Redirecting plasma and e-beam research at NRL, from death rays to doodads

Summary form only given. Like much of the rest of the plasma physics community, and in fact, like much of scientific research in general, plasma physics at NRL has undergone a redirection from large projects, with payoffs in the distant future; to smaller projects with nearer term payoffs. Generally these newer projects are just as scientifically challenging. The author will discuss the past and future prospects at NRL. He will discuss successful transitions, as well as potential projects that at the outset looked good scientifically, and also marketable, but which still have not been funded. A few comments are given about the largest plasma physics project of all, magnetic fusion.