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2022 R. W. Wood Prize Winner

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Optica Names Shanhui Fan the 2022 R.W. Wood Prize Recipient
 

Optica (formerly OSA) is pleased to announce that Shanhui Fan, Stanford University, USA, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the R.W. Wood Prize. Fan is honored for foundational discoveries in photonics, ranging from resonator, topological, and non-reciprocal photonics to energy applications including the discovery of daytime radiative cooling based on a new kind of energy source.

Shanhui Fan received his PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He is currently the Joseph and Hon Mai Goodman Professor in the School of Engineering, a Professor of Electrical Engineering, a Professor of Applied Physics (by courtesy), and a Senior Fellow of the Precourt Institute for Energy, at the Stanford University, USA.

His research interests are in fundamental studies of solid state and photonic structures and devices, especially photonic crystals, plasmonics, and meta-materials, and applications of these structures in energy and information technology applications. He was the first to demonstrate that the coldness of space, relative to earth, can be a major energy source for mankind. His work has opened a new direction in renewable energy research by highlighting the potential for harvesting the coldness of universe.

One of the highest-cited scientists in photonics, he has published over 600 refereed journal articles, has given over 380 plenary/keynote/invited talks, and held over 70 US patents. He has received many awards including Optica’s Adolph Lomb Medal, the National Science Foundation Career Award, a David and Lucile Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences W. O. Baker Award for Initiatives in Research, a Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship, and a Simons Investigator in Physics. He is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in Physics, and a Fellow of Optica, the American Physical Society, IEEE, and SPIE.

Established in 1975, the Wood Prize 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. It honors the many contributions that R.W. Wood made to optics, and is endowed by Xerox Corp.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica’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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