One-on-one with Our UAEREP 5th Cycle Awardees: Dr. Guillaume Matras, Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Dive into this one-on-one interview with Dr. Matras, who discusses his unique rain enhancement project, ‘Laser-based rain triggering demonstrator with remote sensing technology’, being awarded a 5th Cycle grant by UAEREP, and more.
- What drew you to the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, and what encouraged you to apply for the UAEREP grant?
Addressing global water scarcity presents a formidable environmental challenge. We firmly believe that leveraging our expertise and capabilities can play a pivotal role in alleviating this pressing issue. Pursuing the UAEREP grant not only underscores our unwavering commitment to this cause, but also provides a platform for gaining international recognition and credibility in our research pursuits. The visibility it offers presents a significant opportunity for cultivating collaborations and involving stakeholders in this vital endeavor.
Furthermore, the proposed project is closely aligned with the strategic roadmap of the High Power Lasers and Applications (HPLA) department within the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), emphasizing the advancement of research and development efforts in laser-based applications for atmospheric environments. Additionally, it wholeheartedly upholds the mandates of TII, which stem from the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), a governmental institute of Abu Dhabi, demonstrating a clear commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability.
- Can you provide an overview of your rain enhancement research project submitted to UAEREP for the grant process?
Our project aims to evaluate and demonstrate the feasibility of inducing rain formations through the use of plasma channels generated by intense laser pulses. Building on pioneering research, we will conduct thorough investigations and experimental work in laboratory. At the same time, we will strive to replicate the process in outdoor environments using a customized mobile pulsed laser system that we will develop, supplemented with a remote sensing system.
- The 5th cycle grant application process for UAEREP was highly competitive. What do you believe set your research proposal apart from others and led to your selection?
We are confident that our proposal stands out not only due to the innovative approach we will investigate to enhance rainfall using lasers, but also because of the strength and coherence of our research plan. Led by the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI, who possess extensive expertise in project management and the development of complex laser systems, as well as laser-matter interaction and spectroscopy, our team is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of this project. Additionally, our collaboration with esteemed international institutes specializing in cloud science, advanced laser technology, and acoustic detection ensures that we have access to a diverse range of skills necessary for the success of this endeavor.
- What motivated you to pursue research in rain enhancement, and how do you believe your work contributes to addressing challenges related to water scarcity and precipitation deficits?
Water scarcity presents a significant challenge for our planet. While efforts are already in motion to tackle the ways we generate and consume energy, progress takes time. It's imperative that we propose solutions to bolster these processes. If successful, the project will broaden the toolkit for enhancing rainfall probability and, ultimately, enable control over its timing and location.
- In what ways will working with UAEREP and its International Rain Enhancement Forum further connect you to the scientific community and accelerate your research in rain enhancement?
Working with UAEREP and participating in its International Rain Enhancement Forum will serve as a catalyst for building collaborative relationships, accessing valuable resources, and accelerating the pace of our research efforts in rain enhancement. Through this partnership, we are confident in our ability to make meaningful contributions to addressing water scarcity challenges and enhancing precipitation in water-stressed regions.
- How do you envision the practical application of your research findings in real-world scenarios, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions such as the UAE?
If the project proves successful, our next endeavor will involve refining and compacting the laser solution for optimal deployment. Subsequently, we aim to implement these systems across various strategic locations in the UAE, focusing on areas prone to seedable cloud formation. Leveraging measurements from our sensing instruments alongside atmospheric data provided by the NCM, we will forecast seedable cloud occurrences and tailor our laser parameters accordingly to enhance rain formation.
- In what ways does your research contribute to advancing our understanding of cloud seeding and atmospheric processes related to rain enhancement?
By studying the interactions between laser-generated plasma and atmospheric particles, we will gain insights into the fundamental mechanisms that govern cloud seeding and precipitation formation. Understanding these processes at a microphysical level can inform the design of more effective cloud seeding techniques and optimize precipitation enhancement strategies.
- Could you highlight breakthrough findings that may emerge from your research, and how these findings may influence future studies in rain enhancement?
Discovering the optimal parameters for laser-induced rain triggering, such as wavelength, energy density, and pulse duration, could revolutionize rain enhancement techniques. Understanding how these parameters influence precipitation processes could lead to more efficient and effective methods for generating rainfall. Moreover, investigating the mechanisms behind particle agglomeration induced by laser-generated shockwaves could provide valuable insights into cloud microphysics and precipitation formation. Understanding how shockwaves affect the coalescence of cloud droplets and ice crystals could lead to new strategies for enhancing rainfall. Finally, exploring synergies between laser-based rain enhancement and other weather modification techniques, such as cloud seeding or atmospheric ionization, could lead to novel approaches for enhancing precipitation. Integrating multiple technologies could enhance the effectiveness and reliability of rain enhancement efforts.
- As UAEREP awardees, what are your next steps for continuing your research in rain enhancement, and how do you anticipate building upon the work?
As the project is just beginning, our initial focus will be on replicating the experimental findings documented by pioneering researchers and subsequently broadening the scope of our research with innovative methodologies.
- Have you established any collaborations with UAE-based research entities or universities during your rain enhancement project? How have these collaborations enhanced the quality or scope of your work?
DERC is a research institute based in the UAE. However, we are actively planning to establish collaboration initiatives with local entities. Conducting yearly workshops in the UAE will provide us with the opportunity to present our results to local institutions and, hopefully, foster opportunities for developing meaningful collaborations.
- In what ways are you leveraging local expertise or resources to foster knowledge exchange and skill development within the UAEREP scientific community?
As a research institute based in the UAE, DERC will tap into his local expertise and resources. Our team consists of six researchers, ten associate researchers, and ten engineers specializing in various fields such as laser source development, laser beam propagation systems, laser plasma, and laser system engineering. Furthermore, we will optimize our local capabilities to enhance the project, leveraging a mobile research laser lab and two dedicated laboratories for laser-plasma research and beam control systems development, alongside our electronics and mechanical workshops. Additionally, we will utilize advanced simulation and modeling tools for laser optics design, including multi-physics software and other engineering applications.
- Do you anticipate any results from your research will contribute to the overall advancement of rain enhancement technology on a global scale?
Our project will facilitate the establishment of atmospheric and laser science laboratories at the Technology Innovation Institute and local partner universities. The presence of such laboratories in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will enable students from different levels to perform experimental work for their postgraduate projects without the need to go to laboratories outside the country, thereby enhancing scientific sovereignty within the UAE.
Additionally, a continuous education strategy can be implemented to promote periodic workshops and seminars in cloud microphysics, LIDAR technology, plasma diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Our interdisciplinary approach will encourage knowledge sharing, and the cultivation of innovative solutions.
