James Vickers
About James Vickers
James Vickers is a Senior Laser Technologist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he has worked since 1990, with extensive experience in laser technology and testing protocols. He also served as a Medic in the US Army and has held various positions in laser technology across multiple organizations.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
James Vickers has a long tenure at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he has worked since 1990. He currently holds the position of Sr Laser Technologist, a role he has maintained since 2020. Prior to this, he served as a Sr Laser Technician in various capacities from 1990 to 2016. His responsibilities include performing damage tests at various energy levels to evaluate different coatings on mirrors and testing new CO2 laser protocols for damage mitigation at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). He also conducts MMS scans using a 3w diode laser to analyze the impact of expanding waves on downstream damage.
Education and Expertise
James Vickers studied at Vincennes University, where he earned an Associate's degree in Laser and Optical Technology/Technician from 1988 to 1990. This educational background laid the foundation for his extensive career in laser technology, particularly in high-energy laser systems and damage evaluation techniques.
Background
Before his extensive career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, James Vickers worked in various roles related to laser technology. He was employed at Bechtel Nevada Corporation as a Sr Laser Technician for one year and at Allied Signal Inc. as a Laser Technician for two years. He also worked at Sunrise Technologies as a Sr Laser Technician for five months. Additionally, he served as a Medic in the US Army from 2003 to 2011, which provided him with valuable experience in technical and operational environments.
Career Progression
James Vickers' career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory showcases a significant progression in roles and responsibilities. He began as a Laser Technician in 1992 and advanced to Sr Laser Technician by 2001. He continued in this role until 2016, when he transitioned to his current position as Sr Laser Technologist. His cumulative experience spans over three decades, reflecting his deep expertise in laser technology and applications.