Speaker: Jonathan Menard, Deputy Director for Research and Chief Research Officer, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Abstract: The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is pursuing three complementary research missions to support U.S. national science and technology priorities including: (1) Developing the scientific knowledge and advanced engineering to enable fusion to power the U.S. and the world, (2) Advancing the science of nanoscale fabrication and sustainable manufacturing for technologies of tomorrow, and (3) Furthering the development of the scientific understanding of the plasma universe, from laboratory to astrophysical scales. In support of Mission 1, PPPL is completing the recovery and preparation for operation of its user facility, NSTX Upgrade, is designing and fabricating diagnostics for the ITER burning plasma experiment, supporting domestic and international tokamak and stellarator research, and pursuing public-private partnerships in support of fusion pilot plant development. In support of Mission 2, PPPL is leading a collaborative research facility for low-temperature plasmas, advancing basic science in close collaboration with industrial partners in microelectronics and quantum materials and devices, and is increasing research utilizing plasmas for sustainable manufacturing. Lastly, in support of Mission 3, PPPL is completing a new collaborative experiment (FLARE) that will enable new studies of magnetic reconnection, is preparing for exascale simulations of ultra-relativistic plasmas at the heart of multi-messenger astronomy, and is carrying out novel measurements of high-energy-density plasma states. Highlights from these research topics and progress toward PPPL diversification and growth will be discussed.