What is the Zebra Pulsed Power Lab?

The Zebra Pulsed Power Lab (ZPPL) was established by the University of Nevada, Reno and dedicated in 2000. Supported primarily by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), its mission is to conduct research and to train students in the field of high-energy-density (HED) science, the study of the behavior of matter subject to conditions of extreme temperature and density. This rapidly developing field explores the fourth state of matter, called plasma, under conditions similar to those occurring in the interiors of stars, nuclear fusion reactors, and lightning bolts.

Recent news from the Department of Physics

Photo collage with two images: a head shot of Hamed Ebrahimian and a head shot of Neil Lareau

University researchers studying Lahaina fire; work could help emergency responders in the future

Hamed Ebrahimian, Neil Lareau are part of interdisciplinary team led by the University of Hawai’i.

A man and woman set up a camera toward a cliff face.

Faces of the Pack: Jim Hammond

Jim Hammond is an alumnus who graduated with a degree in physics

Six women stand at the end of a hallway smiling. A woman in the middle wearing a cardigan is looking to her right and smiling.

For Interim Dean of the College of Science Katherine McCall, the people make the place

The interim dean has long worked to ensure everyone has access to STEM education