Aston University Researcher Secures $2.4 Million to Improve Fiber Laser Technologies

European Research Council (ERC) has granted an Advanced Investigator Grant worth $2.4 million to Sergei Turitsyn, an engineering professor at the Aston University, in recognition of his research work in the enhancement of nonlinear photonic technologies. The ERC grant will be used to develop next-generation fiber lasers.

In December 2010, the Optics & Photonics News magazine selected Turitsyn for his research work on random fiber lasers as one of the top two accomplishments in laser science for the year 2010. Turitsyn also headed a team that produced the longest laser measuring 270 km.

The grant will be used to create new PhD and research posts in the Aston University’s Photonics Research Group where researchers will study random laser and ultra-long fiber technologies for sensing and telecommunication applications as well as for designing new methods to protect communications.

The ERC sanctions Advanced Investigator Grants to scientists who contributed significantly in the fields of engineering and science. The grants encourage researchers to study innovative technologies that have great market potential.