Dr. Donald A. Shiffler
Chief Scientist of the Directed Energy Directorate
Tech 101: High Energy Lasers
Dr. Donald A. Shiffler, Jr is Chief Scientist of the Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. He serves as the senior science and technology advisor for the directorate’s research and development of high energy airborne lasers, airborne high power microwave systems and dense plasmas, long-range non-lethal weapons, laser communication systems, and sophisticated optical system technologies for space situational awareness.
As Chief Scientist, Dr. Shiffler oversees the directorate’s research in support of the development of transformational defense concepts. Dr. Shiffler identifies research gaps and analyzes advancements in a broad variety of scientific fields relevant to directed energy technology and imaging research technologies. He encourages new and innovative initiatives, as well as adjustments to existing directed energy programs to meet current, emerging, and future Air Force needs. These technologies develop and transition into military systems for the Air Force and the Department of Defense.
Dr. Shiffler’s career with the AFRL began in January 1995 at the Philips Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, in the areas of High-Power Microwave sources, pulsed power, and explosive pulsed power. His research has focused on HPM technology, including basic physics, HPM sources, pulsed power, vacuum electronics, and novel materials. Dr. Shiffler’s work directly enabled the Counter-electronics HPM Advanced Missile Project Joint Capability Technology Demonstration. His career includes experience as a research scientist and professor in academia. Dr. Shiffler has published more than 55 referred technical papers in national and international publications. He has presided over numerous conferences, has 13 domestic and international patents on five continents, and led several Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, demonstrating transition of research to industry.