// Dr. Michael Escuti

Lasers that take directions

For many practical applications involving lasers, it’s important to be able to control the direction of the laser beams. Now, thanks to a research team led by Dr. Michael Escuti, there’s an energy-efficient way of steering laser beams that is precise and relatively inexpensive.

The research could lead to advances in space communication, which uses lasers to transfer data between platforms – such as between satellites or between aircraft and soldiers on the battlefield.

The key to the team’s success was the use of “polarization gratings,” made of a thin layer of liquid crystal material on a glass plate, that can be manipulated to direct the beams.

For his efforts, Escuti received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in a ceremony at the White House. He is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering in NC State’s College of Engineering.