Holly Wojcik
Deep Jariwala, Peter and Susanne Armstrong Distinguished Scholar and Associate Professor in Electrical and Systems Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of Optica‘s Adolph Lomb Medal. This esteemed recognition is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of optics early in their careers.
Jariwala’s groundbreaking research in nano-optics of low-dimensional semiconductors and the development of excitonic meta-materials has earned him this distinguished honor. Optica acknowledges his seminal contributions, particularly in the discovery and advancement of self-hybridized exciton-polariton meta-structures from layered semiconductors. Additionally, Jariwala’s work in demonstrating the tunable coupling between photons and magnetic semiconductors based on magnetization/spin-order in layered anti-ferromagnetic semiconductors has been instrumental.
With a focus on novel optical materials and optoelectronics devices, Jariwala’s research encompasses excitonic and low-dimensional semiconductors. During his time at Penn Engineering, he has shed light on the unique aspects of light-confinement and the formation of hybrid-light matter quasiparticles known as exciton-polaritons in layered, atomically thin, excitonic semiconductors. Furthermore, his work has led to the realization of excitonic metamaterials and atomically thin, near-perfect, semiconducting absorbers.
Established in 1940, the Adolph Lomb Medal is a testament to Jariwala’s exceptional achievements. This accolade is presented to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to optics within ten years of completing their highest degree and honors Adolph Lomb, Optica’s first treasurer, for his devotion to the Society and the advancement of optics.
Optica, founded in 1916, is the leading organization dedicated to the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field of optics. It serves as a platform for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light.