The research will focus on the spatiotemporal evolution of high-density surface plasmas produced by cold X-rays on the surface of solar arrays of satellites from high altitude nuclear detonations.

A high-altitude nuclear blast can radiate 70 to 80 percent of its released energy as X-rays. A major effect of prompt X-rays to a few microns of satellite surface materials is surface vaporization, ionization, and generation of high-density blow-off plasma. Implications of X-ray irradiation of solar cells are potentially quite serious. The surface plasmas can couple the solar cells to each other and to dielectric structures causing them to be destroyed.

The grant will provide the additional support of two graduate and two undergraduate students. These students will use the most advanced computational models to explore the formation, spatiotemporal evolution, and physical and electrical properties of dense plasmas generated by prompt X-rays on the surface of solar arrays.

Results of this research should improve the understanding of ways to design more endurable solar panels for satellites.