2022 David Richardson Medal Winner

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Optica Names Jim Tatum the 2022 David Richardson Medal Recipient

Optica (formerly OSA) is pleased to announce that Jim Tatum, Dallas Quantum Devices, USA, been selected as the 2022 recipient of the David Richardson Medal. Tatum is honored for his significant contributions to the development and commercialization of VCSEL technology.

Jim Tatum received his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas, USA. He is founder and CEO of Dallas Quantum Devices and previously worked at Honeywell International Inc, USA, and Finisar Corporation, USA.

Since the start of his career in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), Tatum has been a leader in the research, development, and commercialization of VCSELs. He was a part of the Honeywell team that offered the industry’s first production VCSEL in 1996. Subsequently, he fostered and led the team that commercialized data communications VCSELs at speeds up to 28Gbps, developed and productized single mode polarization controlled VCSELs, and pioneered the development of two-dimensional VCSEL arrays in consumer electronics. Hundreds of millions of these VCSELs are in use and continue to be deployed today.

Tatum has published more than 75 technical papers and holds over 50 patents. He has been invited to give numerous presentations on a variety of topics and coauthored, VCSEL Industry: Communication and Sensing.

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.