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Emmett N. Leith Medal
Recognizes seminal contributions to the field of optical information processing.
In assessing the significance of the contribution, consideration is given to all aspects including theoretical and conceptual breakthroughs as well as practical applications. Optical information processing is broadly conceived to include sensing and analog signal processing as well as computing (classical and quantum) and optical storage.
The medal was established in 2006 to honor Emmett N. Leith, a world-renowned scientist in holography and optical information processing. It is endowed by General Dynamics, the University of Michigan College of Engineering, Physical Optics Corporation and individual contributors, including Alexander Sawchuk, Joseph Goodman, James R. Fienup, G. Michael Morris, Tom Cathey and James Wyant.
Winners
2024
For seminal contributions to digital holography and optical information processing
2022
For outstanding contributions to nanoscale optical information technology by extending the limit of optical data storage, holography and display through multi-dimensional division including optical orbital angular momentum and vectorial domains.
2021
For exceptional innovation and transformative technological impact on the field of information optics, including pioneering contributions to digital holography for life sciences, information security, optical sensing, and processing of photon starved scenes
2020
For contributions to the fields of optical information processing and holography through the inventions of Fourier fringe analysis and coherence holography
2019
For extending the limits of optical metrology by integrating digital image processing with modern optical measurement techniques
2018
For pioneering, seminal and wide ranging contributions to coherent optics, particularly the developments of new techniques and procedures in holographic applications and optical information processing
2017
For early pioneering work in optical information processing, holography and optical metrology, including the first demonstration of coherent optical processing for image restoration
2016
For his life-long important contributions to holography, white-light holography, partially coherent signal processing, optical correlators, and information optics
2015
For extension of Fourier optics methods to the femtosecond and nanometer regimes
2014
For seminal contributions to optical information processing of radar data and holographic memories
2013
For the integration of optics and digital systems as demonstrated in pioneering contributions to phase retrieval, image restoration, wavefront sensing and computational imaging
2012
For seminal contributions to holographic storage and optical information processing
2011
For seminal contributions to the field of spatial light modulators and analog optical signal processing
2010
For his pioneering and seminal contributions to the development of practical holography and its applications, including the co-invention (with Emmett Leith) of the off-axis hologram, the development of compact optical correlators and the introduction of edge-illuminated holograms
2009
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For pioneering research and education in optical information processing, holography and statistical optics, particularly for work on the statistical properties of speckle and optical interconnections
2008
For seminal contributions to the fields of optical information processing and holography
* Deceased
