Principal Physicist / June, 2012 — Present

• Principal investigator focused on applied research enabling disruptive technology advancements in active imaging and novel laser sources. • Invented/demonstrated temporally multiplexed spectropolarimetric LiDAR for low CSWAP sensor capable of automatic materials classification. • Developed system performance model to quantify probability of correct classification of materials as a function of system parameters. Effort involved development of a materials database, system model, signal processing, and machine learning techniques. • Currently investigating nonlinear optics in step-index silica fiber, and liquid/gas filled fiber for wavelength-agile, multispectral, and multipolarization laser sources. Utilizing Raman scattering, Kerr phase modulation, and electrostatic field induced quasi-phase matched difference frequency generation (QPM DFG). • Investigating photonic lantern wavefront sensors for sensor applications.

Senior Electro-Optics Engineer / May, 2005 — June, 2012

• As the laser and threat identification system lead on an optical augmentation program, I led a team to develop a cutting-edge threat detection system based on optical augmentation using proprietary techniques to solve the clutter rejection problem and identify snipers using iron sites and rifle scopes. • As lead investigator, defined range finder architectures for future products to meet demanding CSWaP, accuracy and dynamic range requirements. • Invented a miniature diode pumped, Erbium glass laser employing a revolutionary pump-head and opto-mechanical design providing 10Hz, 5mJ, near diffraction limited, athermal performance while cutting the CSWaP. • Designed and tested a near diffraction limited, Erbium glass microchip laser for the ultra-low CSWaP rangefinder systems. • Constructed a high efficiency, intra-cavity second harmonic generated laser which provided 1W of green light for nonlethal dazzler system.

Physicist / August, 2002 — May, 2005

• Designed and constructed the optical test facilities that enabled the successful characterization of the multi-million dollar extreme ultraviolet and visible imaging spectrographs and coronographs launched on the Solar-B and Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) missions. Assisted in testing of the instruments.

PhD student / January, 1999 — May, 2003

• Dissertation: Optical and Spectral Characterization of Liquid Droplet EUV Laser Produced Plasmas Sources. • Designed and built multiple spectrographs to enable the characterization and optimization of EUV emission from the liquid droplet laser plasma. Built a nanosecond resolution, time resolved interferometer to characterize the droplet plasma expansion dynamics.