Frank Isakson Award for Optical Effects in Solids
To recognize outstanding optical research that lead to breakthroughs in the condensed matter sciences. The award consists of $5,000, an allowance for travel to the meeting of the Society at which the award is being presented and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. The award is awarded biennially in even-numbered years as a memorial to Frank Isakson.
Rules and eligibility
Nominations are open to scientists of all nations regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. The award shall ordinarily be awarded to one person, but the award may be shared among recipients when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishment. Preference will be given to work that has been published within the past 10 years. Nominations are active for three years.
Process and selection
The nomination package must include:
- A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s).
In addition, the nomination should include:
- A biographical sketch.
- A list of the most important publications.
- At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints or preprints.
Establishment and support
The award was established in 1979 and supported by the Photoconductivity Conference. The award was also supported by Elsevier from 1994 to 2022.
Recent recipients
Junichiro Kono
2026 recipient
For pioneering contributions to optical physics, light-condensed-matter interactions, and photonic applications of nanosystems, including artificial quantum structures and carbon-based nanomaterials.
Feng Wang
2024 recipient
For pioneering and trail-blazing works on the exploration of new physics and exotic phenomena in 1D and 2D quantum materials that have guided advances in the field.
Manfred Fiebig
2022 recipient
For pioneering nonlinear optical spectroscopy studies that led to a fundamental understanding of the emergence and coupling of electric and magnetic orders at the level of domains and domain walls.
Robert W. Boyd
2020 recipient
For pioneering contributions to the discipline of composite optical materials and metamaterials, including seminal work on the understanding of nanoscale optical composites, and for developing metamaterials and metasurfaces for crucial photonics applications.
Vladimir M. Shalaev
2020 recipient
For pioneering contributions to the discipline of composite optical materials and metamaterials, including seminal work on the understanding of nanoscale optical composites, and for developing metamaterials and metasurfaces for crucial photonics applications.
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.
Frank Isakson Award for Optical Effects in Solids
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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.