Optics and Photonics Research Faculty
e-mail: gary.gimmestad@gtri.gatech.edu phone: 404-407-6029Optics + Photonics Research Area Affiliations
Research Summary
Dr. Gimmestad's research interests include optical systems for remote sensing of the earth's atmosphere; monitoring atmospheric changes caused by human activities; development of innovative remote sensing instruments; and imaging and laser beam propagation in atmospheric turbulence.
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Gimmestad received the B.A. degree in Physics from St. Olaf College in 1968, and the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees in Physics from the University of Colorado in 1972 and 1978. His doctoral research was on the millimeter-wave spectrum of oxygen.
From 1978 to 1986, Dr. Gimmestad was an Associate Professor of Physics and a Senior Research Scientist at Michigan Technological University. His research work was primarily on atmospheric optics at visible and infrared wavelengths.
Dr. Gimmestad joined the Electromagnetics Laboratory of the Georgia Tech Research Institute in 1986 as a principal Research Scientist. He holds the Glen Robinson Chair in the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory. Dr. Gimmestad heads a group of atmospheric laser radar (LIDAR) researchers who are developing laser-based atmospheric remote sensing systems for a broad range of applications including air quality, military test range support, and astronomy. The group also promotes LIDAR education through short courses and collaborations with other institutions.
