Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory (MPRL): Transport, Turbulence, and Coherent Structures in Low Temperature Plasmas and Dusty Plasmas at High Magnetic Fields

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $2,998,544 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This award supports operation of the Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory (MPRL) facility at Auburn University to study structure and pattern formation in plasmas, and specifically dusty plasmas, at high magnetic fields and to broaden external user access to the facility. Dusty plasma is a gas-like state of matter composed of electrons, ions, neutral atoms, and small charged solid particles. The study of pattern formation in dusty plasmas is connected to many areas of fundamental and applied research, from planet formation within protoplanetary disks, to fabrication of computer chips by the semiconductor industry, to plasma dust contamination in magnetic confinement fusion research. The supported research effort seeks to understand how the extremely fast interactions that occur between electrons, ions, and solid particles on very small scales can lead to long-lived and large scale patterns in a magnetized dusty plasma. The MPRL facility has the unique high magnetic field capability for conducting these studies. The award will also enable broad external user access to the MPRL, support local graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at Auburn University, develop a network of institutions to broaden the introduction of plasma science and engineering at the undergraduate level, and support a week-long plasma physics summer/winter school for undergraduates. The technical mission of the Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory is to understand and control how micro-scale

Key facts

NSF award ID
2515867
Awardee
Auburn University (AL)
SAM.gov UEI
DMQNDJDHTDG4
PI
Edward E Thomas
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Fusion Enabling Science & Technology, HUNGARY, FRANCE, GERMANY (F.R.G.), NETHERLANDS, INDIA, CANADA, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$2,998,544
Funds obligated
$2,998,544
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029