Susan D Allen

Dr. Susan D Allen is a Visiting Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She specializes in optical engineering, laser technology, and plasma physics, with a focus on applications in materials science and explosives detection. Her research integrates advanced laser techniques to study phenomena such as photodissociation, stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP), and explosive boiling dynamics.

Dr. Allen is a Fellow of SPIE and has held roles such as member of the President’s Committee for the National Medal of Science and advisory panels for the National Science Foundation and National Academy of Sciences. She has authored over 150 publications, nine U.S. patents, and contributes actively to organizations like the Materials Research Society and IEEE.

Her work spans laser-based sensing technologies, including standoff detection systems for chemical and biological threats, and explores molecular dynamics via laser-induced plasmas. Key research areas include nitro compound analysis, carbon swan spectra measurements, and picosecond laser spectroscopy for NO detection.

Dr. Allen’s contributions to nanosecond laser ablation, steam laser cleaning, and optical power limiting using carbon nanotubes further highlight her interdisciplinary impact. She has pioneered methods for enhancing LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) emission and developed novel laser-assisted fabrication techniques.

• Grants & Patents: Nine U.S. patents (e.g., multi-color cavity ringdown detection, laser cleaning apparatus) and extensive NSF-funded research.
• Current Projects: Developing optical detection systems for special nuclear materials and advancing laser-plasma interactions for material characterization.

She leads collaborative research teams focused on energy transfer in laser cleaning, molecular dynamics modeling, and standoff sensing for homeland security applications.