Plasma Physics and Accelerator Physics
	Prof. Walter Gekelman Detection of Plasma Wave and Magnetic Disturbances
	There is an opportunity for a plasma physics experimental REU student at the Basic Plasma Science Facility to work on the Large Plasma Device. Prof. Walter Gekelman, aided by professional research staff and technicians will mentor you. The project will center on detection of plasma waves and magnetic disturbances in experiments involving a hot (1-10 KeV) electron ring in a background magnetoplasma and also the creation of a magnetic rope in a new experiment, which simulates plasma ejected from a solar flare. Although it is not absolutely necessary to have had previous lab experience extra consideration will be given to candidates with experience in electronics or construction of mechanical devices. The REU project will consist of honing your experimental skills, participating in a frontier level experiment, writing a report and making a presentation at the end of the ten-week program.
	Prof. Christoph Niemann Laser Shockwave Experiment
	We perform experiments with a high-energy, high-power laser at the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) to study collisionless shock waves in a large magnetized plasma. A laser produced plasma expanding at high speed into a magnetized ambient plasma creates conditions that can mimic astrophysical phenomena such as supernova explosions or coronal mass ejections. These experiments can help to shed some light on the origin of cosmic rays and the evolution of the particle distribution throughout the universe. We will develop electrical plasma probes and optical diagnostics to measure the magnetohydrodynamic response of the shock and its effect on the particle velocity distribution.