Brian M. Walsh received the B.S. degree in physics from Boston University, Boston, MA in 1987 and the Ph.D. degree in physics from Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA in 1995. He currently works as an Aerospace Technologist (AST) in the Laser Remote Sensing Branch (LRSB) at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA. Dr. Walsh has over 20 years of professional experience in research and development of solid-state photonics, including: the spectroscopy of rare earth ions in solids (absorption, emission, quantum efficiency, energy transfer, energy levels, Judd-Ofelt theory); modeling of solid-state oscillators and amplifiers; predicting new laser materials using a quantum mechanical model; engineering of solid-state lasers (resonator design, flashlamp pumping, diode pumping, Q-switching, non-linear frequency conversion).
Some specific research projects include the spectroscopy and laser development of solid state laser materials such as Tm:Ho:YLF and Tm:Ho:LuLF for 2.0-µm applications, Er:Tm:Ho:YAG and Er:Tm:Ho:LuAG for dual wavelength medical applications at 2.1 µm and 2.9-µm, Nd-doped compositionally tuned mixed garnets for laser applications around 0.94 µm, Nd:Yttria materials for UV ozone measurements, Tm-doped glasses for fiber laser applications, multi-wavelength Nd:YAG for frequency mixing and second harmonic generation for UV applications, cryogenic lasers, quantum dot laser materials for thermometry and mid-infrared lasers for remote sensing applications. (See the LASER tutorial for some explanation)
He has appeared as author or co-author on over 100 peer reviewed scientific papers and has made technical presentations at over 30 national and international conferences, in addition to holding several patents. He has served as peer review referee for many journals including Optical Engineering, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, Optics Letters, Applied Physics A, Applied Physics B, Journal of Crystal Growth, Journal of the Optical Society of America B, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Applied Optics, Journal of Chemical Physics, Laser and Photonics Reviews, Journal of Modern Optics, Journal of Applied Physics, Optics Express, Journal of Physics D, and Chinese Optics Letters and Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures. In addition he has also served on the selection committee for Optical Society of America (OSA) Advanced Solid State Photonics and Advanced Solid State Lasers.
Video feature – IPP: Cryogenic Laser Applications
Visit Our publications to explore published articles by Dr. Walsh.
Contact information:
NASA Langley Research Center
5 North Dryden Street
Building 1202, Room 233, MS 468
Hampton. VA 23681-2199
phone: (757) 864-7112
fax: (757) 864-6700
email: brian.m.walsh@nasa.gov