Aston University photonics expert elected as Fellow of Optica

• Professor Edik Rafailov is head of the Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics Research Group

• He is a member of Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, a world-leading photonics research centre

• Optica is the leading organisation for researchers and others interested in the science of light.

A photonics expert at Aston University has been elected as a Fellow of Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide.

Professor Edik Rafailov is head of the Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics Research Group in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University and a member of Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT), one of the world’s leading photonics research centres.

He was elected for his ‘contributions to novel gain media for semiconductor lasers at wavelengths from 750nanometres to1300nanometres’.

Optica is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field of photonics. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organisation for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light.

Fellows are selected based on several factors, including outstanding contributions to business, education, research, engineering and service to Optica and its community.

Satoshi Kawata, 2022 Optica president, said: “I am pleased to welcome the new Optica Fellows. These members join a distinguished group of leaders who are helping to advance the field optics and photonics. Congratulations to the 2023 Class.”

Director of AIPT, Professor Sergei Turitsyn said: “I am delighted that Edik has received this prestigious fellowship.

“AIPT has one more Optica Fellow, that is a high honour in the field of photonics.

“Edik joined Aston University in 2014 and since then his research has contributed to the Institute’s world-leading position in the fields of fibre and semiconductor lasers and bio-medical photonics, making impact on industry, scientific communities and society.”

Fellows are Optica members who have served with distinction in the advancement of optics and photonics. As they can account for no more than 10 percent of the total membership, the election process is highly competitive. Candidates are recommended by the Fellow Members Committee and approved by the Awards Council and Board of Directors.

The new Optica Fellows will be honoured at the Society’s conferences and events throughout 2023.