Plasma Physics
You are here : Science Engineering & Technology >> Plasma Physics
The study of Plasma Physics is critical in order for AWE to underwrite the UK's nuclear deterrent in the absence of underground testing.
The Plasma Physics research programme makes use of high-power lasers physics, which enable AWE’s scientists to replicate, in the laboratory, the physical conditions at the heart of a nuclear detonation – albeit on a minute scale and over a tiny fraction of a second.
The Plasma Physics research programme makes use of high-power lasers physics, which enable AWE’s scientists to replicate, in the laboratory, the physical conditions at the heart of a nuclear detonation – albeit on a minute scale and over a tiny fraction of a second.
AWE's Plasma Physics research undertakes a wide range of activities, from providing local facilities for high energy-density physics (HEDP) experiments, to designing and performing such experiments in many facilities around the world.
Some of the areas studied are also of interest to the astrophysics and inertial confinement energy communities, and AWE has formed links with researchers at universities as well as at US National Laboratories.
Work to support this programme falls into four broad categories:
- Plasma Physics research
- Laser operations
- Target fabrication
- Engineering capability
Copies of the Plasma Physics Department's Annual Report are available on request.