Seth Melgaard
About Seth Melgaard
Seth Melgaard is a Senior Optical Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories with a background in optical science and cryogenic engineering.
Current Position at Sandia National Laboratories
Seth Melgaard has been serving as a Senior Optical Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories since 2015. At Sandia, he is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, bringing his extensive background in optical engineering to his role.
Previous Experience at AFRL
Seth Melgaard worked as an NRC postdoc at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) from 2013 to 2015. Located in Kirtland AFB, his role and responsibilities during this period contributed to his deep expertise in optics and photonics.
Research Assistant at the University of New Mexico
Between 2007 and 2013, Seth Melgaard held the position of Research Assistant in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico. His tenure in this role allowed him to contribute to various substantial research projects and gain substantial experience.
Educational Background in Optical Science
Seth Melgaard earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Optical Science from The University of New Mexico, spanning from 2008 to 2013. Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics and Astronomy at the same institution from 1998 to 2002. His robust academic background has provided a strong foundation for his professional career.
Innovations in Cryogenic Optical Technologies
Seth Melgaard has made significant advancements in the field of cryogenic optical refrigeration. He experimentally verified local cooling of Yb:YLF to 110K and developed initial designs for the first all solid-state cryogenic device. His achievements in reaching the lowest temperatures by all solid-state means are noteworthy, demonstrating his capability in pioneering optical cooling technologies.