2023 Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award Winner

Get Involved

Optica Names Eric M. Schiesser the 2023 Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award Recipient

Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric M. Schiesser, PhD, Synopsys Inc., Optical Solutions Group, USA, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award. Schiesser is recognized for innovation and rigor in optical design methodology.

Schiesser received his B.S. in physics and B.S. in optical engineering from the University of Rochester, USA and his Ph.D. in optics from The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. He is currently an Optical Software Developer with the Optical Solutions Group at Synopsys Inc., USA.

Schiesser’s doctoral work focused on reflective non-symmetric optical designs and associated aberration theory, in which he explored design methods for freeform telescopes and a laser relay with tilted, spherical surfaces. He investigated the reduction of aberrations in these systems using Nodal Aberration Theory, with a particular interest in automating the developed design techniques. He continues to explore solving a broad range of optical design challenges in his role at Synopsys, where he focuses on algorithm research and development for imaging system design and analysis, and occasionally collaborates with the Optical Engineering Services Team on design projects.

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. Discover more at: Optica.org