Renowned scientist speaks to AFRL

  • Published
  • By Jeanne D. Dailey
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Dr. Alfred Vogel, a professor of physics and chair of the Institute for Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Germany, recently spoke to members of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Dr. Vogel is a world-renowned physicist in the fields of laser-induced breakdown and biomedical optics.

The Directed Energy Directorate was honored to have Dr. Vogel present his latest study on a novel experimental technique that detects transient laser effects as small as 50 nanometers.

A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter--a hair is about 100,000 nanometers wide. Dr. Vogel captivated his audience of fellow researchers as he explained his newly developed integrated theory that explains his and co-workers' results of laser-induced plasmas observations from nano-, pico-, and femtosecond laser pulses.

His work in this area of laser-induced plasmas has spanned more than three decades and resulted in one of the most comprehensive studies undertaken anywhere in the world. He has authored a monograph (a scholarly writing of book length) and published 77 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Chemical Review, Physical Review Letters, Optics Letters, Applied Physics, and the Journal of Biomedical Optics, five book chapters and 55 proceedings papers.

Professor Vogel described how he and his team of scientists at the University of Lübeck have developed a comprehensive theoretical framework for laser ablation that has led to the invention of new technologies for LASIK surgery using laser ablation plume dynamics on nanosecond time scales.

Currently, the procedure requires a scalpel cut to create a "corneal flap" just at the surface of the eye, allowing an ultraviolet laser to treat the inner corneal thickness, which reshapes the eye for vision correction.

Professor Vogel's discovery has led to the use of laser ablation to replace the scalpel, offering greater precision of surgery while minimizing collateral tissue damage. In general, Professor Vogel's research has led to innovative strategies for improving several laser-based procedures, including vitreo-retinal surgery, refractive surgery, laser ablation of tissues, laser angioplasty, and cellular micro/nano surgery.

Dr. Pat Roach of the Directorate's Laser Division, who has collaborated with Dr. Vogel for a number of years, hosted Dr. Vogel's visit.

"I am thrilled Dr. Vogel could present his recent laser experiment and theory to the Directed Energy Directorate," said Dr. Roach. "He is a brilliant physicist who has greatly expanded the use of lasers to benefit society."

Dr. Roach also acknowledged AFRL's Air Force Office of Scientific Research, which sponsored Dr. Vogel's visit and its detachment in London, England, the European Office of Aerospace Research and Development, for funding Dr. Vogel's presentation through its Window on Science program.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate develops, integrates and transitions technology involving high-energy lasers, high-power microwaves, millimeter waves, beam control, and advanced optical systems.

Directorate researchers concentrate on improving U.S. military forces' instant-detect and instant-defeat capabilities through precision engagement, long-range strike, force protection, and space situational awareness.