The areas embraced by UCLA theoretical plasma physics research includes studies involving nonlinear waves, heating of thermonuclear fusion plasmas, ionosphere modification, laboratory simulation of space phenomena, and non-diffusive transport.

Since 1998, the Plasma Simulation Group has been led by Professor Warren B. Mori. The group continues to do pioneering work in high-performance computing of complex plasma phenomena. The group is actively engaged in inventing new algorithms for studying plasma-based acceleration and extreme states of matter, as well as using its codes for scientific discovery in these subject areas.