AFOSR Sponsored Researcher Wins Prestigious Presidential Award

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Rose
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
ARLINGTON, Va. --  Dr. Anthony Grbic, an Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) - funded principal investigator, won the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers Program (PECASE) for his research in artificial surfaces and materials, or metamaterials. 

The PECASE program recognizes some of the finest scientists and engineers who, while early in their research careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge.

Grbic conducts both experimental and theoretical research in electromagnetics, microwave circuits and optics, which includes basic research on metamaterials and near-field plates. Near-field plates provide microscopes with unprecedented resolution capabilities. His research activities have been cited by popular articles in several well-known magazines such as "Scientific American," "New Scientist" and "Discover Magazine."

Since 2008, AFOSR has funded research at the University of Michigan in the field of metamaterials. The research Grbic is conducting will improve current  Air Force mission capability by helping ensure that electronics are always charged and mission ready.

"A near-field plate's ability to achieve extreme subwavelength focusing will find use in the development of high resolution probes for near-field microscropy systems, allowing unprecedented resolution," said Grbic.

This technology addresses the challenge of extending this near-field plate concept beyond microwave frequencies toward optical frequencies, which could lead to developments in future antenna at microwave/millimeter-wave frequencies, as well as improvements in the range and efficiency of wireless non-radiative power transfer systems. Consequently, the ability to provide continuous wireless charging could ensure electronics are charged and mission ready at all times.

PECASE winners receive $200,000 annually over five years to support further research in the fields that produced their nominations.

"The award will provide my AFOSR- funded research group with even greater research freedom and opportunities to pursue topics in the field of metamaterials," said Grbic. "This research area is rather new and a lot of fundamental work remains."

AFOSR continues to expand the horizon of basic science research through its management of Dr. Grbic's program, which advances communications and computer forensics' technology. 
                                                                                              
ABOUT AFOSR:
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), located in Arlington, Virginia, continues to expand the horizon of scientific knowledge through its leadership and management of the Air Force's basic research program. As a vital component of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFOSR's mission is to discover, shape, and champion basic science that profoundly impacts the future Air Force.