When: 5 June 2025, 1500 - 1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Josef Felver, AFRL
Title: Burst Mode Lasers
Abstract: Burst Mode Lasers combine high energy pulses with high pulse repetition frequencies while maintaining low average power requirements. Through careful consideration of thermal loading and non-equilibrium operation, this laser architecture can produce ‘bursts’ of laser pulses which enable the sampling of turbulent flows from kHz to MHz rates. These high sampling rates are critical for modeling, and understanding, the behavior of complex flows in current and future aircraft designs. This talk will introduce the fundamentals of burst mode laser architectures as well as several use cases in dynamic flow diagnostic techniques.
Bio: Dr. Josef Felver is a Senior Physicist at AFRL with experience in the Optics and Photonics Industry including the development and application of burst-mode laser. He has worked with a variety of laser systems ranging from femtosecond optics to ultracold atomic traps, and has experience in high speed optical diagnostics techniques. Dr. Felver has been active in research projects resulting in more than a dozen publications, conference presentations and proceedings. He holds a doctoral degree in Physics from Washington State University and is a member of the Optical Society of America.
When: 29 May 2025, 1500 - 1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Jana Houser, The Ohio State University
Title: Tornadogenesis: Scientific Evidence, Philosophical Thoughts, and Forecasting Implications
Abstract: What, exactly, IS a tornado? How do they form? What can we learn about the tornadogenesis from observations? What does this knowledge imply about the way we warn for tornadoes? While the answers to these questions might seem trivial at face value, they are actually quite complex and nuanced when one dives deep. This talk uses rapid-scan, mobile radar observations of tornadogenesis and recent results from numerical simulations of tornadoes to illuminate some of the answers to these questions, while simultaneously fueling evidence of the complexity of the problems involved. RaXPol (a mobile, rapid-scan, dual-polarization Doppler radar) observations and analyses of tornadogenesis will be analyzed for 7 tornadoes. Then, we will explore the implications of how the definition of a tornado might complicate the conclusions drawn. Following this, comparisons with RaXPol tornadogenesis timing and location will be made with tornadoes in the NCEI database. Finally, these observations will be put into the context of the warning-decision making process to explore the implications of the science on operations.
Bio: Dr. Houser is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. She specializes in spatio-temporal analysis of tornadoes and supercells using state of the art, high-temporal resolution mobile, polarimetric radar observations, with particular emphasis on tornadogenesis and the interaction between tornadoes and the physical ground surface. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from Penn State University in 2004, and a Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in 2008 and 2013 respectively, both in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma where she studied under the mentorship of renowned severe weather expert Dr. Howard Bluestein. From 2013 until 2022, she was an assistant and then associate professor of meteorology at Ohio University in Athens, OH and has been at Ohio State as an associate professor since then. She is an award winning professor and researcher. While at Ohio University, she received the Jeanette Graselli Brown Faculty Teaching Award, the University Professor award, the College of Arts and Sciences Recognition for Outstanding Research, and the Honor’s Tutorial College Outstanding Mentor of the Year award. At Ohio State, she received the “Building Bridges” award for novel cross-disciplinary engagement from the College of Engineering, and was named the Department of Geography’s Martha Corry Fellow for 2024-2029. She has an extensive public outreach campaign, frequently participating in public education and podcasts, and local, national, and international media interviews. Outside of work, she is the mother to 3 daughters, is active in her church and enjoys gardening, running, and fitness.
When: 15 May 2025, 1500 - 1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Chan, The Ohio State University
Title: Advancing Atmospheric Predictions through the Data Assimilation of Measurements into Models
Abstract: Atmospheric conditions influence the operations, tactics and weaponry of the Air Force and her adversaries. It is thus crucial to improve atmospheric forecasts. In this seminar, I will present on improving atmospheric forecasts through the data assimilation (DA) of atmospheric observation and models. DA’s incredible flexibility to leverage a wide variety of observations will be illustrated using studies that assimilate satellite measurements of infrared radiances. I will then discuss a Navy-funded DA advancement that potentially improves both weather and aerosol forecasts, as well as ideas for potential collaborations between AFIT and my DA research group. No prior knowledge of DA or meteorology is needed to understand this seminar.
Bio: Dr Joseph Chan specializes in improving atmospheric forecasting through the data assimilation of observations into atmospheric models. To be precise, Joseph’s research focuses on (1) enhancing the usage of observations in atmospheric prediction models, and (2) developing novel efficient data assimilation algorithms to amplify the corrective power of observations in forecasting. Joseph is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the Ohio State University. Prior to that, Joseph earned his Honors’ in Physics from the National University of Singapore, and his PhD in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science from the Pennsylvania State University.
Spring Colloquium 6: Dr. Enam Chowdhury, The Ohio State University
When: 8 May 2025, 1500 - 1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Bio: Prof. Chowdhury is a leading expert in the field of short pulse lasers and laser damage, ultra-intense and high energy density laser matter interaction. His lab demonstrated photon acceleration and nano-machining with non-linear metasurfaces pumped by ultrashort mid-IR pulses. He led the design and construction of the 400 TW SCARLET laser system at the OSU High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) Laboratory, which was completed in 2012 [Laser focus world cover June 2012]. Along with development of SCARLET, he concentrated on research on intense laser accelerated multi-MeV particles from liquid targets in kHz repetition rate. In 2012, he established a new AFOSR funded laboratory devoted to studying femtoseconed laser matter interaction near material damage threshold, which has concentrated on how laser damage mechanisms evolve from traditional near IR to mid IR wavelengths, with atomic resolution using an ultrafast scanning tunneling microscope (UFSTM), funded by an AFOSR-DURIP. His ongoing experimental efforts includes ultrafast laser damage of various materials in UHV environment, develop next generation optical coatings for petawatt-class lasers, extreme non-linear optical properties of van der Waals materials. His ongoing computational efforts concentrate on two main branches of high intensity laser matter interaction, first, modeling ultrafast laser damage using strong field Keldysh ionization while fully incorporating plasma and particle dynamics using particle-in-cell (PIC) HPC infrastructure to show that traditional models like Two Temperature Model (TTM) developed for near IR laser solid interaction may not be adequate, and new wavelength scaled paradigm may be necessary to explain intense laser solid interaction at longer wavelengths. Second, his group is incorporating relativistic corrections and radiation reaction to study laser plasma interaction at super high intensities with structured light fields.
Title: Perspective on next generation ultrahigh intensity laser-based sources
Abstract: Laser-plasma interaction (LPI) with solid density targets in the regime of ultra-intense fields can create some of the most extreme environments with keV temperatures, of order 100 au (atomic units) E-fields (intensities of order billion-trillion times that of sunlight on the earth), and order kT B-fields, resulting in bursts of MeV – GeV electrons, ions, positrons, attosecond bursts of harmonics and x-rays. The relativistic LPI (RLPI) interaction is initiated by the laser E-field ionizing (for non-metal targets) and accelerating the electrons (all targets), while the focal intensity gradient (?E2) pushes them outside of the focal volume and simultaneously the Lorentz force (v x B) directs them forward to achieve near light speed within a fraction of the optical cycle. We will discuss how LPI and associated technologies can be used to develop next generation radiation and particle sources for applications vital to National Security, Defense and nuclear medicine.
He has participated in AFOSR, DOE, ARO, AFRL, DARPA funded programs for over a decade. He is currently a member of the Center of Excellence (AFRL+AFOSR) SPACE-MAT, simulating LEO environment by generating particles and radiation via intense laser plasma interaction for developing and testing next gen space materials.
When: 1 May 2025, 1500-1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Donald Hornback, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Title: An Introduction to Brookhaven National Laboratory and Selected Research Areas Relevant to National Security
Abstract: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a multipurpose Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory located on Long Island in New York primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The laboratory is focused on advancing: 1) fundamental research in nuclear and particle physics to gain a deeper understanding of matter, energy, space, and time; 2) the application of photon sciences and nanomaterials research to energy challenges of critical importance to the nation; 3) cross-disciplinary research on computation, sustainable energy, national security, and Earth’s ecosystems.
Bio: Donald Hornback is the Director of National Security Programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Donny joined BNL in November 2022 after serving as a program manager at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. From 2016-2021 he was a senior program manager at DOE/NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development (NA-22). He also held a position as a staff physicist at ORNL from 2010-2016 working both in fundamental physics and national security. He completed his PhD in experimental nuclear physics as a member of the PHENIX Collaboration at BNL in 2008. Prior to studying physics, Donny was an airborne Arabic cryptolinguist in the US Air Force flying over 120 missions on the Rivet Joint platform based in the UK, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.
When: 24 April 2025, 1500-1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Bullard, Blue Halo
Title: Superconductivity for Directed THz
Abstract: It is well established that current carrying superconducting materials will emit microwave/terahertz radiation when illuminated with a femtosecond infrared laser pulse. In this investigation we examine the electromagnetic emission from an inductively charged superconducting thin film ring composed of YBa2Cu3O7-x. This configuration lends itself to a simple compact microwave/terahertz emitter device as the ring simultaneously plays the part of an emitter and power supply. We find that the emitted radiation displays characteristics similar to that emitted from an electrically large resonant loop antenna. With this knowledge we construct an array of superconducting ring emitters. The resulting radiation patterns match predicted results and indicate increased directionality with increasing element number indicating coherent emission. With the upper frequency set by the superconducting material, these results suggest the possibility of a unique coherent pulsed microwave source that could extend into the terahertz portion of the spectrum.
Bio: Dr. Tom Bullard is a consultant working with the Air Force Research Lab’s cryogenics/ superconductivity group and the Air Force Institute of Technology. He received his M.S. from Miami University (Oxford, OH) in computational astrophysics, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics with a focus on superconductivity. Following his Ph.D., he worked with the National Air and Space Intelligence Center as an infrared/optical signatures analyst. Current research interests include investigation of new superconducting materials, the role of magnetic frustration on the origin of high temperature superconductivity, superconducting magnetic energy storage, and electromagnetic emission from pulsed DC superconducting systems.
When: 17 April 2025, 1500-1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Anil Patnaik, AFIT/ENP
Title: Laser-Induced Plasma for Nuclear Diagnostics Applications
Abstract: Dr. Anil Patnaik will talk about his work in the Laser Induced Spectroscopy (LIBS) lab here at AFIT.
Bio: Dr. Patnaik specializes in the theory and experimentation of fundamental laser-matter interactions, both in the realm of classical and quantum regime, and their applications. He has worked on a wide range of topics in quantum optics, non-linear optics, laser-based diagnostics and state-of-art AF applications, leading to about 200 publications and presentations, including highly-cited peer-reviewed journal publications, book chapters, plenary and invited talks, seminars and conference presentations. He has authored two authoritative review articles on the optical diagnostics techniques for reacting flows and plasmas, with one of them been the top 1% cited engineering journal paper status in web of science for last few years. His theoretical work on fiber-based slow light has been in international news. Dr. Patnaik has successfully led many AFRL, AFOSR, NSF, DOE, DTRA funded projects as PI or co-PI. He has held several academic and visiting positions at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Texas A&M, Purdue and Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, Garching (Germany). He worked with Prof. Glauber (Nobel Laurate in Quantum Optics) on fundamental laser-matter interactions. He has been actively involved with professional societies such as APS, Optica, SPIE and AIAA.
When: 1 0 April 2025, 1500-1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Title: Atmospheric Propagation of Qubits: Laboratory Experiments to Field Demonstrations
Abstract: Free-space quantum networks can enable global-scale quantum communication via satellite-based nodes and quantum ground transceivers. To enable building of robust global quantum networks, it is critical to learn how the state of the qubit is transformed while propagating through the atmosphere. With such an overarching goal, we built a laboratory based atmospheric turbulence simulator (ATS) to characterize the effects of atmospheric turbulence on an entangled pair of photons as a function of statistical quantities such as the Fried parameter or scintillation index for long-distance communication. Specifically, the changes in the statistical properties associated with a quantum source was investigated using the Hanbury Brown-Twiss correlations. Due to the design of our ATs, we are also in a position to study the degradation of the indistinguishability between photons Hong-Ou-Mandel correlations for future work. A theoretical model describing quantum states of light propagating through the atmosphere has been developed earlier by other authors. The Glauber-Sudarshan P function was considered to represent the qubit state, and the output states were evaluated by employing a linear attenuator with a randomly varying transmission coefficient to describe atmospheric effects. In collaboration with AFRL/RDS, experimental data was collected at a 1 mile field site at the Starfire Optical Range to calculate probability distributions of the transmission coefficient and to compare with theoretical models. The outcome of the laboratory and field experiments provides crucial information regarding the parameter space for high fidelity qubit propagation through the atmosphere and enable the development of a robust quantum network.
Bio: Keith Wyman commissioned into the United States Air Force in 2012. After completing a terminal master’s degree in Applied Physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2014, Keith Wyman worked on analyzing infrared data before working on sodium laser guidestar research for the Air Force. Keith Wyman returned to the Air Force Institute of Technology and graduated with a PhD in September 2023.
When: 3 April 2025, 1500-1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Timothy M. True, AFIT/ENP
Title: Pressure Broadening in Spectroscopy
Abstract: Pressure broadening arises because collisions with an inert gas interrupt the phase of the electromagnetic wave as it is being absorbed. The phase change from a collision is determined by the geometry of the collision and the potential difference surfaces, dV. The difference potentials for the relevant transitions are non-trivial, but can be found with numerical methods. Throughout the literature, Lennard-Jones potentials are frequently used as a first guess approximation of the long-range values. The power of Anderson-Talman Theory is that it can be generalized to predict a line shape from any dV.
Bio: Timothy True got his M.S. and Ph.D. from AFIT/ENP in 2021 and 2023 respectively. His research emphasis includes absorption spectroscopy, collisional dynamics, and non-linear absorption processes, with an emphasis on experimental work in alkali vapors.
When: 27 Feb 2025, 1400-1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Pankaj K. Jha, Syracuse University
Title: 2D Materials and Heterostructures for Quantum Technologies
Abstract: Novel materials play a crucial role in advancing new technologies. They provide essential building blocks with desirable properties that enable the development of innovative and disruptive technologies and devices. The first part of the talk will focus on generating quantum light at room temperature by utilizing color centers in wide-bandgap materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride. Next, we will discuss our ongoing work on designing, fabricating, and testing iron chalcogenide-based 2D superconductors such as FeTe0.6Se0.4 for developing next-generation single-photon detectors at "higher" temperatures. I will conclude by sharing our research vision for harnessing these novel materials and intelligent optics in various photon-starved applications, such as quantum LiDAR, quantum sensing, imaging, and quantum key distribution, which require high system detection efficiencies.
Bio: Pankaj K. Jha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University. His research focuses on building quantum hardware with 2D materials and heterostructure, metamaterials, and their hybrid combinations. Berkeley National Lab, the Kavli Foundation, the Moore Foundation, and others have highlighted Prof. Jha’s research. He was one of the finalists for the Tingye Li Innovation Prize for Early Career Professionals (2016). He was awarded a Google Grant (2022) and a US Air Force Research Laboratory Visiting Faculty Fellowship (2023). Pankaj earned his M.Sc. (5-year Integrated) in Physics from I.I.T. Kanpur, his Ph.D. in Physics from Texas A&M University, and completed his postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley and Caltech before joining Syracuse University in 2022.
When: 20 Feb 2025, 1400-1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Adib Samin, AFIT/ENP
Title: On the degradation of alloys: insights from multi-scale simulations
Abstract: With the technological advances of the past century, there is an increasing demand for reliable materials to operate in a variety of extreme and harsh environments including high stresses, elevated temperatures, oxidizing environments, and radiation damage. From phase diagrams, to thermal, mechanical, and kinetic properties, first principles-based calculations and atomistic simulations may significantly aid with the materials discovery process, elucidate unknown quantities or mechanisms, and inform our understanding of material response in extreme environments. In this talk, I will outline some recent examples of how multi-scale simulations may be effectively utilized to inform our knowledge regarding the behavior of materials in these extreme environments. I will specifically discuss examples concerning dislocations in binary alloys and the effect of segregation, the impact of defects on shock propagation, fracture and the effect local atomic environment surrounding grain boundaries, and the high temperature oxidation of multicomponent alloys.
Bio: Dr. Adib Samin is currently an associate professor within the engineering physics department at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Dr. Samin obtained his graduate degrees in chemical physics and mechanical engineering at the Ohio State University and performed research investigating radiation damage on magnets. During his postdoctoral years, Dr. Samin worked on the recycling of spent nuclear fuel, surface electrochemistry, and corrosion before then spending a year as a fellow at the Los Alamos National Laboratory working on modeling structural materials relevant to nuclear reactors. Dr. Samin is also the Air Force winner of the 2024 Arthur Fleming Award in the basic science category.
When: 16 Jan 2025, 1400-1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Tod Grusenmeyer, AFRL/RX
Title: Low Temperature Sintering of Polycrystalline Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskites
Abstract: No well-defined method to reproducible fabricate large area, optically transparent hybrid perovskite wafers exists. This is unfortunate due to their promising use in many applications that require thick, large-area wafers (e.g. X-ray detection and optical limiting). Densification and sintering of polycrystalline hybrid perovskite powders into polycrystalline wafers is a promising route towards overcoming the abovementioned issue. However, the underlying sintering/densification mechanisms in these materials have not been widely explored. Moreover, no studies exist on the fundamental relationship between the sintered wafers’ structural characteristics and associated optoelectronic properties. It stands to reason that fully understanding this fundamental structure-function relationship could enable key advancements in perovskite optoelectronic technologies. This proposal aims to fill these clear knowledge gaps and, in turn, outline materials processing guidelines to transform both 3D and 2D hybrid perovskite powders into freestanding, polycrystalline wafers that have optical properties akin to their single crystalline counterparts. Densification/sintering will be realized using a combination of uniaxial and isostatic pressing at moderate pressures (hundreds of MPa) and low-temperatures (25 to 400 °C). The three major objectives in this proposal are (1) synthesis and purification of bulk polycrystalline powders, (2) optimization of the sintering process guided by optical/structural characterization, and (3) enhancing properties of sintered perovskite wafers using perovskite-polymer composites to engineer grain boundaries. While the initial effort will focus on halide perovskites, a broader intent of this work is to establish a disruptive synthetic capability within AFRL that can be exploited for variety of optoelectronic materials.
Bio: Dr. Tod Grusenmeyer embarked on his government career in 2018 with the Photonic Materials Branch of the Materials & Manufacturing Directorate (RX) as a Research Chemist. He has become an academically, internationally, and industrially respected partner for his expertise in novel optical materials. His seamless work across foundational research, advanced development, and industrial production has resulted in external funds exceeding $24M from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Defense Advance Research Project Agency, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research in the past 5 years. He has demonstrated an ability to align scientific challenges and development opportunities to accelerate material innovations including direct leadership of international research and development efforts with groups in 6 countries, RX engagement with a flagship $72M NSF program that supports the White House’s Materials Genome Initiative, and fundamental research efforts resulting in 5 submitted patents and 31 referred publications with 12 different US universities, 2 international universities, and 16 unique Department of Defense Subject Matter Experts. Dr. Grusenmeyer has also fostered the growth of a future warfighter-informed workforce by mentoring 16 United States Air Force Academy cadets, 13 post-docs, and 21 graduate and undergraduate students.
When: 5 Dec 2024, 1400-1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Jen Daluz, AFIT
Title: Current Research in Atmospheric Modeling
Abstract: At the colloquium, Dr. Daluz will present past experimental and computational research and their current research in atmospheric modeling.
Bio: Dr. Jennifer (Jen) Daluz received their B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During their M.S. thesis research, Dr. Daluz studied the vibronic structure of metal-water clusters via photofragment spectroscopy and molecular structure calculations. Dr. Daluz earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California San Diego (UCSD). At UCSD, Dr. Daluz continued research on metal-water clusters in molecular ion-beam experiments using photofragment-photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy, and later launched research into light mediated reaction dynamics of electronically coupled dimers in solvent environments using fast spectroscopy techniques. Here at AFIT, Dr. Daluz is a Post-doctoral Fellow in ENP in Lt Col Kyle Fitch’s lab generating optimized climatological representations of the atmosphere that aim to capture aerosol and cloud dynamics. This involves assimilating aerosol and cloud data into contemporary reanalysis data. Other aspects of Dr. Daluz’s project involve using Machine Learning to estimate aerosol vertical profiles for regions where aerosol data is sparse.
When: 14 Nov 2024, 1400-1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Chris Orban, OSU
Title: From Blue Sky to Bleeding Edge: What's Becoming Possible with Ultra-High Power Laser Technology
Abstract: Advances in nanosecond to femtosecond duration laser technology have already led to interesting scientific discoveries and produced a few engineering applications. The progress in this field is continuing and I will talk about some of the most exciting work being done. The National Ignition Facility, for example, now produces more neutron energy from fusion experiments than the laser energy used to produce the reactions, and there is now a network of ultra-intense laser systems called LaserNetUS that researchers can use for free. I will talk about my research with these systems and describe on ramps for students and faculty interested to contribute to this field.
Bio: Chris Orban is an associate professor of physics at Ohio State University, serving the Marion campus in a teaching role and advising Ph.D. students on the Columbus campus. Orban is a computational plasma physicist with an interest in high energy density physics and ultra-intense laser-matter interactions. He has collaborated with the Extreme Light group at WPAFB since 2013, leading efforts to computationally model experiments at the most intense laser system on the base. In recent years, his research has expanded to leverage machine learning tools to enhance laser matter interactions.
When: 7 Nov 2024, 1400-1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Milo Hyde, Epsilon C5I
Title: Beam Control Research
Abstract: Optical beam control is important in many applications including directed energy, remote sensing, optical communications, astronomy, biology/medicine, high-energy physics, and quantum optics. In this talk, Dr. Hyde will highlight some of the beam control research projects he participated in while at AFIT in 2024. He will also discuss future beam control research topics that are of interest to sponsors, such as the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office (JDETO), AFOSR, and AFRL.
Bio: Milo W. Hyde IV received the B.S. degree in computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA in 2001 and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH in 2006 and 2010, respectively.
In his 23-year United States Air Force (USAF) military career, Dr. Hyde worked as a maintenance officer on the F-117A Nighthawk, as a government researcher/engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory, as the USAF Deputy for Operations for the Defense Science Board, and finally, as a professor of electrical engineering and optical physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Currently, he is a principal scientist with Epsilon C5I in Beavercreek, OH. He is the author of the book Computational Optical Coherence and Statistical Optics and has over 150 journal and conference publications in electromagnetic material characterization, guided-wave theory, and statistical optics.
Dr. Hyde is a member of the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS), Sigma Xi, and a senior member of IEEE, SPIE, and OSA.
When: 24 October, 1400 - 1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
When: 24 October, 1400 - 1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Will Erwin, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM)
Title: Air Force Flight Altitude Radiation Research
Abstract: Radiation exposure evaluations in flight operations are rare across the military aviation community. Since 2019, however, this has been the subject of an IG investigation, a study directed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and two congressionally mandated studies. Understanding these exposures and their effects has implications for characterizing risks for doses under 20 cSv, modeling atmospheric radiation transport, and planning manned and interplanetary space exploration. This talk will provide an overview of the ionizing radiation environment at flight altitudes, its sources, and the AFRL-AFIT partnerships to characterize, contextualize, and assess ionizing radiation exposure and risks to aircrews over the last five years by simulation, in-flight measurements, beamline experiments, and epidemiology studies.
Bio: Will Erwin is the Force Health Protection Section Chief at the 711th Human Performance Wing/RHB. He graduated from AFIT in 2015 and 2021. In his previous job, he served as a health physics consultant and dosimetry program manager at USAFSAM. Will is also an FA 52 officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he currently serves in a strategic intelligence unit. His previous assignment was in the FEMA Region V Homeland Response Force with the Ohio Army National Guard where he trained and led units in mass casualty decontamination and CBRN response operations. Will is also an EOD officer and Iraq War Veteran.
When: 17 October, 1400 - 1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
When: 3 October, 1400 - 1500
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Erin Boedicker, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Title: The NOAA Federated Aerosol Network: Long term monitoring of aerosol optical properties
Abstract: Characterizing aerosol optical properties is critical for quantifying their impacts on the radiative energy budget of the atmosphere and estimating global radiative forcing. In-situ aerosol optical properties are measured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Federated Aerosol Network (NFAN) and their collaborators at ~30 monitoring locations around the world. This network is apart of NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)’s Global Monitoring Division (GMD). Sites represent a diverse set of land use categories, including, Arctic, marine, continental, high latitude, and urban regions. Sampling, data acquisition, and data processing has been standardized across the network and follows best practices for aerosol measurements. This produces atmospheric measurements that are directly comparable across sites and high-quality data that is publicly accessible. Here we present a current description of the network and its mission.
Speaker: Dr. Peter Marasco - AFRL/RYZX
Title: How do I know my technology creates a useful warfighting capability?
Abstract: Warfighter capability needs and technology advancement communities rarely speak the same language. AFRL traditionally struggles translating capability needs into technology terminology actionable to researchers. In addition researchers tend to be very specialized while capability development may knowledge of a wide range of technologies. This presentation examines three attempts to translate warfighter capability needs in technology development. AFRL Sensors Directorate effort to further refine needs will also be presented. Finally, an example (successful?), ongoing technology development effort resulting from this process will be presented.
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Speaker: Capt Billie DeLuca, AFIT
Title: Overview of AFIT QIS Activities
Abstract: The development of quantum information science (QIS) and quantum-enabled technologies is a matter of vital importance for both the economic and national security of the United States. This commitment to maintaining national superiority in the realm of quantum information science has been emphasized in numerous legislative bills and executive orders in recent years. In this colloquium, I will give an overview of the ongoing QIS research activities at AFIT, with a focus on quantum computing and quantum networking.
Bio: Capt Billie V. DeLuca is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Prior to her current position, she was a student at the Air Force Institute of Technology and earned a PhD in Applied Physics. Before coming to AFIT, she served as an analyst and technical lead in the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, focused on mission assurance for aircraft within the nuclear enterprise. Capt DeLuca conducts research in quantum optics and quantum storage of light for future quantum networks.
When: 15 August, 1500-1600
Where: Bldg 646, Rm 102
Speaker: Dr. Moussa N'Gom, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Title: Wavefront Shaping: A New Tool in Optics
Abstract: Wavefront shaping adds a computational tool to traditional optical techniques to enable imaging through intact scattering samples. It presents promising application opportunities in telecommunication and and non-invasive in–vivo imaging and diagnosis. Optical wavefront shaping refers to the tailoring or shaping of light in all its degrees of freedom: amplitude, phase, and polarization. It has largely been enabled by the availability of spatial light modulators (SLM). SLMs are used to create arbitrarily complex light structures that are now powerful elements of the optics toolbox. In this talk I will present the computational tools my group has developed to exploit the versatility of wavefront shaping to generate the so-called transmission matrix to link input fields randomly generated through the SLM and the output fields measured by a detector. I will then discuss a few applications where these tools have been applied to generate new results.
Bio: Professor N’Gom is an associate professor in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics, & Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He is also affiliated with The Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS). He leads a federally funded (DOE, NNSA) research program that investigates the fundamental properties of light as it propagates through different environments, including quantum light. His research group consist of 1 postdoctoral associate, 5 graduate students, and 3 undergraduate students. He teaches “Quantum Mechanics” and “Classical Electrodynamics” to graduate physics students.
Speaker: CDE Interns
When: 8 August 2024
Where: Building 646, Room 102
Speaker 1: Dominic Buoscio
Title: Optimization of the SELBATT Experiment
Abstract: Current Spatially Encoded Laser Beams for Advanced Target Tracking (SELBATT) experiments can to some degree of accuracy guess the location of a target using a constellation of laser beams, but there is no current idea for the best setup of laser beams to achieve optimal tracking at minimal power consumption. Tests need to be run to find these values, but the testing of the system takes too long and is run inefficiently. By encapsulating the currently manually run experiment within a function that allows the manual movements to be automated using precise translation stages. This function controls which laser beams are turned on, the distance between the laser source and the sending lens, and the movement of the target detector in between tests. These automations remove repeated calculations that are no longer needed and speed up the manual operation of the old SELBATT experiments, which allows for more experiments to be completed for a given period. This automation allows for future developments of the SELBATT system to be tested and improved upon more quickly than before.
Bio: Dominic serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE). During his time here, he worked on a laser tracking system, specifically adding to the experiment to speed up the experiment process for future development. As a senior at Rose-Hulman, he is majoring in Computer Engineering. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in computer engineering.
Speaker 2: Stephen Keary
Title: Comparison of Ultrasonic Anemometer Devices in Measuring Flow and Turbulence
Abstract: There is a rich history in using ultrasonic anemometers to measure flow for energy dynamic studies and to measure turbulence through sonic temperature fluctuations based upon time of flight of ultrasonic pulses between pairs of transducers. Various anemometer designs have evolved with differing spacing and configuration of transducers. In this study, we compare the performance of various ultrasonic anemometer models considering the impact of measurement differences and errors on estimation of the structure function parameter, Cn2. To make this possible, multiple anemometers have been deployed outdoors for data collection and subsequent analysis.
Bio: Stephen serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE). During his time here, he worked on the comparison of ultrasonic anemometers in measuring air flow and turbulence to identify the most effective devices. As a senior at Cedarville University, he is majoring in Mathematics. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in mathematics.
Speaker 3: Ben Combs
Title: Validation of Turbulence Processing in Weather Integration Prototype
Abstract: Directed energy weapons offer a compelling alternative for military defense applications due to their precision, rapid response rate, and ability to neutralize threats in a fraction of a second. However, due to negative atmospheric effects resulting from turbulence and aerosols, the effectiveness of these systems is necessary to quantify in real time. The Weather Integration Prototype (WIP) is the first of its kind to incorporate the impact of atmospheric conditions in real-time on laser propagation. To validate the effectiveness of the WIP, the turbulence algorithm was replicated and run with the raw stream of anemometer data sent to the collection servers of the WIP. Once an accurate replication was successfully implemented, the algorithm could be adjusted to further improve the calculation of Cn2 and remove notable amounts of noise. The new algorithm was implemented in the WIP and yielded considerably more accurate results.
Bio: Ben serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE). During his time here, he worked on validating the WIP’s turbulence processing algorithm and discovered a new way to calculate turbulence that removes a significant amount of noise. He also set up a large experiment to test several anemometers. As a senior at The Ohio State University, he is majoring in electrical engineering. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in electrical engineering.
Speaker 4: Jenna Fourman
Title: SWIR Soil Imaging on Disturbed and Undisturbed Soil
Abstract: This study investigates the characterization of disturbed and undisturbed soils using a Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) camera by HySpex, focusing on analyzing moisture content and temperature variations. SWIR hyperspectral imaging provides detailed spectral information that allows for the precise identification of soil components and conditions. By capturing the unique spectral signatures of soils, this research aims to differentiate between disturbed and undisturbed soil samples, assessing how soil disruption impacts moisture retention and thermal properties. The findings reveal some differences in the spectral characteristics of disturbed and undisturbed soils, with disturbed soils showing rapid spectral changes, but for only approximately six days. The SWIR camera successfully identified moisture levels through distinct absorption features, while temperature variations were inferred from changes in spectral reflectance. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of SWIR hyperspectral imaging in soil analysis, offering a non-destructive method to monitor soil health and properties. The study highlights the potential applications of this technology in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and soil science, where understanding soil conditions is crucial for detecting and mitigating the threats posed by improvised explosive devices (IED).
Bio: Jenna serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Technical Studies and Research (CTISR). During her time here, she worked on soil analysis using the SWIR camera by HySpex, focusing on collecting and analyzing hyperspectral data from both disturbed and undisturbed soil samples. As a Senior at the University of Dayton, she is majoring in Civil Engineering. After graduation, she plans to get her master’s degree in business (MBA).
Speaker 5: Katelyn Reagan
Title: Intra-Global Resilient Battle-Space Power Distribution
Abstract: There is much interest in utilizing power beaming to wirelessly fuel long-range operations, offering the potential to provide energy to any location without the need for additional manpower and logistics of equipment transport. But given the propagating environment, power beaming can be significantly impacted by the atmosphere. This research aims to advance intra- and inter-theater wireless, speed of light, directed energy power transmission performance assessments of great utility to the emergent Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) and Logistical Energy At Scale (UNLEASH) programs, future force projection, and emergency response capabilities. This study analyzes the efficiency of various energy web concepts spanning approximately 1200 km range over 1+ years. To evaluate performance in realistic environments, the Air Force Institute of Technology’s (AFIT) High Energy Laser End-to-End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS) code and the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration’s (NOAA) weather prediction models are used for simulations. The results are displayed in histograms and capture the distribution of power received at ground targets.
Speaker: Dr. Michael Febbraro, AFIT/ENP
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When: 1 August 2024
Where: Building 646, Room 102
Title: Overview of Current Nuclear Physics Research at AFIT
Abstract: This presentation will highlight a few nuclear physics research projects going on in the AFIT nuclear engineering program. Topics to be discussed will focus on nuclear data for non-proliferation and radiochemical diagnostics. In addition, results from a recent measurements at the National Ignition Facility will be shown.
Speaker 1: Aaron Goertzen
Title: The Effect of Image Blur due to Aerosols
Abstract: Long range imaging systems face many challenges. One of these challenges is the scattering of light due to aerosols. Though the effect of blurring due to large particles has been documented, there remains a controversy in the role of anthropogenic aerosols of different sizes on image degradation. Using an array of imaging sensors and aerosol characterization devices, our research aims to address this topic. The image blur can be quantified by the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) which is a contrast reduction as a function spatial frequency. Images taken at a 600-meter range were analyzed to determine their MTF profiles. After the removal of blurring effects due to the camera system and turbulence, these profiles were compared to find and course mode aerosol counts to determine their impact on image blur.
Bio: Aaron serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE). During his time here, he worked on designing concepts for data collection using optical and aerosol equipment, developed scripts for determining image blur, and became proficient in operating multiple optical systems. As a junior at Cedarville University, he is majoring in Physics. After graduation, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in Applied Physics.
Speaker 2: Faith Schmidt
Title: Using Artificial Neural Networks to Estimate Soil Heat Flux with Spatial Variations
Abstract: Calculating Soil Heat Flux, G, requires an abundant amount of in-situ measurements, that must be analyzed in a lab. These measurements vary significantly depending on environmental conditions and soil types. This study employed Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to estimate G using fewer, more readily available parameters, chosen based on correlation coefficient relationships between parameters. Data from the Canadian Forces Base in Valcartier, QC, CAN (46.8862° N, 71.4892° W) and John Bryant State Park Observatory in Yellow Springs, OH (39.79111°N 83.85444°W), were used to train and test four ANNs, with each ANN trained on one location and tested on the other. The optimal ANN achieved an r2 value of 0.83797 and a RMSE of 19.75 (W/m^2). The features include net radiation, relative humidity, air temperature, and hour of day as input features. This method requires further development with validation of larger datasets from additional locations.
Bio: Faith serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE). During her time here, she worked on using machine learning to understand fluctuations in soil heat flux and optical turbulence. As a senior at Harvard University, she is majoring in Environmental Engineering and is a cadet in Air Force ROTC. After graduation, she plans to commission in the USAF and go to pilot training.
Speaker 3: Stephan Nigohosian
Title: Novel Q-Switch Materials
Abstract: Current 3-micron Q-switch lasers are limited by current electro-optic (EO) materials in terms of transparency windows and electrical properties that affect the behaviors of the Q-switch. To mitigate this issue, two materials were characterized as possible novel Q-switch materials in the 2-5-micron range. These materials offer better transparency and higher EO coefficients, allowing for greater efficiency and lower activation voltages. To determine the parameters for Q-switching these novel materials, experiments were run with a Michelson Interferometer to characterize the EO coefficient in the r33 orientation. Additionally, the quarter wave voltages of the materials were determined with a polarizer and analyzer in combination with various retardation plates. These experiments helped to characterize the physical properties of each material, allowing for the demonstration of one new novel 3-micron Q-switch material and an additional possibility with the proper driving source equipment.
Bio: Stephan serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE) with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). During his time here, he worked on novel Q-switch lasers, specifically working on characterizing novel materials for Q-switching 3-micron lasers. As a senior at Lehigh University, he is majoring in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in engineering.
Speaker 4: Virag Patel
Title: Investigating Spatial Variations in the Surface Energy Budget
Abstract: Understanding the spatial variations in earth's energy budget is crucial to understanding how lasers behave as they propagate through the atmosphere. This presentation presents an analysis of two prominent methods, namely the Bowen ratio and bulk aerodynamic methods, to compute and visualize the dynamics of the energy budget across various landscape types. The Bowen ratio method offers valuable insights into the distribution of sensible and latent heat fluxes using net radiation and surface heat flux, which significantly influence atmospheric stability and optical turbulence, thereby impacting laser propagation. Similarly, the bulk aerodynamic method estimates sensible and latent heat using wind speed, temperature, and moisture gradients. By integrating these methodologies, this presentation aims to provide a better understanding for the energy budget and our capabilities to forecast and mitigate atmospheric effects on laser systems, thus advancing operational efficiency and reliability across diverse environmental conditions.
Bio: Virag serves as a summer intern at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Center for Directed Energy (CDE). During his time here, he worked on analyzing spatial variations of the earth’s energy budget, specifically evaluating the energy budget calculated using the Bowen ratio and bulk aerodynamic methods. He also investigated the role the climate plays as well as how it affects the refractive index parameter. As a senior at The Ohio State University, he is majoring in Atmospheric Science. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in weather forecasting or research.
Speaker 5: Justin Ward
Title: Application of Principal Component Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques on Micrometeorological Datasets
Abstract: Optical turbulence, a product of fluctuations in the refractive index of the atmosphere, is an important structure function to model when trying to reduce the scintillation, beam wandering, and phase front distortion of a laser. In order to accurately model optical turbulence, the heat flux in the surrounding area is a vital measurement needed. However, it doesn’t have to be measured, but can also be calculated with the help of micrometeorological data sets. Micrometeorological data, which includes many variables like temperature, humidity, wind speed, heat flux, wave radiation, and more, presents challenges such as high dimensionality and noise. Principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical technique for dimensionality reduction, helps mitigate these issues by transforming data into principal components that capture the most variance. We found that over 80% of the data’s variance could be captured in just four principal components. Subsequently, machine learning (ML) techniques can leverage this reduced-dimensional data for tasks such as predictive modeling. Utilizing a deep learning algorithm, we were able to obtain an R-squared value of 0.997 and a root mean squared error of 0.05. Evidently, the procedure showed that leveraging PCA in combination with ML was able to produce a highly accurate model with limited computational power.
Where: Building 646, Room 102
When: 11 July 2024, 1500-1600
Where: Building 646, Room 102
Title: Statistical Nuclear Physics Studies for Basic Research and Applications
Abstract: Accurate and reliable neutron-capture cross sections for short-lived fission products are crucial for any application that uses reaction networks, e.g., reactor design, safeguards, non-proliferation, nuclear forensics, and astrophysics. Currently, direct experimental studies of neutron capture on unstable isotopes are limited due to the lack of a feasible neutron target and inability to make targets out of short-lived nuclei. Theoretical predictions of these cross sections often span orders of magnitude. The main contributors to the uncertainties in the neutron-capture cross section are the nuclear level density (NLD) and gamma-ray strength function (gSF), which describe the number of levels as a function of excitation energy and the pathway and strength by which a gamma-ray de-excites in a nucleus, respectively. In this presentation, I will describe newly developed experimental techniques that give us access to the NLD and gSF for short-lived fission products and recent results from these studies. Future experimental efforts related to non-proliferation and stockpile stewardship will also be discussed.
Bio: Dr. Andrea Richard obtained her B.S. degree in Physics and Mathematics with minors in English and Engineering from Muskingum University in 2011. She obtained her M.S. degree in 2014 from Ohio University, where her focus was neutron time-of-flight spectroscopy of the deuteron breakup reaction. Andrea then completed her Ph.D. from Ohio University in 2018 focusing on in-beam and b-delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy of the A=33 isobars in the N=20 Island of Inversion. After obtaining her Ph.D., Andrea worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University as a Nuclear Science and Security Consortium Postdoctoral Fellow and then at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Her work was primarily related to indirect neutron-capture constraints for the astrophysical i-process (intermediate neutron-capture process) and nuclear security applications using the beta-Oslo method and Surrogate Reaction Method at facilities like the NSCL, FRIB, CARIBU, and TRIUMF. Andrea is actively involved in mentoring, outreach, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As of January 2024, Andrea is a tenure-track assistant professor at Ohio University in Athens, OH.
Short Bio: Adam Heiniger is the Product Manager at TOPTICA Photonics for the TOPO, a continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator, and for TOPTICA's optical isolators. Dr. Heiniger studied physics at the University of Iowa and earned a Ph.D. at the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics. There he studied communications and biosensing in photonic integrated circuits, and high-power fiber amplifiers. Adam began his career at TOPTICA in scientific sales before moving into product management and application science. He has led the development of TOPTICA products, and is the author of several publications, conference presentations, and patents.
When: 27 June 2024, 1500-1600
Title: Dual-Comb Spectroscopy in the Mid-Infrared
Abstract: Absorption spectroscopy is a valuable tool for combustion diagnostics. Laser tuning speed typically limits measurement rates to 10 – 100 kHz, while measurement rates of MHz or higher are desirable for many applications. Dual comb spectroscopy is an absorption spectroscopy technique that has long promised fast acquisition speed, but most dual comb sources exist in the near-infrared. There, weak absorption by molecules of interest requires long averaging time for a sufficient signal to noise ratio, which eliminates the acquisition time advantage of dual comb spectroscopy. In collaboration with NIST and the University of Colorado, TOPTICA has demonstrated a technique to use a continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator to frequency-convert a near-infrared dual comb source to the mid-infrared, where absorption cross-sections are 100x larger than in the near-infrared. Using this source, we have demonstrated absorption spectroscopy of carbon dioxide with 50 MHz measurement rate.
