About the job
Inertia is at the forefront of advancing Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) through cutting-edge research and technology. We are looking for a talented Design Physicist specializing in laser-plasma interaction (LPI) and laser propagation physics. This position is pivotal for enhancing our understanding of laser absorption, speckle formation, parametric instabilities, and hot-electron generation within laser-generated plasmas. Your work will play a critical role in optimizing coupling efficiency and refining predictive modeling for our fusion targets. You will collaborate closely with our systems modeling and laser science teams to align target designs with laser architecture for effective LPI management.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Investigate speckle formation and beam smoothing techniques in high-powered laser systems.
- Employ simulation tools, such as pF3D, to analyze laser propagation and instability growth relevant to Inertia.
- Collaborate with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) under an Inertia-LLNL contract to model LPI using LLNL’s advanced simulation capabilities.
- Design and conduct laser-plasma experiments to explore energy coupling, mitigate instabilities, and facilitate cross-beam energy transfer while integrating findings into the laser system and target design.

