UniKLasers R&D Engineer, Ben Szutor has been selected to receive the Laser Focus World 2021 Rising Star Award!
"Ben joined the UniKLasers team three years ago through the Engineering Doctorate programme organised by the Centre for Doctoral Training for Applied Photonics, based in Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh. This four-year programme combines PhD-level ‘business-based and led’ research projects with masters-level technical and MBA courses. We are delighted to see Ben Szutor, one of our talented engineers recognised by this prestigious Laser Focus Rising Star award." -- Anastasia Bombrys, UniKLasers COO.
Ben has co-authored research papers in the area of single frequency DPSS lasers at exotic wavelengths for quantum technologies. He has also been a key contributor to UniKLasers quantum projects that focus on the commercialisation of quantum technology (QT) to position our company as a leading supplier of lasers for QT applications.
Ben has also developed a laser that matches the optical performance of current Ti:sapphire lasers within a compact footprint and at the price point of an external-cavity diode laser (ECDL). Through laser system redesign of the UniKLasers technology platform and testing novel laser materials, Ben demonstrated laser operation on crucial, but difficult-to-access laser lines. This resulted in the development of the ultra-stable, compact, single frequency, solid-state laser operating at the “magic” Strontium wavelength of 813 nm. This project enables economic opportunities for supply chain optimization and delivers novel world-leading, underpinning technologies for the quantum industry. The demonstrated laser platform will leapfrog the UK in the exploitation of global QT research.
"Ben is an excellent addition of our team. He is a naturally talented and hardworking engineer. In addition to laser design skills, Ben demonstrates strong innovative skills in laser and laser control electronics." -- Professor Fedor Karpushko, UniKLasers Founder & CSO.
After the completion of his doctorate degree, Ben will continue to optimise the underlying technology of the 813 laser and work to minimise the footprint and linewidth within the framework of Photonics consortium QT Assemble led by Fraunhofer UK, where UniKLasers is a partner. These improvements mean the delivery of a stable and reliable laser system of higher TRL for controlling quantum states of strontium atoms – enabling a wide range of quantum research applications. The consortium’s innovative work is supported by Innovate UK grant funding body.
With a vital impact on UniKLasers operations and commercial viability, and the development of key technologies for national quantum research, Ben is a deserving recipient of the Laser Focus World 2021 Rising Star Award.
"UniKLasers is recognised as a world leader in the design of ultra-narrow linewidth lasers for quantum technology applications, and our R&D arm, led by our CSO Professor Karpushko, is strategically focussed on developing affordable, low maintenance, small footprint QT lasers for real-world applications. Highly innovative engineers like Ben are absolutely key to our continued success." -- Alan Faichney, UniKLasers CEO.
Read more about the Laser Focus World 2021 Rising Star Awards at laserfocusworld.com.
Also featured in Scottish Business News and Digit.Fyi.