Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Institute of Geophysics & Planetary Physics
The Livermore branch of the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) fosters collaboration between researchers from UC campuses and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) by making available some of the Laboratory’s unique facilities and expertise in areas such as large-scale computing, astrophysical databases, unique experimental facilities, digital seismographic networks, and geochemical laboratories.
Research Focus
The IGPP at LLNL currently emphasizes research in two broad areas-Astrophysics and Planetary Science. Previous astrophysics projects have included research in stellar evolution, hydrodynamics, radiation transport theory, dark matter, adaptive optics, high redshift structure formation, and primitive solar system bodies. Current research areas include stellar evolution, large-scale surveys, supernovae and supernova cosmology, gravitational microlensing, transient events, adaptive optics and searches for extrasolar planets. Planetary science projects have included seismology, geochemistry, geophysics, cosmochemistry, and dynamic and static experimental measurements on planetary materials and covers cutting research in the areas of astromaterials science, astrobiology, sample analysis, and sample return missions. This year particular consideration will be given to proposals seeking to study astromaterials (i.e. extraterrestrial materials) using LLNL’s state-of-the-art analytical instruments including nanoSIMS, SuperSTEM, focused ion beam (FIB) and mass spectrometers. IGPP also maintains a strong connection with the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry and supports applications of AMS to geologic problems.
The IGPP-LLNL supports selected research projects in the above areas involving vigorous collaboration between campus and Livermore researchers. All proposals require an identified LLNL collaborator who serves as a co-author on the proposal. Priority will be given to proposals with the strongest LLNL-campus collaboration, including graduate student, postdoc, or faculty participation at LLNL; use of unique LLNL experimental, analytic or computational facilities; or unique expertise of LLNL collaborators. Campus scientists are encouraged to telephone IGPP Staff for help in establishing appropriate Laboratory contacts.