This award's overarching goal is to show exceptional ability and promise for conducting research of Department of the Air Force, or DAF, relevance.
Dr. Jacob Stephens Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at the Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University received an award for his proposal titled "Quantum-Regime X-Ray Emission Technologies." The AFOSR Young Investigator Program (YIP) is reserved for tenure track and tenure track equivalent individuals who received their Ph.D. within the past 7 years. In FY2023, 58 scientists were awarded under the Young Investigator program at a total of $25M (more info here).
What is the proposal?
"The proposed research would explore the development of novel nonlinear transmission line topologies and the underlying physics needed to realize a truly modular and scalable, low cost, high power microwave platform." says Jacob. "In many ways the proposed study is an intersection of novel physics and practical engineering to develop technologies with capabilities well beyond the present state-of-the-art."
When asked what his reaction was when he found out that he received the award, Jacob stated, "Honestly, I was incredibly humbled and a little bit scared! I have seen some of the other awarded Young Investigator topics and know that the bar is very high. There are a lot of expectations and challenges, and I am excited to have this opportunity to show the practicality of my idea."
What does this mean for you?
"This award is a launchpad for my future research portfolio. I am excited to build infrastructure and develop capability in the area of directed energy and high power microwaves, which is especially important to national security. This is also an exceptional opportunity to develop and shape the next generation of scientists who will go on to various service and private labs."
What does this mean for research in Plasma & Electro-energetic Physiscs?
"There exist a number of capability gaps with regards to high power microwave source technology. This study would enable the realization of a high power microwave source at a totally unprecedented level of scalability and modularity. In a broader sense, this technology offers entirely new, non-kinetic engagement and counter-electronic options that no other technology offers."
The Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University would like to congratulate Dr. Stephens on this tremendous accomplishment!