Research focuses on high energy pulsed lasers; the development of new systems and understanding their propagation and effects on materials. This includes cavity optimization for beam quality improvement, managing thermal effects, design and construction of nonlinear wavelength converters, and experimental setups for propagation at a distance. Advanced diagnostics are applied to understand material effects, laser induced plasmas, and interaction with the atmosphere. These techniques include imaging pyrometry, Schlieren, chemiluminescence, laser induced fluorescence, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, and tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Selected candidates should expect to help design and build optical experiments, collect and analyze complex diagnostics/spectral data, participate in outdoor range events, and collaborate with NAWCWD staff. Understanding of short pulse laser physics, compressible flow, atmospheric chemistry, density functional theory is also desired. This is a broad area of research in which interdisciplinary skills are valued.

Kato, Y., Mima, K., Bulanov, S. (2026). High-Energy Pulsed Lasers. In: High Power Laser and Plasma Science. Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics, vol 130. Springer, Cham. DOI 10.1007/978-3-032-08930-4_6

 

Blair, G., Hafizi, B., Sprangle, P., Propagation and stability of laser pulses in the atmosphere, Physical Review A, Volume 112, Issue 3. 2025. DOI 10.1103/21bg-wmvz

 

Peng, F., Liu, H., Cai, W., Combustion diagnostics of metal particles: a review, Measurement Science and Technology, Volume 34, Number 4. 2023. DOI 10.1088/1361-6501/acb076

pulsed lasers; nonlinear optics; spectroscopy; directed energy; atmospheric propagation; optical diagnostics; laser plasma

citizenship

Open to U.S. citizens

level

Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Additional Benefits

relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.