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Graduate Seminar Series - Dr. Nicholas J. Morley

Nicholas-J.-Morley.jpgNicholas J. Morley, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist, High Power Photonics, Air Force Research Lab, Kirtland AFB

Friday, November 4, 2022, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
In Person JH-109

Title: Directed Energy:  State-of-the-Art & Future Research Challenges

ABSTRACT: Efficiently generating and projecting high power lasers from aircraft presents a number of unique challenges that span multiple physics and engineering disciplines, including: optics, fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, open- and closed-loop controls, thermal management, power systems, and atmospherics.  Some of the most interesting problems to solve happen at the intersections of these fields where a basic understanding of the cross-discipline interaction is needed.  The Air Force Research Laboratory is currently investigating and developing a number of solutions to enable construction of systems that meet these challenging environments of high vibration, constrained volumes, high-speed dynamic aero-optical distortions, and deep turbulence.  This talk will cover the research that is enabling rapid advancement in multi-kW fiber-lasers and bulk media lasers (slab, hybrid) as well as solid advances in understanding of mitigation of aero-optical/aero-mechanical effects, turret design and atmospheric propagation.  The presentation will highlight future challenges in developing advanced systems for airborne and ground-based application.

BIO: Nicholas “Nick” Morley is a member of the USAF scientific and technical group of senior executives and holds the position of Senior Scientist for High Power Photonics at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate. He provides technical counsel and advice to AFRL senior management on all aspects of the science and application of high power photonics and is responsible for coordinating both theoretical and experimental efforts in high lasers and optics within AFRL.  He completed his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico, in 1993. Since the fall 1999, he has served in many technical leadership positions within AFRLs Directed Energy Directorate focusing on all aspects of high energy laser weapons systems.