Alumni: Courtlandt Bohn, 1984
Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1984

Professor, Northern Illinois University

Webpage

Research Experience
At Northern Illinois University: Leads the Beam Physics and Astrophysics Group. Researches violent relaxation and transient dynamics due to collective effects in charged-particle beams and galaxies. Research goals are two-fold: establish a connection between the physics of nonequilibrium beams and stellar systems to define laboratory experiments on galactic dynamics using beams, and develop new tools for fast, accurate computer codes for use in designing accelerators for high-current, high-intensity beams.

At Fermilab: Deputy Manager of the Fermilab/NICADD Photoinjector Laboratory. Studied physics associated with the production of high-brightness beams, particularly for linear-collider and light-source applications. Original contributions include theories of space-charge-induced phase mixing and of multibunch cumulative beam breakup including time-dependent transverse focusing.

At Jefferson Lab: Deputy Head of FEL Department. Led design and construction of the recirculating accelerator for the high-average-power free-electron laser, and commissioning of the completed machine. Developed an embryonic theory of beam self-interaction via transient coherent synchrotron radiation and planned experiments for its study with the completed accelerator.

At Argonne: Led and/or contributed to designs of superconducting accelerators of high-current ion beams. Developed theories of turbulent beams and of key accelerator instabilities. Contributed to design and testing of the first superconducting radiofrequency (RF) half-wave and spoke resonators. Developed and/or conducted experiments to measure RF surface resistance of high-temperature superconductors.

As Air Force officer: Directed nearly all Air Force laser and accelerator programs from the Air Force Secretariat in the Pentagon. Was Associate Professor of Physics at the Air Force Academy. Won the Air Force Research and Development Award and Frank J. Seiler Research Award for theoretical and experimental work on laser-solid interactions.