16 December 2010

AFRL engineer receives Harold Brown Award for GaAs-based terahertz imaging sources

Dr Candace Lynch, a senior scientist at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, has received the 2010 Harold Brown Award for her research in pioneering new infrared technology that will augment aircraft defense and impact numerous Defense Department systems.

Picture: Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley (left) presents the 2010 Harold Brown Award to Candace Lynch (right) at the Pentagon. (US Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi).

Lynch strengthened aircraft protection from heat-seeking missiles by developing counter-measure device technology involving laser material, specifically with the growth of orientation-patterned gallium arsenide.

The research physicist extended her technology to generate terahertz sources used in future imaging systems that enable the warfighter to see through brown-out conditions during helicopter landings or to image concealed weapons through clothing.

“Lynch’s technology breakthrough is not only a national asset, but a testament to her dedication to science with a focus on national security,” says Dr David Jerome, director of the sensors directorate in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Lynch’s efforts as part of the sensors directorate supported the science and technology necessary for superior US air and space systems in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, precision engagement and electronic warfare, Jerome said.

Having published more than 20 journal articles and eight conference presentations, Lynch received her Bachelor of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her doctorate of philosophy from Brown University in Providence, RI.

The Harold Brown Award recognizes significant achievement in R&D that have led to or demonstrated the promise of a substantial improvement in operational effectiveness of the US Air Force. The award’s namesake was a physicist who served as Air Force secretary from 1965 to 1969 and as Defense secretary from 1977 to 1981. Lynch is the first female recipient of the award since the program began in 1969.

Tags: GaAs Imager

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