To recognize outstanding, career-long contributions to basic and applied research in laser science and engineering leading to fundamental understanding of laser materials interaction and/or transfer of laser technology for increased application in industry, medicine and daily life. Examples of fields of contribution include the following in addition to many relevant topics:

• Laser spectroscopy and its application in materials processing and diagnostics
• Laser-aided materials processing
• Laser interaction with biological tissues
• Development of new lasers

Nominations are open to candidates who made outstanding contribution to basic and applied research in laser science and engineering. The recipient does not have to be a member of LIA but sustained service to LIA can be one of the additional contributions that is considered for the award. Nominations are active for three years.

Previous Schawlow Recipients

• Mr. Yoshiaki Arata
• Mr. Connie Banas
• Mr. David Belforte
• Dr. Eckhard Beyer
• Mr. William Bridges
• Mr. Robert Byer
• Dr. Milton Chang
• Mr. Sidney Charschan
• Dr. Steven Chu
• Prof. Walter W. Duley
• Mr. Herbert Dwight
• Dr. Valentin Gapontsev
• Mr. Leon Goldman
• Mr. Arthur Guenther
• Prof. Theodor Haensch

• Mr. James Hobart
• Dr. Helmut Hugel
• Dr. Marshall G. Jones
• Mr. Francis L'Esperance
• Prof. Berthold Leibinger
• Mr. Rocco Lobraico
• Prof. Akira Matsunawa
• Prof. Jyoti Mazumder
• Dr. Edward Metzbower
• Prof. Isamu Miyamoto
• Dr. C. Kumar Patel
• Dr. Arthur Schawlow
• Mr. William Schwartz
• Prof. Anthony Siegman
• Dr. David Sliney

• Prof. William M. Steen