Professor Alex Gaeta Wins 2026 Arthur L. Schawlow Prize and Named 2026 Optica Vice President

Professor Alexander Gaeta

The Columbia Nano Initiative is pleased to share that Alexander L. Gaeta, David M. Rickey Professor of Applied Physics and of Materials Science and CNI Faculty, recently received two prestigious honors.

First, the American Physical Society (APS) named Professor Gaeta recipient of the 2026 Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science. This prize recognizes outstanding contributions to basic research using lasers to advance knowledge of the fundamental physical properties of materials and their interaction with light. Professor Gaeta officially received this award, “For groundbreaking innovations in the fields of quantum and nonlinear optics.”

In response to this news, Dean of Columbia Engineering, Shih-Fu Chang, shared that, “The future of high-performance computing, sustainable devices and technologies, and much more, relies on the gains made by pioneering researchers like Alex.” Columbia Engineering also published a story about Professor Gaeta’s award, available to read here.   

In addition to this award, Professor Gaeta was also named 2026 Optica Vice President and will serve on the Optica Board of Directors in the upcoming year. In a press release, Elizabeth Nolan, Optica CEO, praised Professor Gaeta, saying, “Alex is a truly innovative leader, and Optica has benefited greatly from both his vision and stewardship.”

Professor Gaeta maintains a close relationship with Optica, and served in numerous volunteer positions with the organization since his time as a graduate student, including founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal Optica; General Co-Chair for CLEO and Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science; member of the Optica Board of Directors from 2008–2010; and most recently as Chair of the Strategic Planning Council.

CNI congratulates Professor Gaeta on these recognitions as he continues his expansive research.