Donna Strickland

Third woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking work in laser physics

Donna Strickland, a Canadian physicist, made history in 2018 by becoming the third woman ever to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. Her groundbreaking work in chirped pulse amplification (CPA) revolutionized laser technology, enabling the development of high-intensity, ultra-short optical pulses. This innovation has had far-reaching applications, from precision laser eye surgery to advanced manufacturing and fundamental scientific research.

Strickland's journey began at McMaster University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in engineering physics. She later pursued her PhD at the University of Rochester under the mentorship of Gérard Mourou. Together, they developed CPA, a technique that stretches and then amplifies laser pulses before compressing them again. This method prevents the laser from destroying the amplifying material, allowing for unprecedented power levels. Their work laid the foundation for petawatt-class lasers, which are now used in laboratories worldwide.

Despite her monumental achievement, Strickland remained relatively unknown until her Nobel win. Her recognition highlighted the underrepresentation of women in physics and inspired a new generation of female scientists. In interviews, she has emphasized the importance of curiosity-driven research and mentorship in STEM fields.

Strickland continues to advocate for gender equality in science. Her legacy extends beyond her technical contributions, serving as a beacon for inclusivity in academia. She currently leads a research group at the University of Waterloo, focusing on nonlinear optics and ultrafast laser systems.