Baylor University || The Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics, and Engineering Research (CASPER)

Baylor's Space Science Lab (SSL) conduct research in a number of areas and offer both basic research as well as engineering and design opportunities for graduate, undergraduate and technical support students. Current research topics include laboratory simulations of meso and nanostructure formation, complex plasmas, dust contamination in fusion systems, gravitoelectrodynamics, protoplanetary/protostellar evolution, grain charging in dense and tenuous dusty plasmas, grain coagulation in nebular clouds, ordered grain lattice formation within complex plasmas, wave propagation and dispersion relationships through ordered and disordered complex plasmas as well as numerical modeling of hypervelocity and low velocity shock physics. Additional research is being conducted in the areas of impact studies, sensor design and calibration as well as prototype design of dust particle accelerators. Many of the above are relatively new research areas and as such show great potential for growth.

The SSL is located in a stand alone facility on the campus of Texas State Technical College. Researchers within the HIDPL have access to two GEC RF Reference Cells (one of which is equipped with a Zyvex S100 nanomanipulator system), an electrostatic accelerator retrofitted for dust particle acceleration, a solid state, frequency doubled Nd:YVO4 laser (Coherent-Verdi), an dye laser system and a single and two stage light gas accelerator system. Full diagnostics for the above are available. Baylor and TSTC faculty, staff and students provide researchers with full on-site technical support in the areas of CAD/CAM, electrical discharge machining, lab safety, lasers, manufacturing, non-destructive testing/preventive maintenance, numerical control integration, plasma drag accelerators, system instrumentation, vacuum systems and welding. On-site fabrication and production capabilities are available through CASPER for use by contracting agencies. (All fabrication or modification requests must be scheduled well in advance of the start of the contract or collaboration.) Information concerning lead times and/or costs should be directed to Truell Hyde.