With a PhD in chemistry from Tel Aviv University and a natural passion for science, it was natural for Daniel to find a place in the materials engineering lab in the ISTAR & EW division. One of the most intriguing areas spearheaded by Elbit Systems is high-intensity laser systems, which began making headlines about two years ago following a technological breakthrough and successful testing, proving operational feasibility as a defensive weapon. “”We have a lot still to do with the high-power lasers program at Elbit Systems. I estimate it will comprise the main part of our work in the coming years,” Daniel says.
My story
Daniel has been involved in materials engineering for about seven years, engaging in optimizing processes and materials alongside the development of essential components for high-intensity lasers that need to work in variable environmental conditions, outside the lab too. The unique capabilities of these lasers in the various systems in which they are integrated, from the perspectives of accuracy and low cost of use, indicate that they will be one of the company’s significant growth drivers. “Research has been going on in this area for years before I arrived. Now it’s leaving the lab for advanced testing in the field,” Daniel says. During the last year, he successfully led a team who was developing one of the component. They met the extraordinary goals, thanks to the multidisciplinary and perseverance nature of the lab team, the engineers and the researchers in the division.
Daniel grew up in Rehovot to an observant family but lost his faith after army service. “It wasn’t an issue in the family and I don’t ascribe great importance to it,” he says. From childhood he was interested in the exact sciences, and even aspired to study physical chemistry. “My father, who was a senior manager at a government company, always supported me. I have no doubt that a large part of my achievements belong to him,” he says. After completing his doctoral studies, Daniel joined SCD, an Israeli company co-owned by Elbit Systems and Rafael, which develops electro-optic detectors.
According to him, integrating into Elbit was right for him, since the field of materials is deeply established in the ISTAR & EW division, alongside the advantage of wide inter-departmental collaboration, enabling research, and sharing and deepening knowledge. Daniel and his team will soon be moving to a unique lab for materials, as part of the division’s expansion and establishment of advanced infrastructure and labs in fiber lasers. “I think there’s always room for improvement, to bring in more technologies and continually improve performance accuracy. It’s my challenges and what gives me a sense of mission.”
