RAP opportunity at Naval Research Laboratory NRL
Laser Diagnostics for Electric Propulsion Systems
Location
Naval Research Laboratory, DC, Spacecraft Engineering Department
| opportunity |
location |
|
| 64.15.86.C1175 |
Washington, DC 203755321 |
Advisers
| name |
email |
phone |
|
| Marcel Georgin |
marcel.p.georgin.civ@us.navy.mil |
202.779.3237 |
Description
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Spacecraft Propulsion Section, part of the Spacecraft Engineering Division, maintains active research in electric propulsion systems. The NRL Spacecraft Propulsion Section seeks excellent candidates to support research and development efforst in new electron sources and propulsion systems using laser diagnostics. This includes using existing laser diagnostic infrastructure, such as laser induced fluorscence, and deploying new laser diagnostics, such as Thomson scattering [1,2,3], to better understand the physics that drives the performance and other characteristics of electric propulsion systems. The candidate will conduct time-resolved measurements and compare results against other types of high-speed plasma diagnostics. A strong candidate will also has exposure or hands-on experience with laser induced fluorescence and Thomson scattering diagnostics as well as experience operating plasma devices, such as thermionic cathodes or Hall thrusters.
Candidates will interface with the personnel of the Spacecraft Engineering. Facilities available include high-vacuum test chambers and supporting equipment for plasma operation and plasma diagnostic evaluation in representative aerospace environments, dedicated ultra-high vacuum material characterization facilities, a wide variety of plasma diagnostic tools, high-power laser equipment, and access to DoD HPC simulation resources.
References
[1] Roberts, P. J., Z. A. Brown, and B. A. Jorns. "Hollow cathode electron properties are consistent with marginally stable turbulence." Applied Physics Letters 126.7 (2025).
[2] Lopez-Uricoechea, Julian, et al. "Spatially resolved Thomson scattering measurements of electron properties across the acceleration region of a high-power magnetically shielded Hall effect thruster." Journal of Applied Physics 136.11 (2024).
[3] Roberts, Parker J., and Benjamin A. Jorns. "Laser measurement of anomalous electron diffusion in a crossed-field plasma." Physical Review Letters 132.13 (2024): 135301.
Keywords
Electric Propulsion; Plasma Diagnostics; Plasma Physics;
Eligibility
citizenship
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
level
Open to Postdoctoral applicants
Stipend
| Base Stipend |
Travel Allotment |
Supplementation |
|
| $102,415.00 |
$6,000.00 |
|
|
Additional Benefits
relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.