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

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Auburn University (AL) · $2,998,544

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2515867

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2515867, Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory (MPRL): Transport, Turbulence, and Coherent Structures in Low Temperature Plasmas and Dusty Plasmas at High Magnetic Fields. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2515867. Licensed CC0.

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