2022 Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award Winner

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Optica Names Heejoo Choi the 2022 Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award Recipient

Optica (formerly OSA) is pleased to announce that Heejoo Choi, University of Arizona, USA, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award. Choi is honored for innovative design of a UV cross-dispersion space telescope and engineering of a laser-truss Large Binocular Telescope metrology system.

Heejoo Choi received his BS degree and PhD from Pusan National University, South Korea. He is currently an assistant research professor at the James C. Wyant College of Optical Science, University of Arizona and an Optical Scientist at the Large Binocular Telescope.

His specialties cover optical design and metrology for academia and industrial applications such as freeform optics, cellphone lenses, and wafers in semiconductor facilities. He has also been contributing to the design, modeling, and testing of space projects that have unprecedented scale and approaches. His research focuses on the unique and efficient optical solution for pioneer space or on-earth observatory.

Choi is a dedicated volunteer. He serves as a guest editor for Photonics in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) journal and is an active reviewer, conference co-chair, and committee member. He also volunteers his time for students, participating in optical design workshops and other training programs.

Established in 2017, the Optical Design Innovator Award recognizes significant contributions, at an early career stage, to lens design, optical engineering or metrology as evidenced by one or more of the following: innovative and rigorous research, optical system design with a foundation in aberration theory, development of advanced metrology capabilities, product development and patents or publications. The award honors Kevin P. Thompson, whose many other accomplishments include leading breakthroughs in the understanding of the aberration fields of a new class of truly non-symmetric optical systems using freeform optical surfaces. It is endowed by several supporters including Jannick Rolland and Synopsys.

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.