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A Heriot-Watt student who is developing an advanced high-energy laser has been recognised with a prestigious award.
Mariastefania De Vido, a Research Engineer in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics, has been awarded the Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU) - Young UK Laser Engineer's Prize 2019.
Her research project, named 'Development and application of high-energy, high pulse repetition rate diode-pumped solid state lasers' is being carried out in conjunction with the world-renowned STFC Central Laser Facility and Heriot-Watt University.
Mariastefania is developing a new type of high-energy laser , named the DiPOLE laser system, with an average power output which far exceeds traditional technology. It has applications that could bring major benefits to a host of industries such as aviation and healthcare.
Mariastefania said on her achievement: “Being awarded this prize is a great honour. I feel truly delighted that my effort and commitment has been recognised."
Professor Daniel Esser, Mariastefania's academic supervisor at Heriot-Watt University, said: “It is a great pleasure to work with such an outstanding researcher as Mariastafania. Her work will result in significant advancements in laser technology, as well as more broadly for the international optics community”
The Prize is designed to help encourage young people in the UK to develop their interests in laser applications. It is awarded to an individual early in their career for their outstanding work.