This $450,000 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (CFDA #47.049) Mathematical and Physical Sciences program supports research by Purdue University to develop a database of plasma photoionization processes that are important for applications such as combustion and high-speed aerodynamics.
The key objectives are to utilize a novel Thomson in-phase coherent microwave scattering technique to precisely characterize and understand photoionization processes relevant to nonlinear optics, filamentation physics, and optical diagnostics of gaseous discharges, combustion, and high-speed flows. This includes measuring photoionization rates for various gases at different laser intensities. The project also aims to engage and mentor students, integrate research into graduate courses, and produce educational videos on plasma science for broad public audiences.