Biography of William G. McKinley
William G. McKinley began his optical career in high school with silver halide photography. He received his Bachelor of Science in physics from Arizona State University magna cum laude. Upon graduation he worked in optical data processing of side-looking radar systems. Wishing to increase his understanding of optical systems, he obtained his Master’s degree from the University of Arizona in Optical Science. After graduate school he began his 55-year career in electro-optical imaging systems. He further enhanced his capabilities by adding system engineering to his optical science skills.
Mr. McKinley has worked in optical systems spanning the spectrum from the ultra violet to terahertz waves in the environments of marine, ground, air and space. He practiced optical system engineering in optical data processing, ultraviolet and micro lithography, micromachining, ballistic missile defense, ultra-fast holographic imaging of moving projectiles, Schlieren photography, hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, laser weapons, laser warning sensors, optical communication, rigorous diffraction theory, imaging through atmospheric turbulence, lens and opto-mechanical design, and long-range optical photography. He produced end-to-end models of electro-optical systems emphasizing the modeling of line of sight stabilization (pointing, smear, and jitter) predicting the image quality and performance of optical systems in operation in all types of environment.
He held prominent positions from chief engineer to program manager in multiple electro-optical system companies including all three of the top optical houses in the United States: ITEK in Lexington, Massachusetts; Perkin Elmer in Danbury, Connecticut; and Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York. He has multiple awards, published a dozen papers in optical science and holds patents on optical components and systems.