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David F. Plusquellic (Fed)
Dr. Plusquellic’s research in the Applied Physics Division focuses on the development of advanced laser-based spectroscopic instrumentation for high-resolution studies of molecules, atoms, and chromophores in the terahertz (THz), near-infrared, ultraviolet, and deep-ultraviolet spectral regions. His work includes the development of electro-optic dual-comb systems and other precision measurement approaches for fully state-resolved spectroscopy.
In the THz spectral region, Dr. Plusquellic has pioneered the use of high-resolution laser sources to investigate low-frequency vibrational motions in molecular systems and to characterize how local molecular environments influence spectral response. His published work on chirped-pulse electro-optic dual-comb generation has expanded these methods into the THz region for simultaneous spectroscopy and studies of molecular quantum dynamics. This work builds on his broader efforts to improve measurement speed, spectral coverage, resolution, and sensitivity using electro-optic comb generation, waveguides, dual-beam methods, and adaptive near-field imaging approaches.
Dr. Plusquellic’s recent work also extends electro-optic comb methods into the ultraviolet and near-infrared regions using cavity-enhanced UV comb generation. The approach generated ultraviolet combs near 323 nm for high-resolution rubidium atom sensing, demonstrating a pathway for extending electro-optic dual-comb spectroscopy into spectral regions important for atomic, molecular, and quantum measurements.
In the near-infrared region, Dr. Plusquellic develops precision optical remote sensing methods based on electro-optic combs and differential absorption LIDAR, or DIAL. This work emphasizes robust spectroscopic measurements, range-resolved detection, and validation of optical measurement systems. Multiple DIAL and related optical sensing systems are operated in parallel to compare measurement approaches and improve confidence in retrieved quantities, including near- and far-field DIAL systems, integrated path differential absorption systems, and cavity ringdown point sensing.
Dr. Plusquellic is a Fellow of Optica and of the American Physical Society. He is also a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He received the NIST Bronze Medal in 2010. He has co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed technical papers, delivered more than 75 invited talks, and holds five U.S. patents.
Awards
Optica Fellow, 2025
NIST Bronze Award, 2010
American Physical Society Fellow, 2009
