Introduction to Laser Science and Engineering

About Travis S. Taylor

Travis S. Taylor (Doc Taylor to his friends) has earned his soubriquet the hard way: He has a doctorate in Optical Science and Engineering a doctorate in Aerospace Systems Engineering a masters degree in Physics and a masters degree in Aerospace Engineering all from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Added to this is a masters degree in Astronomy from the University of Western Sydney (Australia) and a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University (Alabama). Dr. Taylor has worked on various programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past two decades. He is currently working on several advanced propulsion concepts very large space telescopes space-based beamed energy systems next generation space launch concepts directed energy weapons nanosatellites and low cost launch vehicle concepts for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Dr. Taylor was one of the principal investigators of the U.S. Armys: 100 Joule Tunable Laser program narrow linewidth dye laser research program multi-wavelength oscillator-amplifier experiment ruggedized flashlamp pumped dye laser experiment and of the Solid-State Laser Testbed Experiment. He is currently researching high brightness quantum entanglement sources for space communications.In his copious spare time Doc Travis is also a black belt martial artist a private pilot a SCUBA diver and has raced mountain bikes. He has also competed in triathlons is a marathon runner a CrossFitter and has been the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of several hard rock bands. He has written about two dozen science fiction novels three textbooks (including this one) and over a dozen refereed technical papers. Dr. Taylor has appeared and starred in several television programs including the History Channels The Universe Life After People Ancient Aliens The Curse of Oak Island and Rise of the Superbombs National Geographic Channels hit shows Rocket City Rednecks and When Aliens Attack Science Channels NASAs Unexplained Files and The Weather Channels 3 Scientists Walk Into a Bar. He currently lives with his wife and two children in north Alabama just outside of Huntsville in view of the Saturn V rocket that is erected at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.