Bernard J. Couillaud Prize in Ultrafast Lasers

About this program

Optica's Bernard J. Couillaud Prize in Ultrafast Lasers, funded by Coherent, Inc., awards USD 20,000 plus travel to CLEO to support early‑career research that advances fundamental ultrafast‑laser science or transitions ideas into commercial innovations. Eligible applicants must be Optica members who are 1–5 years post their highest degree and actively conducting research in ultrafast lasers (examples: biological imaging, ultrafast pulsing, laser material processing, attosecond pulses), with recognized accommodations for career breaks. The application (currently closed) normally requires a CV (max 4 pages), a 150‑word summary, a 2‑page research proposal detailing impact and use of funds, one example of published work, and two letters of recommendation.