Overview of Experimental Capabilities of the Riverside Research Plasma Lab

The experimental plasma lab at Riverside Research, a 501c(3) not for profit research institution, has been developing significant experimental facilities for the past several years to study various plasma phenomena. Examples of studies include plasma-electromagnetic interactions, electric propulsion for small satellites, dielectric measurements of high temperature RF/IR windows, and high temperature plasma-material interactions. Recent work has focused on standing up the Hypersonic Plasma Interaction Research (HyPIR) facility and testbed. The HyPIR facility is an integrated testbed for studying the effects oxidizing plasmas have on materials for hypersonic applications. These experiments have involved the development of significant plasma diagnostic capabilities including several laser diagnostics (laser Induced fluorescence, Thompson, quantum beat spectroscopy, etc.), mm-wave and far infrared interferometry, and probe systems. These experiments take place in three unique vacuum chambers, each located in the Riverside Research plasma lab, with varying sizes and capabilities which will be discussed. Plans to open the HyPIR facility to outside users will also be discussed.