Naval Postgraduate School

Research

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Administration

Chairman:

Prof. Andres Larraza

Associate Chairs:

Academics:

Prof. Dick Harkins

Research:

Prof. Kevin B. Smith

Contact Us:

Department of Physics
Spanagel Hall, Room 203
833 Dyer Road
Monterey, CA 93943-5216
(831) 656-2145
DSN: 756-2145

Curriculum Sponsor

PEO IWS:

Mission Statement

Physics Department Research

Faculty members in the Physics Department conduct research in a wide variety of applied and basic physics disciplines. As a member of the Physics Department, you will be partnered with one of our faculty members to conduct research in support of your thesis. Many of our graduates consider this the best part of their NPS experience.
Unique Image Sensors		Underwater Autonomous Vehicle Research
	Terahertz Sensors POC: Prof Gamani Karunasiri 831-656-2886 gkarunas@nps.edu Learn More..		Autonomous vehicles POC: Prof Kevin B Smith 831-656-2107 kbsmith@nps.edu Learn More..
Nano Research		Remote Sensing
	Microsystems Fabrication POC: Prof Dragoslav Grbovic 831-656-2276 dgrbovic@nps.edu Learn More..		Remote Sensing POC:Prof. Chris Olsen 831-656-2824 olsen@nps.edu Learn More..
Physics of Explosives		Explosives Research
	Shock Physics POC: Assistant Prof. Joe Hooper 831-656-2601 JpHooper@nps.edu Learn More..		Energetic Materials and Explosives Research POC: Prof. Ron Brown 831-656-2635 Rebrown@nps.edu Learn More..
Our Sponsors include: NRL, ONR, NAVSEA, NUWC, DARPA, NSF, NRO, OSD, NGA, DIA, AFOSR
Here is a sample of theses written by students in the Physics Department: Acoustics Broadband Underwater Acoustic Projectors: Double Resonance Transducer (DRT) - Theory, Design, Fabrication and Test Undersea Node Localization Using Node-to-Node Acoustic Ranges in a Distributed Seaweb Network Transformational Acoustics Applied to Scattering from a Thin Elastic Shell Investigation of Submarine Transient Signal and Automated Detection Algorithm Development Torpedo Sonar Array Transducer Element Mount Optimization Comparison of Linear and Nonlinear Processing with Acoustic Vector Sensors Sensors Extracting Hidden Trails and Roads Under Canopy Using LIDAR Terahertz Imaging Via a Microbolometer Camera Under the Illumination of a Quantum Cascade Laser "Probable Cause" for Maritime Interdictions Involving Illicit Radioactive Materials Modeling the Performance of MEMS Based Directional Microphones Measurement of Minority Charge Carrier Diffusion Length of Gallium Nitride Nanowires using Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) Polarimetric Imaging for the Detection of Disturbed Surfaces Remote Triggering and Detection of Mid-Wave Infrared Signals from Vehicle Mounted Identification Friend or Foe (VMIFF) Systems Characterization of Robotic Tail Orientation as a Function of Platform Position for Surf-Zone Robots Weapons Investigation of Potential Detonation Reactions from Non-Explosives Investigation of New Materials and Methods of Construction of Personnel Armor Free Electron Laser Analysis for the Innovative Navy Prototype Exploration of Potential Chemical Energy/Kinetic Energy Coupling During Hypervelocity Impact and Penetration Design and Evaluation of a Monolithic Rail Gun Ultraviolet Resonant Raman Enhancements in the Detection of Explosives Numerical Simulation of Ground Coupling of Low Yield Nuclear Detonation