Texas A&M Physicist Olga Kocharovskaya Earns 2024 Walther Award
Kocharovskaya received her Ph.D. from the N.N. Lobachevsky Nizhny Novgorod State University in Russia in 1986 as well as a Dr. of Sciences (Habilitation) degree from the Highest Attestation Commission of the Russian Federation in 1996. Her research is in the areas of quantum and nonlinear optics, laser physics, x-ray optics, attosecond physics and quantum information science.
A pioneer in lasers, atomic physics, nonlinear optics and x-ray quantum optics, Kocharovskaya is credited with developing novel understandings of the way energy is transferred in atomic systems. For example, she predicted the phenomenon that causes a precisely prepared atom to become invisible to certain wavelengths of light, now called electromagnetically induced transparency. In addition, while it had long been cannon that lasing could only take place when a majority of atoms were energized to an excited electronic state, Kocharovskaya predicted lasing without population inversion, a new way of achieving the bright coherent light that lasers produce. And although gamma rays had been thought of more in the realm of high-energy physics than laser science, her discoveries in the coherent control of the optical electronic and gamma-ray nuclear transitions in solids have changed the fields of quantum optics, laser physics and x-ray optics.
Kocharovskaya has authored or co-authored more than 200 scientific papers, including her most recent work focused on development of new generation of atomic clocks. In addition, she is a dedicated volunteer and mentor, serving on editorial boards, international advisory boards and award committees, and organizing international conferences.
A fellow of both the American Physical Society (APS) and Optica, Kocharovskaya’s previous recognitions include the 2023 APS Norman F. Ramsey Prize, the inaugural Willis Lamb Medal for Laser Physics and Quantum Electronics, the Presidential Award of the Russian Academy of Sciences as the Outstanding Young Professor of the Russian Federation, the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Research and the Sigma Xi Distinguished Scientist Award.
Optica (formerly known as The Optical Society of America), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement.
The German Physical Society (DPG), headquartered near Bonn, is the oldest national society and largest physical society in the world. As a non-profit organization with 62,000 members, DPG promotes the transfer of knowledge within the scientific community through conferences, events and publications. In addition to opening a window to physics for anyone who is curious to learn more, the society aims to encourage junior scientists and promote equal opportunities in science.
This story source was originally published by Texas A&M Arts & Sciences.