The Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers provides recognition and funding for early-career professionals engaged in exciting and innovative projects with the potential to make a meaningful and positive impact on the science and applications of fiber laser technologies.

In honor of Valentin Gapontsev's groundbreaking work, this award champions emerging researchers passionate about advancing fiber laser technology. By empowering early-career talent, it fosters the potential for groundbreaking innovations and real-world applications. Recognizing the ciritcal role of innovative research, the prize underscores the importance of pushing the boundaries of fiber lasers, in line with Gapontsev's vision for technological advancement.

Sample Application Categories

1. Fundamental and Theoretical Advances: Groundbreaking theoretical research that provides new insights into light‐matter interactions, photonics materials science, optical physics, and the development of novel fiber laser technologies. This area emphasizes the importance of foundational research .
2. Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Processing: Emphasizing the role of fiber lasers in cutting, welding, and 3D printing, particularly for the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries, including micro and nano‐device fabrication.
3. Medical Applications and Biophotonics: Highlighting the use of fiber lasers in surgeries, dermatology, ophthalmology, and emerging medical treatments, focusing on minimally invasive procedures and advanced therapeutic techniques.
4. Energy Production and Nuclear Fusion Research: Exploring the application of fiber lasers in sustainable energy sources, specifically their potential in initiating nuclear fusion reactions for clean and limitless energy.
5. Art, Conservation, and Cultural Heritage Preservation: Supporting sophisticated techniques for analyzing, restoring, and conserving historical artifacts with fiber lasers to ensure the longevity of cultural heritage.

Application Information

How To Apply

Applications will be available at apply.optica.org

Important Dates

Opens 16 December 2024
Closes 14 February 2025

Applicant Requirements

• Must be an Optica member.
• Must be an early-career professional (1-5 years post highest degree) pursuing a compelling project that has a meaningful global impact.
• Demonstrate the unique nature and global reach of the project.
• Conducting research in fiber laser technology.
  • Examples of some, but not all, eligible disciplines include: fundamental and theoretical advances;  advanced manufacturing and materials processing; medical applications and biophotonics; energy production and nuclear fusion; art, conservation and cultural heritage preservation.

Program requirements recognize and exclude breaks from career timelines (e.g., eldercare; maternity or paternity leave; inability to work due to Covid-19 and lab closures; long-term illness). 

Application Requirements

• Applicant name, institution and contact information
• Applicant CV/Resume* - no more than four (4) pages
• Proposal* covering:
  • Current research and the intended goals
  • Potential impact of your project to advance the field of Fiber Laser Technologies
  • Potential for your research to solve real-world challenges and/or have a global impact
  • An overview of how the US$20,000 prize would benefit your research and career
  • Proposals should be no more than two (2) pages
• One (1) example of published work 
• Two (2) references

*These documents must adhere to the following formatting requirements.

Formatting Requirements

1. Paper size should comply with the international standard of A4 (8.3" x 11.7"; 210mmx297mm)
2. Arial, Times New Roman or Courier New at a font size of 11 points or larger
3. A font size of less than 11 points may be used for mathematical formulas or equations, figures, table or diagram captions and when using a Symbol font to insert Greek letters or special characters
4. Margins, in all directions, must be at least 1" (2.54cm)
5. Use a standard single-column format for text
6. Regardless of font, readability is vital

If you have questions, please contact apply@optica.org.

Recipients

2024 WINNER

Michael Müller

Ruhr-Universität Bochum, PULS, Germany

for his groundbreaking work in developing one of the world's most powerful ultrafast fiber lasers, achieving 10.4 kW of average power. His innovations in pulse compression and oscillator stabilization promise significant advancements in nanotechnology, biomedical research and environmental monitoring.

Contributors

This prize is endowed by the VPG Foundation.

About the Endowment

Valentin Gapontsev, the founder of IPG Photonics, revolutionized the laser industry by setting new standards for performance, efficiency, and applications across various sectors.

His company (started in his basement) was the first to sell high-power fiber lasers in the late 1990s. These lasers are now crucial in cutting-edge applications like self-driving car sensors and space exploration.

Honoring him with this prize celebrates his monumental contributions and inspires the next generation to pursue their interests with similar passion and determination.