Penn State Establishes Directed Energy Center of Excellence
In a landmark move that promises to place Pennsylvania State University at the forefront of next-generation defense and energy technologies, the university has officially launched the Directed Energy Center of Excellence (DECE). The newly established center is set to become a hub for multidisciplinary innovation, bringing together researchers, students, industry leaders, and defense partners to advance the science and application of directed energy systems.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Directed energy — a broad term encompassing high-energy lasers, high-power microwaves, and other electromagnetic systems — has long been heralded as a transformative force in modern warfare, communications, and industrial applications. Recognizing its strategic importance, Penn State has taken a proactive step by launching DECE, with the goal of becoming a national leader in this emerging domain.
The Center’s mission is threefold: to enhance collaboration across academic disciplines and research units within the University, to push the boundaries of foundational and applied research in directed energy, and to foster workforce development that meets the growing national demand for talent in this cutting-edge field.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration at the Core
DECE is designed to leverage Penn State’s broad research strengths, pulling expertise from the College of Engineering, Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, College of Science, and others. The initiative is expected to create a seamless environment for interdisciplinary collaboration — one in which physicists, electrical engineers, materials scientists, computer scientists, and policy experts can work side by side to solve complex technical challenges.
Dr. Margaret Lin, the inaugural director of the Center, emphasized the importance of this integrative approach. “Directed energy systems operate at the intersection of many scientific and engineering disciplines,” she noted. “By creating a collaborative ecosystem at Penn State, we can accelerate innovation and ensure that the technologies we develop are not only scientifically robust but also scalable and ready for real-world applications.”
Advancing Foundational Research
While the Center will explore practical applications of directed energy — such as missile defense, electronic warfare, and secure communications — it also places a strong emphasis on fundamental research. Key focus areas will include laser-matter interactions, beam control, thermal management, power generation and storage, electromagnetic propagation, and advanced materials.
Penn State researchers are already working on several pioneering projects, including a novel high-efficiency diode laser system, advanced adaptive optics for beam shaping, and energy storage technologies that support mobile directed energy platforms.
The Center will also collaborate with national laboratories and defense agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, to align its research agenda with the country’s strategic security needs.
A Pipeline of Talent
A key pillar of the DECE is its commitment to workforce development. As the demand for skilled professionals in the directed energy domain grows, the Center aims to become a premier training ground for the next generation of scientists and engineers. New curricula, graduate fellowships, and internship opportunities will be developed in partnership with federal and industry stakeholders.
The Center plans to launch a Directed Energy Scholars Program, which will provide undergraduate and graduate students with immersive research experiences, mentorship from leading experts, and pathways to careers in national security, aerospace, and energy sectors.
Building a National Asset
Penn State’s investment in the Directed Energy Center of Excellence reflects a broader strategic vision: to align academic research with national priorities and become a cornerstone in America’s technological resilience. By fostering innovation, accelerating discovery, and training the leaders of tomorrow, the Center aims to not only support current defense needs but also anticipate the future frontiers of directed energy technologies.
As Dr. Lin summarized, “The DECE is more than a research initiative — it’s a platform for shaping the future. We’re here to lead, to learn, and to light the way forward.”
Looking Ahead
The official inauguration of the DECE will take place later this year with a formal ceremony, including representatives from the Department of Defense, national laboratories, and major defense contractors. With state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced simulation facilities, and a growing roster of world-class researchers, the Center is poised to become a beacon of excellence in directed energy science.
For Penn State, the launch of this Center marks a new chapter in its long tradition of research excellence and public service — a commitment to innovation not only for academic advancement, but for national and global impact.