SCOTLAND’S fast-growing reputation as a centre of innovation excellence around the fields of quantum technology and photonics, has received a huge boost, as a young engineer with Scotland’s precision laser manufacturer, UniKLasers, scoops one of the laser engineering industry’s most sought-after accolades.
Amidst strong and intense global competition, the laser industry’s key trade publication ‘Laser Focus World’ has named Edinburgh-based UniKLasers’ R&D Engineer Ben Szutor as winner of its ‘2021 Rising Stars’ Award in recognition of his key contributions to research into the commercialisation of quantum technology.
Ben joined the UniKLasers team three years ago through the Engineering Doctorate programme organised by the Centre for Doctoral Training for Applied Photonics, based at Heriot Watt University. This four-year programme combines PhD-level ‘business-based and led’ research projects with masters-level technical and MBA courses.
Ben has already co-authored research papers in the area of single frequency DPSS lasers at exotic wavelengths for quantum technologies. He has also been a key contributor to UniKLasers quantum projects that focus on the commercialisation of quantum technology to position the company as a leading supplier of lasers for these applications.
Laser Focus World was greatly impressed with Ben’s work on a project that used difficult-to-access laser lines, the development of which led to the ultra-stable, compact, single frequency, solid-state laser operating at the “magic” Strontium wavelength of 813 nm. Crucially, this project enables economic opportunities to optimise the global supply chain and deliver pioneering underpinning technologies for the quantum industry.
The demonstrated laser platform will leapfrog the UK in the exploitation of global Quantum Technology research, pushing Scotland to the forefront of this transformative industry revolution.
“We are thrilled and delighted to see one of our talented engineers being recognised in this way,” comments Fedor Karpushko, Chief Science Officer, UniKLasers.
He continues,
“Ben is an excellent addition of our team. He is a naturally talented and hardworking engineer. In addition to laser design skills, he demonstrates strong innovative skills in laser and laser control electronics. With a vital impact on UniKLasers operations and commercial viability, and the development of key technologies for national quantum research, Ben is a richly deserving recipient of the Laser Focus World ‘2021 Rising Stars Award’.
Highly innovative engineers like Ben are absolutely key to UniKLasers, and Scotland’s continued global success in quantum technology research.”
