Open Positions

Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the most fundamental theory describing charged particles interacting with electromagnetic fields. While plasma kinetic codes, such as Vlasov and particle-in-cell codes are the gold standard for classical plasma phenomena, they cannot self-consistently describe high-energy processes, such as radiation reaction and electron-positron pair production. In this role, you will develop lattice QED into a novel plasma simulation tool. You will develop algorithms, write computer codes, and perform simulations on supercomputers.

Applying magnetic fields to laser-driven inertial fusion experiments has shown promise to achieve more robust implosions with higher fusion yields. In this role, you will understand how magnetic fields affect laser-plasma interactions using experiments at the Omega Laser Facility. You will design experiments using simulations and Computer Aided Design software. You will interface with engineers and technicians to conduct experiments. You will post processing and analyze experimental data. After initial training, you will have opportunities to propose and lead experimental campaigns. You will work closely with scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and impact future magnetized High Energy Density programs.

Plasma problems are often muti-physics and multi-scale, which can be challenging to simulate even for the fastest supercomputers. As quantum computing continues to mature, a natural question is whether we can harness the power of quantum computers to perform simulations that would never be possible on classical computers. In this role, you will develop quantum algorithms for future error-corrected quantum computers, explore viable approaches for utilizing current noisy quantum devices, or conduct experiments on superconducting/trapped-ion qubits for proof-of-principle demonstrations. 

In this role, you will learn about plasma physics, and use computer simulations to understand MagLPI. You will use existing software to generate and analyze data, with a focus on new situations that have not been studied. A successful summer internship will transition to an Honor thesis during the academic year. To be considered for the position, the student must have a good academic standing (GPA > 3.3), and have taken PHYS 1125, PHYS 2210 and PHYS 2600 (or equivalent) with A/A^- grades. The student should be literate of Linux/Unix. Having knowledge of plasma physics is a plus but not required.

Simulation: lattice-QED simulations of strong-field plasma dynamics 

In this role, you will learn about quantum electrodynamics (QED) and how it can be applied to simulate plasma problems in strong-field regimes. You will run simulations on supercomputers using an existing code and perform data analysis. A successful summer internship will transition to an Honor thesis during the academic year. To be considered for the position, the student must have a good academic standing (GPA > 3.3), and have taken PHYS 2170 and PHYS 2600 (or equivalent) with A/A^- grades. The student should be literate of Linux/Unix. Having taken PHYS 3220 and PHYS 3320 is a plus but not required. 

In this role, you will explore what happens when some basic assumptions of classical mechanics are relaxed. You will solve differential equations and analyze sensitivities of different assumptions. A successful summer internship will transition to an Honor thesis during the academic year. To be considered for the position, the student must have a good academic standing (GPA > 3.3) and have taken MATH 3430 and PHYS 3210 (or equivalent) with A/A^- grades. Having knowledge of general relativity and differential geometry is a plus but not required.

Theory/simulation: ray tracing in magnetized plasmas

In this role, you will learn about extended geometric optics (XGO) and write computer codes to perform ray tracing. The XGO uses rays to approximate vector wave propagation in weakly inhomogeneous media. Moreover, XGO captures polarization-depended forces on the rays, which have elegant geometric interpretation. A successful summer internship will transition to an Honor thesis during the academic year. To be considered for the position, the student must have a good academic standing (GPA > 3.3), and have taken PHYS 2600, PHYS 3220, and MATH 3430 (or equivalent) with A/A^- grades. Having knowledge of differential geometry is a plus but not required.