2022 Nick Holonyak, Jr. Award Winner

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Optica Names Marshall I. Nathan the 2022 Nick Holonyak Jr Award Recipient

Optica (formerly OSA) is pleased to announce that Marshall I. Nathan, IBM TJ Watson Research Center and University of Minnesota, USA, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the Nick Holonyak Jr Award. Nathan is honored for his pioneering work in creating GaAs diode lasers and inventive contributions to compound semiconductors and laser physics.

Marshall I. Nathan received his PhD from Harvard University, USA. He began his career at IBM Corporation, USA, in the Research Division working in semiconductor physics, particularly hot electron phenomena and tunnel diodes. He moved to IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center and began work on the luminescence of III-V semiconductors. He joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota in 1987 and is currently a Professor Emeritus.

In 1962, Nathan and colleagues observed stimulated emission in gallium arsenide (GaAs), thus demonstrating the viability of the injection laser. He continued his pioneering studies of the physics associated with laser action in semiconductors and also conducted research on hot electron phenomena, Raman scattering, laser annealing and semiconductor microstructures.

Nathan has been an active volunteer, serving on conference and award committees, organizing conferences on semiconductor physics, and serving as the Secretary-Treasurer for the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Solid State Physics. He is a Fellow of IEEE and APS and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. His awards include the IEEE David Sarnoff Award and IBM Outstanding Contribution Award, Semiconductor Laser.

Established in 1997, the Holonyak Jr. Award recognizes significant contributions to optics based on semiconductor-based optical devices and materials, including basic science and technological applications. It honors Nick Holonyak Jr.’s distinguished contributions to the field of optics through the development of semiconductor-based light-emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers. The award is endowed by SDL Ventures, LLC, and Donald and Carol Scifres.

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.