MISSION
V Division comprises four groups dedicated to theoretical and experimental research in high energy density (HED) physics, astrophysics, and advanced diagnostic development, emphasizing areas important to major Laboratory programs. The Division pursues forefront research directed towards the development of experimentally validated models that describe the state of matter and the physics of matter/radiation interactions in high energy density plasmas, which contributes to our fundamental understanding of nuclear weapons, fusion plasmas, astrophysics, and planetary science. To advance HED research, enhance interactions with the international research community, and provide venues for training new scientists, V Division operates two intermediate scale facilities, the Jupiter Laser Facility and the Electron Beam Ion Trap.
The Radiative Properties Group conducts experiments to measure plasma opacity and fundamental atomic properties of highly charged ions, which play a vital role in the production and transport of energy in HED plasmas. Highly charged ions also allow emission and absorption spectra to be used to diagnose conditions in hot plasmas ranging from those created in fusion experiments to those existing in cosmic plasmas.
The Shock Physics Group uses HED facilities to measure the equation of state and transport properties of materials at ultra-high densities and pressures. These properties determine the hydrodynamic evolution of hot plasmas, which are essential to Laboratory programs, as well as to astrophysics and planetary science.
The Theory and Modeling Group performs research in atomic processes in plasmas with emphasis on theory and large-scale computations of radiative opacity, non-LTE plasma spectroscopy, and plasma equation of state and transport properties. The group also provides expertise in radiation-hydrodynamic simulations to design and analyze laboratory HED experiments.
The Astrophysics Group exploits synergies between Laboratory programs and astrophysics to model stellar structure and evolution, test opacity calculations, and model energetic astrophysical systems, such as accreting black holes. The group also uses and extends Lab expertise in databases, data mining, optics, and computing, to enable wide-field, time-domain astrophysical surveys which probe dark matter, dark energy, and the structure of the Milky Way and the universe.
