Dr Tarek Lamara

Senior R&D Expert, Sécheron SA. Switzerland

Profile
Tarek Lamara received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plasma physics and Optoelectronics from the University of Lorraine, Nancy, France, in 2000 and 2004, respectively. ​His research focused on the optimization of high-power pulsed microwave plasmas and magnetron sputtering for various thin-film processing.

In 2006, he joined ABB Corporate Research in Baden, Switzerland, where he worked as a scientist and project manager in medium-voltage (MV) switching technologies, specializing in vacuum interrupters and power semiconductors. His research work covered vacuum arcs investigation and plasma diagnostics, electromagnetic and electro-thermal simulations, and vacuum interrupter design optimization. In addition to his technical contributions, he managed several multinational R&D projects and coordinated research activities with the business unit.

Since 2013, he has been a Senior R&D Expert at Sécheron SA, a global leader in railway electrical safety equipment, where he also oversees intellectual property strategy and innovation. He is involved in the development of new generation of MV AC circuit breakers and switchgear and managing the new development of innovative hybrid DC circuit breakers and contactors. Actively involved in circuit breaker research since 2006, he is a co-inventor of 20 patents and has co-authored over 40 international scientific publications.

He is a member of IEEE society and a regular reviewer for “IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science” and “IOP Plasma Science and Technology”, and a member of Electro-Suisse, the local representative of CIGRE organization (International Council on Large Electric Systems). He is also a full member of Current Zero Club (CZC), an international research group on current interruption phenomena in power switching devices.