placeholder video

Coherent, Inc. and the OSA Foundation have partnered to create the Bernard J. Couillaud Prize. The Prize provides the opportunity for an early-career professional (1-5 years post highest degree) to pursue a compelling and innovative project that has the potential to make a meaningful and positive impact on the science and applications of ultrafast lasers.
2021 Application submission period is now closed. 
Visit the OSA page to learn more.
 
 

Congratulations to Last Year’s Winner: Bo Li
 

Bo Li, a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University, is last year’s winner of the Bernard J. Couillaud Prize, presented on May 13, 2020. Bo Li’s research focuses on Multiphoton Imaging, a key application of ultrafast laser technology. His work has the potential to improve depths and speed of imaging, both critical to advances in neuroscience and disease studies.  Read the Press Release >


An Interview with Bo Li
We recently had an informative conversation with Dr. Li regarding his exciting research, its impact on ultrafast science, and some of his future plans.  Watch the video interview below, which was conducted by Marco Arrigoni of Coherent, Inc.

 

 

You can also read the full interview by clicking here.

 

The Winners Circle

Learn more about previous winners of the Bernard J. Couillaud Prize and the research that earned them the recognition.
 

2019 Winner: Dr. David R. Carlson
The 2019 Bernard J. Couillaud annual prize in ultrafast photonics was awarded to Dr. David R. Carlson of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Time and Frequency Division) in recognition of the importance of his work on non-linear effects and photonic devices based on tantala (tantalum pentoxide, Ta2O5).
 
Hear from the 2019 Prize Winner!
We spoke with Dr. Carlson about how he has used the award to further his work in this field. To read the full interview and learn more about his research, click the button below.
 
Read the David Carlson Interview
 

Interested in Applying for the Prize?

If you are an early-career professional researching applications with the potential to make an impact in the science and applications of ultrafast lasers and are interested in applying for this prize, view the OSA website, where you can read the entry requirements and application deadlines or ask any prize related questions. If you would like to receive an email reminder when submissions for the prize are being accepted simply submit the form below. If you have questions about Coherent and its products, please contact us here.   

Privacy

* Required field

About the Prize’s Namesake

A native of France, Bernard J. Couillaud earned his PhD in Laser Physics in 1978 at the University of Bordeaux and later completed a three-year visiting fellowship at Stanford University. Dr. Couillaud joined Coherent in 1983 and was instrumental in the development of numerous Dye, DPSS, and Ti:S lasers in his roles as Director of Engineering, Business Unit Manager, and Vice President of the Laser Group. Along the arc of this extraordinary academic and industrial career, he authored 65 publications and received numerous patents. He became President and CEO of Coherent in 1996, and served in that capacity until 2002. Dr. Couillaud was then Chairman of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 2007.