Air Force civilian earns award for plasma research Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Maria Callier Air Force Office of Scientific Research ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The Plasma Science and Applications Committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers selected an Air Force Office of Scientific Research program manager for the 2009 Plasma Science and Applications award. The committee chose Dr. Robert Barker for his "outstanding contributions to the field of plasma science in research or new applications." The Air Force is interested in research supported by Dr. Barker in the area of cold air plasmas in which air molecules are broken down into ions and electrons. The resulting nonburning cold air plasma is very efficient at absorbing or bending microwave signals. Dr. Barker has been a trailblazer for more than two decades in plasma physics with his research oversight in the areas of ionized gas, pulsed power, high-power microwave sources, ion and electron beams and electron emission processes. "A significant aspect of my job here is to help focus the attention and energies of the university research community onto particularly exciting new areas of exploration that hold exceptional promise for meeting Air Force requirements," Dr. Barker said. The plasmas are also effective in killing bacteria, viruses and spores on skin and other surfaces. "By managing AFOSR research programs in these areas, I came to realize the efficiency enhancement offered by pulsing the sustaining electric fields for air plasmas on nanosecond timescales," Dr. Barker said. "By encouraging research on these plasmas, I was instrumental in launching significant international efforts on this promising new area." Dr. Barker will accept the award at the next Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers conference on plasma science. The event is scheduled to take place in June 2009 in San Diego. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page