The Nich Holonyak Jr. Award, established in 1997, honors Nick Holonyak Jr., who has made distinguished contributions to the field of optics through the development of semiconductor based light emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers. The award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to optics based on semiconductor-based optical devices and materials, including basic science and technological applications.
This award is endowed by SDL Ventures, LLC, and Donald and Carol Scifres.

Winners