Jonathan Loy Rose Hills
Analyzing Thomson Scattering in Laser-Driven Plasma Experiments
Nuclear fusion is sought after as a solution to our energy crisis and a combatant against climate change. Many challenges exist to creating viable fusion energy, including a lack of understanding of the various parameters of the plasma required to achieve fusion. One particular concern for Inertial Confinement Fusion is the expansion of plasmas created by lasers interacting with the walls of the shell containing the fuel. Thomson Scattering, elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation by charged particles, gives us the ability to measure important properties of plasmas, including velocity and electron density. The Omega laser facility has collected data from Thomson Scattering in laser-driven experiments, but it still needs to be analyzed. My role in this project is to analyze the data from the Omega laser facility experiments, comparing and updating plasma simulations to match observed results, and identifying the desired properties of the experimental plasmas.
Message To Sponsor
I'm so thankful for this opportunity to conduct research without having to worry about working to pay for housing and food. I'm excited to get hands on experience in my field of interest and learn more about what nuclear engineering really is. I'm very grateful to all who contribute to the support of young researchers, because for me it means I get to use this summer to gain knowledge and skills I otherwise couldn't.