Research Paper Summary (May 2001 - May 2004)

Dr. Scott W. Teare
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering

My primary research is in the area of Experimental Adaptive Optics. This includes wavefront control and manipulation in optical imaging systems and high-energy laser beam propagation. The work involves the application of knowledge from a broad range of areas including: electro-optics, parallel computing; atmospheric effects; telescope systems; optical fabrication and coatings; controls; and related instrumentation development. Recently I have begun working on radiation effects in semiconductor devices and how it impacts device operation and performance characteristics. Active research projects include wavefront sensing; parallel computing; radiation effects in semiconductors; beam steering and positioning.

Dr. Kevin Wedeward
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering

Research efforts focus on modeling, simulation, analysis, and control of dynamic systems with primary systems of interest including manipulators, mobile robots, and critical infrastructure systems. Specific projects are in adaptive control of robot manipulators for space, hazardous waste, and manufacturing applications; mobile robots for landmine detection and remediation as well as surveillance; mobile robots for engineering education and high school outreach; and stability and interdependencies of electric power systems. Tools ranging from linear and nonlinear system theory to practical controller implementation via computer-based data acquisition and control hardware are utilized.

Dr. Ron Thomas
Professor of Electrical Engineering

My research interests are the studies lightning and thunderstorms. I am interested in the basic physics, the instrumentation for studying it and the analysis of data from the measurements. My primary interest is lightning, its detection, mapping of its structure in the clouds, understanding its growth and dynamics, and its relationship to the thunderstorm. I am working with a team of other engineers, physicists, and students from physics, EE, Math and CS. As part of this team we have designed and built several lightning mapping systems, I am interested in optimizing the parameters for the best design and developing computer algorithms for data processing and visualization. New Mexico Tech Lightning Mapping Array has become a highly successful instrument that is now a key component of all lightning measurement campaigns.

I have spent many years working on space born instruments and observations. My research interest in the atmosphere and instruments began as an undergraduate employee of New Mexico State University Physical Science Laboratory providing Doppler tracking of rockets and satellites. As a thesis project at Utah State University, I developed a sensor to measure atomic oxygen in the lower thermosphere, using thin silver film, that was launched on a small rocket. At the University of Pittsburgh, my research turned to analysis of OGO-6 thermospheric atomic oxygen airglow. My research at the University of Colorado continued with rocket measurements of nitric oxide, atomic oxygen and related airglows. The later measurements greatly clarified the green line airglow production mechanism. My activity then turned to the Solar Mesosphere Explorer spacecraft experiments beginning with their conception and continuing through the design and calibration to final data analysis of ozone and oxygen airglows. Currently one side of my research concentrates complex data analysis methods to use measurements of optical emissions from the earth ionosphere. Moving to New Mexico Tech my research moved lower in the atmosphere to the study of lightning (a subject that had always sparked an interest for me). As part of a NM Tech team, we have developed the very successful system to map lightning inside clouds. My record includes over 60 refereed publications and twice many presentations.