The DOE SC program in Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) hereby announces its interest in receiving new or renewal single-investigator or small-group research applications to carry out frontier-level research in basic plasma science and engineering. The FES Discovery Plasma Science: Plasma Science and Technology–General Plasma Science (GPS) program supports research at the frontiers of basic and low temperature plasma science, including dynamical processes in laboratory, space, and astrophysical plasmas, such as magnetic reconnection, dynamo, shocks, turbulence cascade, structures, waves, flows and their interactions; behavior of dusty plasmas, non-neutral, single-component matter or antimatter plasmas, and ultra-cold neutral plasmas; plasma chemistry and processes in low temperature plasma, interfacial plasma, synthesis of nanomaterials, and interaction of plasma with surfaces, materials or biomaterials. In addition, this portfolio supports microelectronics and Quantum Information Science (QIS) research opportunities.
Description of Topical Areas
The specific areas of interest for this FOA are the following:
1. Dynamical Processes in Plasma
Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to understanding: (1) the onset of magnetic reconnection and trigger mechanisms for explosive instabilities in nature (solar flares, geomagnetic storms) and in the laboratory (disruptions); (2) plasma dynamo processes by which magnetic fields are generated in the laboratory and nature; (3) mechanisms by which energy is transferred between fields, flows, and particles; and (4) how energy is partitioned in various forms (thermal, magnetic, turbulent).
Integrated research projects, involving detailed laboratory experiments or data, advanced modeling or simulation, and observation data from one or more advanced spacecraft or satellite missions including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS), Parker Solar Probe, are encouraged.
2. Nonneutral, Ultracold Neutral, and Dusty Plasma Physics
Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to understanding: (1) trapped antimatter plasmas to probe the symmetries of nature and recreate the conditions of exotic astrophysical plasmas; (2) how coherent structures are created through the electrical self-fields of the plasma and its interactions with waves; (3) the development of non-invasive, non-perturbative measurement techniques for determining dust particle charge; and (4) strongly coupled dusty plasmas and/or other properties of dust particles in space or fusion-relevant plasmas.
Integrated research projects, combining precision measurements, theory and modeling, and/or providing a test for theoretical models, are encouraged.
3. Low Temperature Plasma Processes
Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to: (1) controlling and manipulating plasma kinetics and energy distributions for beneficial plasma-surface interactions related to semiconductor processing and the fabrication of advanced microelectronics; (2) understanding plasma interactions with liquid, pathogens, and biomaterials through activated surface processes and chemical reactions or degradations; (3) the predictive understanding of self-organization in plasmas interacting with surfaces; and (4) developing novel measurement techniques for atmospheric pressure plasmas and/or interfacial plasmas.
Integrated research projects, combining detailed laboratory experiments or data, theory, and advanced modeling or simulation, are encouraged.
Interested applicants should upload the following documents in sequence in one PDF file (File name: Last name_DE-FOA-0002889_2023) no later than 4:00 p.m. on the internal submission deadline:
1. Cover Letter (1 page, pdf):
- Descriptive title of proposed activity
- PI name, departmental affiliations(s) and contact information
- Co-PI's names and departmental affiliation(s)
- Names of other key personnel
- Participating institution(s)
- Number and title of this funding opportunity
2. Project Description (no more than three pages, pdf) identifying the project scope that addresses the key aspects and elements of the sponsor's solicitation, principal investigators, collaborators, and partner organizations. References may be included on an additional page.
3. Estimated Budget (1 page, including cost share details, if applicable)
4. 2-page CV's of Investigators
Formatting Guidelines:
Font/size: Times New Roman (12 pt.)
Document margins: 1.0” (top, bottom, left and right)
Standard paper size (8 ½” x 11)
Questions concerning the limited submissions process may be submitted to limitedsubs@psu.edu.