Summary of Research
My research focuses on the dynamics of laser-generated plasmas, applicable to the inner walls of hohlraums at the National Ignition Facility. This includes analysis of the electromagnetic field structures, plasmas parameters (such as electron and ion temperatures, densities and velocities), x-ray flux and implosion velocities. To obtain electromagnetic field structures, I analyze proton radiography data from laser-copper plasmas. Since the dataset consists of two plasma probing directions I am working on determining the three dimensional components of the fields. Additionally, multi-energetic proton measurements allow me to distinguish whether the deflections are due to electric or magnetic fields. I also analyze spatially resolved optical Thomson scattering measurements of these plasmas. This will provide the necessary parameters to diagnose the plasma conditions at several locations within the interaction and compare with proton radiography results. I will also work on developing a simplified model of the hohlraum x-ray flux. This employs a ‘leaky-bucket’ model, simplifying the physics significantly to the extent that it can be run on desktop computers. I will work on incorporating additional physical processes into the model such as cross-beam energy transfer and backscatter. Both aspects of my research look into the complex dynamics within hohlraums. Findings from proton radiography and Thomson scattering can very well be incorporated into the computational model. This will strengthen both efforts and create a cohesive PhD trajectory.
Publications
Publications:
J. D. Kalow, J. T. Hinchen, G. Harris, E. Koukina, D. M. Harrington, P. A. McDaniel, N. J. Brennan, A. Golossanov, I. D. Spool, S. Varner, D. Zajac, M. Mundt, M. Russell, S. Bull, K. McCormack, D. Mayer, L. E. Knaian, M. Khandaker, W. Stadolnik, W. R. Cutler, A. Sampat, K. Lau, J. Betances, C. Fagan, C. R. Shmayda, M. Koch, K. Payne, N. J. L. MacFadden, J. Simon, K. Peterson, A. Gami, S. Machavarapu, A. Tejeda, J. Katz, J. A. Allen, R. Chaney, K. Kem, I. Kiniti, C. C. Petitjean, E. Garcia Badaracco, K. R. Lynch, J. Davies, C. Forrest, P. Gandhi, C. J. Johnstone, M. Kiburg, E. Niner, A. Antognini, W. T. Shmayda, S. O. Newburg, and A. N. Knaian, “A large-volume diamond anvil cell for the study of muon-catalyzed fusion in deuterium–tritium at high temperatures and pressures,†submitted (2026).
Conference proceedings:
E. Garcia Badaracco, “High Yield Muon Catalyzed Fusion,†New Perspectives 2023, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL (June, 2023). Oral presentation.
Posters:
Garcia Badaracco, E. et al. “Electromagnetic Fields of Plasmas in Hohlraum-like Conditions†2026 NIF & JLF User Group Meeting, Livermore, CA (February, 2026). Oral component.
Garcia Badaracco, E. et al. “Muon-Catalyzed Fusion†2024 International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Applications of Accelerators, Newport News, VA (March, 2024). Oral component. First place early-career poster award.
Garcia Badaracco, E. et al. “Beam Design for Muon Catalyzed Fusion†2024 Fermilab summer interns poster session (August, 2024).
Garcia Badaracco, E. et al. “Muon-Catalyzed Fusion†2023 Fermilab summer interns poster session (August, 2023).
Garcia Badaracco, E. et al. “Python in Quantum Transduction†2023 Fermilab spring interns poster session (April, 2023).
Awards
First Place Poster for Early Career Award, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, 2024
Engineering Departmental Award, University of California Berkeley, 2023
The Leadership Award, Cal Alumni Association, 2023
Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarship, University of California Berkeley, 2023
Physical Sciences Department Scholarship, San Diego Mesa College, 2023
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship, San Diego Indian American Society, 2022
Prof Dale Tillery Scholarship, San Diego Community College District, 2023
Dean's List, San Diego Mesa College, 2022
Dean's List, San Diego City College, 2022
Ron Manzoni VP Instruction Scholarship, San Diego City College, 2022
ASG International Scholarship, San Diego City College, 2022
The Patrick R. Fiero Sr Engineering Scholarship, San Diego Mesa College, 2022
Jerry Schad Memorial Scholarship, San Diego Mesa College, 2022
Friends of Downtown Scholarship, San Diego City College, 2021
Dual Enrollment Achievement Award, East Village Middle College High School, 2021