Hergen Eilers

Hergen Eilers is a Research Professor and Associate Director at the Institute for Shock Physics, Washington State University, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. His work bridges fundamental material science and practical applications in extreme environments.

Research Interests: Dr. Eilers specializes in the optical properties of materials, particularly nanophase ceramics and thin films. His research leverages advanced laser techniques to investigate material structure and dynamics, with a strong emphasis on developing novel sensors. Key application areas include national security—such as nuclear radiation detection, temperature sensing under extreme conditions, and detection of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). His work on nanophase yttria and rare-earth-doped materials supports the development of IR-transparent ceramics for airborne directed energy systems.

Publication Trends: His recent publications (2006–2010) focus on the synthesis, characterization, and optical behavior of nanophase materials, especially yttria and ZnS:Mn. The research consistently explores how nanostructuring and doping affect luminescence, transmittance, and material hardness, aiming to enhance performance in photonic and sensing applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of Hamburg, Germany (1993)
• M.S. in Physics, University of Oldenburg, Germany (1990)
• B.S. in Physics, University of Göttingen, Germany (1987)
• M.B.A., Golden Gate University, USA (2000)

Professional Background: After a postdoctoral position at Virginia Tech, Dr. Eilers founded Quantum Vision, Inc., and later worked at Gemfire Corp. in optical telecom. He founded NovaCera with SBIR funding, focusing on nanophase materials for defense applications, before joining Washington State University in 2004. His career uniquely combines deep scientific expertise with entrepreneurial experience in technology commercialization.

Facilities and Affiliations: He is associated with the Dynamic Compression Sector at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), where high-pressure and dynamic compression experiments are conducted. His lab utilizes laser shock techniques and optical characterization tools to study materials under extreme conditions.