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24 February 2020
The Optical Society Names John Dudley the 2020 R.W. Wood Prize Recipient
Honoree recognized for contributions to the physics of fiber supercontinuum generation
WASHINGTON—The Optical Society (OSA) is pleased to name John Dudley, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté & CNRS FEMTO-ST, France, the 2020 recipient of the R.W. Wood Prize. Dudley is recognized for elucidating the fundamental aspect of supercontinuum generation through careful study of phase stability and opening the way to compact supercontinuum sources and their numerous applications.
“We are proud to recognize John Dudley for his outstanding contributions in optical science ranging from ultrafast optical pulse metrology to broadband fiber supercontinuum generation,” said 2020 OSA President Stephen D. Fantone, founder and president of the Optikos Corporation. “John’s achievements reflect his dedication to advancing nonlinear and ultrafast optical physics.”
Dudley received his Ph.D. from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and worked both at Auckland and the University of St Andrews, Scotland before being appointed Professor at the Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté in 2000. He has led a number of national and international initiatives in both research and the public engagement of science. He is a Fellow of OSA, SPIE, IEEE, EOS and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Aparangi. In 2015, he was awarded OSA’s Robert E. Hopkins Leadership Award.
Dudley’s research covers a wide range of topics in ultrafast and nonlinear optics. In addition to early work in source development, he pioneered the use of advanced measurement techniques to characterize complex pulse propagation in nonlinear fiber optics, and contributed especially to the development of a clear understanding of the physics of fiber supercontinuum generation. Other areas of interest include ultrafast self-similarity and the study of optical rogue waves and their oceanic counterparts.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the R.W. Wood Prize, which recognizes an outstanding discovery, scientific or technical achievement or invention in the field of optics. The accomplishment is measured chiefly by its impact on the field of optics and is one that opens a new era of research or significantly expands an established one. The prize is endowed by Xerox Corp.
About The Optical Society
The Optical Society (OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. OSA’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.
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