My research investigates materials science phenomena under high-energy density conditions. I employ hydrodynamic modeling to design experiments that explore the behavior of matter in extreme environments. Utilizing high-power lasers and advanced diagnostic techniques, I conduct experiments to analyze various material properties. I am particularly interested in how these properties evolve and respond to extreme laser-driven conditions, aiming to deepen our understanding of fundamental physical processes.

I joined LLNL in 2022 as the inaugural Harold Brown Postdoctoral Fellow in Strategic Deterrence where I studied material strength at extreme conditions. In 2025 I was hired as a staff scientist in the High Energy Density Science Section of Physics Division.

Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, 2022

M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, 2018

B.S., Materials Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2017

Kim, Y.-J., Righi, G., et al. “Dynamic strength of iron under pressure-temperature conditions of Earth’s inner core.” Nature Communications, (2026).

Righi, G., et al. “200-fold increase in dynamic strength of platinum at 430 GPa without a phase transformation.” Physical Review B. 111, 144109 (2025).

Righi, G., et al. “A spall and diffraction study of nanosecond pressure release across the iron ε-α phase boundary.” Acta Materialia 257, 119148 (2023).

Righi, G., et al. “Design of iron Rayleigh-Taylor strength experiments for the NIF”. Journal of Applied Physics 131, 145902 (2022).

Righi, G., et al. “Towards the ultimate strength of iron: spalling through laser shock.” Acta Materialia 215, 117072 (2021).

 

For a full list, see ORCID