Division of Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics Fellowship
The APS Fellowship Program was created to recognize members who may have made advances in knowledge through original research and publication or made significant and innovative contributions in the application of physics to science and technology. They may also have made significant contributions to the teaching of physics or service and participation in the activities of the Society. Each year, no more than one-half of one percent of the then current membership of the Society are recognized by their peers for election to the status of Fellow in the American Physical Society.
Fellowship nominations may be submitted by anyone who is a member of the APS in good standing. All members of DAMOP are strongly encouraged to nominate colleagues whom they consider worthy of this recognition.
Fellowship in the American Physical Society is a great honor. In accordance with the APS Constitution, "there shall be elected to Fellowship only such Members who have contributed to the advancement of physics by independent, original research or who have rendered some other special service to the cause of the sciences." All APS members are invited to nominate deserving colleagues as potential Fellows of APS.
Rules and eligibility
Nominating a colleague for APS Fellowship is a way to commend them for excellence in physics and their service to the physics community.
To nominate a colleague for APS Fellowship, you and the additional nominating co-sponsor must be active APS members. The colleague you are nominating must also be an active APS member.
Process and selection
To nominate a colleague for APS Fellowship, please include the following:
- The nominee's name
- The co-sponsor's name, and email address
- A 300 character suggested citation that does not include the nominee's name, gendered pronouns, or symbols, and begins with, "For..."
- A 2,500 character paragraph expanding on the citation to indicate the originality and significance of the contributions
- A PDF sponsor's recommendation letter
- The co-sponsor's recommendation letter, which must be uploaded by the co-sponsor
- The nominee's curriculum vitae (CV), which must include academic and employment history, professional honors, a list of principal publications only, and other significant contributions to physics
- Optional: Up to two additional PDF letters of support, which must be uploaded by the letter writers
Selection Committee
- Tanya Zelevinsky
- Vladimir Malinovsky
- Aashish Clerk
- Yanhong Xiao
- Mark Saffman
- Vladan Vuletic
Establishment and support
The Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (DAMOP) was founded in 1943, and was the first division of the American Physical Society. Its central focus is fundamental research on atoms, simple molecules, electrons and light, and their interactions. It plays an enabling role underlying many areas of science through the development of methods for the control and manipulation of atoms, molecules, charged particles and light, through precision measurements and calculations of their properties, and through the invention of new ways to generate light with specific properties. Students who graduate with a background in AMO physics acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills that enable them to contribute to many areas of science and technology.
Recent recipients
Luca Salasnich
2025 recipient
For a broad range of theoretical contributions in ultracold atom physics, including analytical solutions to many-body equations, the physics of reduced dimensionality and curved configurations, and the analysis of collective modes, solitons, and quantized vortices.
Stephen Hughes
2025 recipient
For pioneering contributions to the theoretical understanding of light-matter interactions in semiconductor nanophotonics, nano-optics, and open system quantum optics.
Chin-wen (James) Chou 鄒景文
2025 recipient
For leading research in the control and entanglement of molecular ions with atomic ions, providing powerful new tools for precision spectroscopy, quantum information processing, and quantum networking.
Benjamin McMorran
2025 recipient
For contributions to electron matter wave physics, including the development of diffraction holograms for electrons, the demonstration of electron vortex beams, and quantum measurement using electron interferometry.
Qi Zhou
2025 recipient
For work on the fundamental issues in quantum simulation, including geometrization of quantum dynamics, equivalence between the physics of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and that in curved spaces, synthetic gauge fields, and synthetic Hall cylinders.
APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.
Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.
Division of Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics Fellowship
Related
Prepare your nomination materials and review the submission process to recognize your colleagues and students.
Prepare your Fellowship nomination materials and review the submission process.
As approved by the Council of Representatives on April 10, 2025.
APS honors exceptional contributions to the physics community, including travel support for students and early career physicists.