Center for Laser Sensing & Diagnostics
Laser Applications for Plasma Science, Combustion, and Atmospheric Sensing
Our Research
Open Positions: Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate
Students
Professor Yalin’s research group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) has openings for Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Scientist position(s) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) to start in Spring 2025 and/or Fall 2025. Projects are in collaboration with faculty at the CSU Powerhouse Energy Campus (Dr Bret Windom; Dr Ciprian Dumitrache) and the CSU Center for Electric Propulsion and Plasma Engineering (Dr John Williams). The faculty team are leaders in their disciplines with a history of extensive funding from federal agencies (NASA, DOE, ARPA-E, AFOSR/AFRL, NSF) along with many industry sponsors.
We are hiring for the following projects:
- Laser Sensing of Trace Atmospheric Hydrogen: The growth of the hydrogen economy is anticipated to play a crucial role in global decarbonization efforts. Hydrogen is not a direct greenhouse gas but does still contribute radiative forcing. There is therefore an emerging need for sensors to quantify hydrogen emissions from real world infrastructure. Our group has recently been selected by the US DOE ARPA-E to develop a novel hydrogen sensor based on photoacoustic stimulated Raman spectroscopy (PARS) under the H2SENSE program.
https://arpa-e.energy.gov/technologies/exploratory-topics/H2SENSE
- Diagnostics for Electric (Space) Propulsion: The US federal government has been increasingly investing in space propulsion owing to space exploration goals, defense priorities, and new technology opportunities. Our group is funded under the ongoing NASA funded Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS) and has recently been selected as part of a new Space Strategic Technology Institute. Our group will be working on novel laser diagnostic techniques to measure ion dynamics and plasma characteristics, including for new molecular propellants, using techniques such as LIF. Links: https://januselectricpropulsion.com/ spacenews.com/…
More details about the Dr. Yalin’s research group and collaborating labs can be found at:
https://www.engr.colostate.edu/laboratories/clsd/
https://energy.colostate.edu/powerhouse/
https://projects-web.engr.colostate.edu/ionstand/index.php
Postdoctoral fellow / research scientist applicants: Job-postings with application info-
https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/152670
https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/152341
Graduate Student Openings: Applying MSc/PhD students should be self-motivated with demonstrated technical excellence and degree in an Engineering or Physics field. Background in lasers, optics, plasma and/or vacuum systems is desirable but not required. Interested students should email Dr. Yalin (azer.yalin@colostate.edu) with a resume/CV and unofficial transcript.
More information on the Department of Mechanical Engineering at CSU and city of Fort Collins, CO:
The Lab
Welcome to the Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics at Colorado State University. The lab is founded and directed by Mechanical Engineering Professor Azer Yalin. It is located at the Powerhouse Energy Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The lab is ~2000 sq. ft. and contains advanced instrumentation for plasma and combustion experiments including multiple solid-state lasers, spectroscopic detection equipment, and test beds for combustion and plasma experimentation. We partner with other researchers at the Powerhouse for access to aerosol instrumentation, fuels characterization equipment, and internal combustion engines. Our lab is also a vital training ground to develop the next generation of leaders in our research areas.
Real World Impact
The work in our laboratory advances the understanding of combustion and plasma systems enabling improvements of efficiency and cleanliness in energy-conversion devices and advances in propulsion systems for terrestrial and space application. Our work on atmospheric sensing improves regional air quality and increases homeland security.