Nonlinear optics and laser physics expert retires from the ORC

After 44 years at the University of Southampton, 19 of those as Deputy Director at the ORC, it is sadly time for Professor David Hanna to begin his retirement. At a special event dedicated to celebrating his successful career, David will present his 'farewell' Valedictory Talk today (Friday 9 November) at 3pm in the Turner Sims Concert Hall at the University of Southampton.

David first joined the University of Southampton in October 1963 as a research student in the Electronics Department. He continued his career at the University and was promoted to Professor of Physics in August 1988 and appointed Deputy Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre in 1989.

During his time at the University David has made pioneering contributions in the areas of nonlinear optics and laser physics. His work has made important advances in nonlinear optical processes in atomic vapours and gases, optical parametric oscillators, and quasi-phase-matched nonlinear materials. In laser physics he has made innovative contributions to the physics of resonators and mode control, and to the development of solid-state lasers, including fibre lasers and waveguide lasers. He has published more than 300 scientific papers and presented over 50 invited/plenary papers at leading international conferences.

David’s many achievements have been recognised by a variety of prestigious awards he has received throughout his career. He was awarded the Max Born Medal and Prize in 1993 by the German Physical Society. In 2000 he received the Quantum Electronics Prize of the European Physical Society, and in 2003, the Charles Hard Townes Award of the Optical Society of America. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1998, is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, and has served as a Director-at-large of the OSA.  

Posted by Marketing Officer, on 9 November 2007