Plasma Physics
	Prof. Christoph Niemann Laser Plasma 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.
	Prof. Troy Carter Turbulence and Transport in Confined Plasmas
	Our research focuses on understanding the basic physics of turbulence in magnetized plasmas and how that impacts transport of heat, particles and momentum across a confining magnetic field. Possible projects include: numerical simulation of turbulence using the massively-parallel 3D Braginskii fluid code BOUT, experimental studies of nonlinear waves, turbulence and transport on the Large Plasma Device at UCLA, data analysis of scattering and reflectometry data from the DIII-D tokamak and NSTX spherical torus experiments.