Cell phones, laser eye surgery and many other new world possibilities exist because of “tools made of light” pioneered by three people: Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland.
Their research had them co-sharing the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics. The announcement went as follows.
Their inventions have revolutionised laser physics. Extremely small objects and incredibly rapid processes are now being seen in a new light. Advanced precision instruments are opening up unexplored areas of research and a multitude of industrial and medical applications.
Strickland grew up in Guelph, Ontario and studied at the University of McMaster before moving to the United States to conduct her award-winning research with Gérard Mourou at the University of Rochester. Although she was an assistant professor when she won the award, she now serves as full professor at the University of Waterloo. The university also gave her a permanent parking spot in honour of her win.
It’s really well worth watching Strickland describing her research. She has a great sense of humour.
Congratulations again Professor Strickland.
