Dr. Kristiansen founded the Plasma Research Laboratory at Texas Tech University in 1966, initially focusing on harmonic ion cyclotron resonances, laser heating of magnetized plasmas, and pellet injection in hot dense plasmas. In 1977, a small Tokamak was built for wave propagation studies in the ion cyclotron frequency range. Over time, the lab’s focus shifted to power electronics, plasma technology applications in pulsed power devices, high power microwave generation, explosive generators, and electric space propulsion engines. The lab evolved into the Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics in the 21st century under his leadership as Center Director.
Dr. Kristiansen also founded the Pulsed Power Conference (PPC) and served as Chairman of the first two Pulsed Power Conferences in 1976 and 1979, both held in Lubbock, TX. He also established the PPC Inc. that later morphed into NPS Society’s Technical Committee for Pulsed Power Science and Technology. Dr. Kristiansen ran the largest university pulsed power program in the US for over 40 years as its founder. Many of Kris’ former students are still active members of the IEEE NPS Society.