Don Holly
PSL Physicist

Don's areas of expertise include:

• Plasma diagnostics (CO₂, FIR, microwave interferometers; Thomson Scattering)
• Precision measurement of angles and distances (laser interferometer, autocollimator, theodolite, transit)
• High voltage and high power electronics (IGBT, MOSFET, high voltage transformers)
• Electronic analog design (high speed, low noise, optical detectors)
• Design of optical systems
• Millimeter wave systems
• Magnet design and measurement
• Design of laser systems, mechanics for optical systems, precision actuators

Don has used his skills and expertise in:

• Developing sub-arc second in-vacuum angle reference used on PSL monochromators
• Devising calibration schemes for precision calibration of many PSL monochromators; performing calibration; making design changes to improve monochromator performance
• Devising methods of aligning and calibrating PSL polarizers; performing calibration and instructing customers
• Designing and building high-power pulsed Nd:YAG laser scattering diagnostic on MST fusion research device
• Designing and building low-noise amplifier/filters for HSX fusion research device
• Devising and implementing precision optical measurement techniques to combine multiple gratings into one "mosaic" grating, reducing component cost to customer
• Designing and building Far Infrared interferometer system on MST fusion research device, including upgrade to multi-chord polarimeter
• Designing and building user friendly "pushbutton" CO₂ interferometer diagnostic
• Supervising operation of high-power pulsed Ruby laser Thomson Scattering system on MST fusion research device
• Devising alignment scheme for WUPPE telescope successfully flown on Space Shuttle; supervising alignment procedure at Kennedy Space Center
• Devising alignment scheme and supervising alignment on WISP telescope successfully deployed in sounding rocket
• Supervising construction of magnetic field system on MST fusion research device
• Co-designing precision scanning X-ray Microbeam and supervising its safe operation
• Designing high voltage (50 kV at 0.75 A) switching supply for X-ray Microbeam
• Designing infrared optical system to measure layer thickness in multi-layer packaging films
• Devising and testing scheme to locate sugar cane nodes to reduce planting costs

In his current PSL position Don uses his specialized skills in:

• Designing optical and infrared systems: high power laser (Nd:YAG, CO₂ and Ruby); aligning laser systems
• Performing precision optical measurements using laser interferometers and other techniques
• Working with PSL personnel to assure quality design and construction of PSL products; working with customers to verify quality of finished products
• Designing analog and high power electronics (magnetic field measurement, signal processing, and real-time magnetic field correction)
• Designing high power electronics (250 kW IGBT switching amplifiers, high power feedback system)
• Writing and giving presentations at scientific conferences and in instructing customers in the use of complex and precise systems
• Machining and designing mechanical systems, especially useful when last-minute modifications are needed to meet a deadline.
• Integrating knowledge of many fields (optical, mechanical, magnetic, electronic, laser) to enhance complex projects