Objective FR2.4d-II: Design new system for low power rf plasma generation and control