Mechanical System

VAHE GHAZIKHANIAN, Ph.D.

**** ******** ***** ~ Glendale, California 91208

818-***-**** *************@*********.***

RESEARCHER and DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER/ SCIENTIST

Highly accomplished PhD nuclear physicist experienced in

experimental/applied physics and precision measurement R&D, with advanced

training in theory along with hands-on electronic, mechanical and optical

design. Proven analytical capabilities in simulation, modeling,

mathematical and statistical analysis. Dynamic communicator with

demonstrated project management skills and the ability to work

independently or in a team environment. Technically proficient in

MATLAB/SIMULINK, MathCAD, LabVIEW, COMSOL (multiphysics FEA) in embedded C,

FORTRAN, SPICE, SolidWorks, Altium Designer, Xilinix ISE, Microsoft Office,

Visio and Project. Possess U.S. citizenship.

Major relevant skills:

. Nuclear Instrumentation and sensor R&D, prototyping, design, testing,

and optimization. (e.g. fast optical sensors such as PMTs and PIN/APDs

etc)

. Expert in radiation detection (IR to high energy gamma, neutron, and

charged

particles): single photon detection with ultrafast photomultiplier

tubes, APDs, PIN diodes and wideband, low noise frontend electronics.

Charged particle detection tracking and spectroscopy using gas drift

chambers and MWPCs and calorimetry.

. Physics of semiconductors: optical (UV-IR), radiation detector

(Silicone PIN, CZT, Si-Li, HPGe), and high speed optical sources

(LEDs, lasers, gas discharge etc.).

. Experienced in piezoelectricity and pyroelectrics: as used in HF/HV

transformers, HV generators (e.g., for neutron generators, micro-

accelerators, and radiation acoustics), and ultrasound sensors.

. Hands on mechanical modeling and design (SolidWorks > 10 years)

. Broad expertise in laboratory Instrumentation and precision

measurements techniques (e.g., data acquisition systems, bus-systems

e.g., CAMAC, VME, USB, GPIB and custom designed systems)

. Electronic circuit and PC board design, simulation and packaging

(Altium designer > 10 years and Xilinx ISE, SPICE).

. Modeled and analyzed stochastic and deterministic systems/processes

using Monte Carlo and PDE techniques (FEA and analytical),

respectively.

. Developed DSP algorithms for hardware systems to analyze, in real-

time, sensor/detector waveforms in FPGA/DSP/microcontroller based

hardware.

. Data fusion - developed data processing algorithm for processing large

scale multi-sensory stochastic data sets using Bayesian statistical

techniques.

. Used adaptive signal analysis techniques in general and Kalman

filtering techniques in particular for particle tracking and vertex

reconstruction in high noise environments. Also used similar

techniques to develop hardware algorithm for control of DC-DC

converters used in wind turbines.

. Image processing: used image processing techniques with polarized

light to study stress in optical media used in light guides and

optical detectors.

. Developed algorithms and software to track high energy charged

particles and reconstruct event vertices in 3D and consequently

imaging in 3D target profiles and polarization profile of polarized

targets.

Vahe Ghazikhanian, PhD

Page 2

Some sample projects:

Proposed, designed and managed production, implementation and

postproduction of [in all cases the designs were unique and novel, and

generally resulted in 50%-150% savings. In many cases the experiments would

not be possible with other methods].

. a novel, complete fast particle tracking and identification

detector/data acquisition/trigger system based on scintillating fibers

and multianode photomultiplier tubes. This resulted in an order of

magnitude improvement in data quality and acquisition rate. Performed

detailed Monte Carlo studies of proposed detector behavior and

response, including stochastic and deterministic algorithms, and

developed required algorithms that were implemented on fast trigger

processor hardware for real-time data fusion and filtering (on 100 ns

time scale) Performed all necessary laboratory studies on

maximization of system's photon output and its coupling to PMTs.

Designed the detection system and various components, performed

initial conceptual studies, managed 2 engineers and several graduate

students and undergraduate research assistants. The total cost of the

experiment exceeded $0.5 M, and involved the UCLA group and the

Laboratoire National Saturne (LNS) in France. The system was installed

and successfully operated at LNS.

. As manager in charge of the photomultiplier system: Wrote the

requirements document for the photomultipliers for the Daya-Bay

international collaboration experiment, and designed the automated

optical test and characterization system to perform initial burn-in

and the precision measurements of PMT response characteristics.

Developed the required deterministic algorithm for the optical

test/characterization system based on mathematical modeling of the

system. The total cost of the detector was $70 M. The PMT subsystem

was $3.5 million and involved 8 international institutions with over

30 physicist.

. The STAR EMC 4800 channel Intelligent PMT high voltage system based on

4800 networked microcontrollers and a PC based LabVIEW

control/monitoring system. Defined the requirements, and performed the

initial studies for characterization of various PMTs and selected the

final PMT

for the system. Designed the ATE optical test system for test and

characterization of over 5000 PMTs. Did laboratory studies to improve

photon propagation and absorption in PMT photocathodes and

PIN/avalanche diodes by using optical light mixers and antireflective

dielectric films. Developed the microcontroller control algorithm to

acquire data from the PMT and perform DSP on the acquired noisy

voltage data needed to extract the needed data in the extremely high

RF environment of the accelerator and the high magnetic field.

. Designed mechanical and electronics for a rad-hard, high speed puff-

valve controller for

High intensity pulsed X-ray generator. The new system was able to

operate at extremely high radiation environment. It improved

reliability and allowed operation, without breakdown for long periods

of time [the old system was not able to operate for more than a few

days].

. Performed waveform studies of the sensors in optical systems using

SPICE and MathLAB and developed waveform discrimination algorithms to

be implemented on a fast FPGA based DSP to perform neutron-gamma

discrimination and characterization for spectroscopy.

Vahe Ghazikhanian, PhD

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

President and Founder, Applied Nuclear Sciences Inc. Glendale, California

2009 - Present

As Chief Scientist, performed R&D consulting on:

. Development of a megawatt class, vertical axes wind turbine with

direct drive, low speed permanent magnet generator, and high solidity

airfoil structure. Designed the PM direct generator for the prototype

20 KW system, performed optimization of the magnetic structures for

maximum flux and lowest heat dissipation. Designed and prototyped a

high frequency and efficiency 1 kW DC-DC converter to be used with a

small prototype. Performed studies on the aerodynamics of the wing

under different wind speeds. [this project is still continuing and I

am preparing proposals for the DOE SBIR funding]

. Performed R&D and generated and submitted two proposals to DOE for

radiation detection.

. Acted as consultant for the UCLA astrophysics group, designed a high

frequency preamplifier system for a balloon based experiment, and

consulted on high speed digital electronics systems for the same

experiment.

. Performed initial feasibility studies and consulting on a solar based

desalination plant (SI2IT LLC)

. Currently working on several proposals to be submitted for the DOE

SBIR/STTR grants.

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT, Glendale, California 1999 - Present

Research and Development Consultant, Sr. Research Scientist (Ronan

Measurement Co.)

. Function as an independent consultant working with the following clients:

Ronan Engineering Co.,

Alameda Applied Sciences Corp., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and

VeriTainer Corp

. Developed and tested radiation detectors and electronic circuitry.

. Provided expertise on radiation effects, optics and detection/analysis

methods in addition to modeling

and simulating detector response.

. Performed research on high resolution active and passive nuclear

detection systems for homeland

security and industrial measurements.

. Produced 2 new products through the innovative design of electronic and

mechanical systems.

. Produced R&D funding proposals for three ventures.

UCLA Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, Los Angeles, California

1988 - 2008

Research Physicist

. Led and managed the nuclear physics group's laboratory research &

development efforts.

. Conducted research in nuclear and relativistic heavy ion physics with

participation in experiments by

designing components and systems for detectors.

. Devised end-to-end electronic and mechanical designs along with the

production of instrumentation

for detection systems, optical/spectroscopic test systems, data

acquisition systems and controls.

. Originated analog and digital electronic circuits along with the

development of nuclear detector systems

and components.

. Performed physics simulation and modeling of experiments and statistical

analysis of nuclear data.

. Designed and produced instruments and software for radiation detection,

testing, control and

monitoring

. Managed and designed systems for 6 significant projects in conjunction

with several small concept-to-

fabrication projects funded by the Department of Energy [see sample

projects].

. Reviewed projects (technical and management): performed troubleshooting

of systems and

components. Designed test systems and procedures to characterize and

troubleshoot electronics,

mechanical and optical hardware and software/firmware systems.

. Trained and managed 100+ undergraduate and graduate students in

experimental techniques such as

hardware, simulation, modeling and analysis. Managed mechanical and

electronics technicians and

engineers, reviewed designs and affected corrections and improvements.

Vahe Ghazikhanian, PhD

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EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles, California

Ph.D. in Physics

Thesis: "Measurement of 2nd and 3rd Order Vector and Tensor Spin

Observables in the Reaction d(p,d)p at 1.6 GeV Deuteron Beam Energy"

UNVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles, California

Master of Science in Physics

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles, California

Bachelor of Science in Physics

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member: American Physical Society, Armenian Engineers and Scientists of

America, Southern California Federation of Scientists

Publications:

Over 185 peer reviewed publications. List of Publication available upon

request

Contact this candidate