Undergraduate Research Intern in HED and IFE

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory • Princeton, NJ

5d

About The Position

The undergraduate research intern will support a research effort to develop a laser-driven alpha-particle source for investigating charged-particle transport and energy deposition in high-energy-density plasmas. Working with a multidisciplinary research team, the intern will model the transport and energy selection of laser-driven alpha particles using Monte Carlo particle-transport simulations. The work will examine how particle energy, energy spread, divergence, source size, charge state, selector geometry, and field configuration affect energy resolution, transmission efficiency, particle losses, and temporal dispersion.

The intern will contribute to developing and optimizing an advanced alpha-particle selector and establishing design requirements for future experiments. The position also offers an opportunity to participate in a hands-on experiment at an international laser user facility. The research connects to inertial fusion energy, plasma physics, particle-beam transport, and diagnostic development. The appointment is a two-month internship.

Requirements

• Must be an undergraduate student.
• Undergraduate coursework in physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or computer science.
• Basic understanding of classical mechanics and electromagnetism.
• Experience with scientific programming in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a similar language.
• Ability to analyze numerical data and create clear scientific plots.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with Monte Carlo methods, particle-transport software, or CAD tools is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Monte Carlo simulations of alpha-particle transport through magnetic energy-selection systems.
• Model the effects of particle energy, energy spread, divergence, source size, and charge state on selector performance.
• Evaluate energy resolution, transmission efficiency, particle losses, and temporal dispersion.
• Participate in an experiment on alpha-particle generation and selection at an international laser user facility.
• Analyze simulation results and compare them with analytical estimates and available experimental data.
• Support development and optimization of an advanced alpha-particle selector design.
• Perform parameter scans to determine how selector geometry and field configuration affect particle trajectories and energy selection.
• Participate in regular research meetings and collaborate with experimental and computational team members.
• Present research progress and results through technical presentations and a written final report.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed