2023 David Richardson Medal Winner

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Optica Names Turan Erdogan the 2023 David Richardson Medal Recipient

Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is pleased to announce that Turan Erdogan, Plymouth Grating Laboratory, Inc., USA been selected as the 2023 recipient of the David Richardson Medal. Erdogan is honored for his numerous contributions to the commercial development of optical components and technologies through remarkable entrepreneurship and business acumen leading to products and applications in numerous areas including optical fiber systems, medical optics, and femtosecond laser technology.

Erdogan received his S.B. in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester, USA. He completed postdoctoral work at AT&T Bell Labs. He is currently President of Plymouth Grating Lab (PGL), USA.

He has been studying, teaching, and practicing optics for 30 years. His previous experience includes serving as site leader for Melles Griot, USA; CTO and VP of Business Development for IDEX Optics & Photonics and IDEX Health & Science, USA; co-founded Semrock, Inc., USA, which was acquired by IDEX; and a tenured professor at The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester.

Turan has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications and over 50 major conference talks and holds more than 30 issued patents, with about half of these covering optical devices in mass production today. A dedicated volunteer he has served on the Optica Board of Directors, the Nominating Council, and several Award Selection Award Committees. He was also Chair of the Corporate Engagement Council, the OFC Program Committee, and the Frontiers in Optics Program Committee. He is a Fellow of Optica and received the 1995 Adolph Lomb Medal.

Established in 1966, the Richardson Medal recognizes significant contributions to optical engineering, primarily in the commercial and industrial sector. It honors David Richardson’s unique contributions to applied optics, and is endowed by Cary Instruments and Gary Duck.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org.