AFOSR: Research Highlights - November/December 1998

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New Molecular Dynamics Theory Benefits Research Tied to Air Force Tactical Operations
A Georgia Institute of Technology professor’s work has potential for important advances in the ability to detect missiles during their boost phase. Dr. Raymond Flannery’s microscopic theory of three-body recombination processes of electrons and ions in gases has improved researchers understanding of collisions between atoms and molecules in specific highly excited states.

Raymond Flannery’s AFOSR-supported research is important for the understanding of many phenomena, including radar wave propagation, atmospheric recombination effects of missiles during boost phase, environmental and pollution issues, and
re-entry flow fields.

Raymond Flannery’s AFOSR-supported research is important for the understanding of many phenomena, including radar wave propagation, atmospheric recombination effects of missiles during boost phase, environmental and pollution issues, and
re-entry flow fields.

Understanding these recombination processes will further development of many Air Force capabilities:

improved radar signatures

enhanced missile signatures and atmospheric re-entry detection, identification

advanced techniques to counter enemy detection of friendly missiles

reduced missile/aircraft atmospheric pollution, and

integrated circuit manufacture

By improving the understanding of rocket exhaust radar signatures, for example, the Air Force will be better able to detect missiles during boost phase. Molecular recombination within and around the rocket exhaust plume can yield specific signature information that could be exploited to enhance detection capabilities. This research will also improve the detection of objects satellites, warheads, missiles re-entering the atmosphere. During re-entry, objects are surrounded by plasma the flow field created by atmospheric friction. As the understanding of flow fields and the accompanying molecular recombination improves, better detection systems will be developed. Neutralization of flow fields to avoid enemy detection or to maintain communications during manned re-entry may also become feasible.

     Dr. Flannery’s research has broader implications as well, including how pollutants influence atmospheric recombination. Because of his work and similar research, new methods of effectively dealing with environmental problems will be developed. As members of the world community, the U.S. military is interested in maintaining a strongly proactive environmental stance.

     The AFRL Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PR) is also interested in the applications of Dr. Flannery’s work. His theoretical research will aid in understanding interactions that take place in plasma deposition and etching, the processes often used in manufacture of large-scale integrated circuits. AFRL/PR is conducting research into the formation of dust in plasmas, a process that can interfere with deposition and etching.

     AFOSR is the sole sponsor of Dr. Flannery’s research on molecular recombination.

Dr. Ralph Kelley
Directorate of Physics and Electronics
(703) 696-8599, DSN 426-8599

(Information in addition to hard copy version)

AFOSR Principal Investigator Wins APS Will Allis Prize, Additional Recognition
Dr. Raymond Flannery, 1998 Regognition
as World Class Researcher      Dr. Raymond Flannery, an AFOSR principal investigator at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has won the 1998 Will Allis Prize of the American Physical Society (APS) for his study of ionized gases. The APS recognized Dr. Flannery "for advancing the understanding of recombination processes, in particular for developing a microscopic theory of three-body ionic recombination; and for his novel applications of classical and quantum mechanical methods to the dynamics of atomic, molecular, and ionic systems."

     Dr. Flannery's expertise is in the theory of atomic and molecular collision processes, particularly recombination processes at thermal and ultra-cold energies. The research cited by the APS - the microscopic theory of three-body recombination and novel appplications - was developed under sole AFOSR sponsorship.

     Dr. Flannery is also working on theories of three-body atom-atom recombination for dimer formation in the Bose-Einstein condensate. His work is applicable to understanding anti-hydrogen production in positron-anitproton plasma at cryogenic temperatures and of three-body, electron-ion recombination at ultracold (milli-Kelvin) temperatures. He has also widely contributed to the theory of heavy-particle collisions, electron-excited atom collisions, Rydberg collisions, and ion-molecule reactions.

     The APS prize came on the heels of Flannery's recent induction as one of 30 worldwide honorary members of the Royal Irish Academy. His alma mater, the Queen's University of Belfast, has also conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Science (honors causa) for "his distinction as a physicist." Dr. Flannery noted, "The Royal Irish Academy, the American Physical Society, the Queen's University have all cited my work on recombination, supported exclusively by AFOSR."

Dr. Ralph Kelley
Directorate of Physics and Electronics
703-696-8599, DSN 426-8599

Research Highlights

Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Communications and Technical Information
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Director: Dr. Joseph F. Janni

Web site: http://www.afosr.af.mil/

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Writer: Lt. Col. Rick Goodhand, Editor: Jane Knowlton

Research Highlights is published every two months by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. This newsletter provides brief descriptions of AFOSR basic research activities including topics such as research accomplishments, examples of technology transitions and technology transfer, notable peer recognition awards and honors, and other research program achievements. The purpose is to provide Air Force, DoD, government, industry and university communities with brief accounts to illustrate AFOSR support of the Air Force mission. Research Highlights is available on-line at:

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