MPL research group leader Nicolas Joly elected Optica Fellow
The international society “Optica” has named Prof. Nicolas Joly a Fellow for the class of 2026. Joly is head of the “Microstructured Optical Fibres” research group at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) and a professor at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). The experimental physicist works with photonic crystal fibers and develops innovative tools that harness light in new ways.
In its announcement, the Board of Directors of Optica, a renowned scientific organization, honored the physicist for his “invention of unique microstructured fibers, including gas- and plasma-filled fibers, with applications in supercontinuum generation and quantum phenomena”. For this innovation, Joly has now been named an Optica Fellow for the class of 2026. “I’m deeply honored and delighted to be selected as a Fellow of Optica,” says Joly about his nomination.
“These members exemplify Optica’s core values through their innovative and impactful work, which is advancing the science of light,” says Jim Kafka, 2025 Optica President.
The research group led by Joly focuses on microstructured optical fibers. Specifically, the group investigates two types of fibers: solid-core fibers, in which light is confined within a glass core, and hollow-core fibers, which offer the unique capability to capture and transport particles in a controlled and protected environment. When filled with gas or liquid, hollow-core fibers also enable strong light-matter interactions, making them an exciting area of research.
About Optica Fellows
Fellows are Optica members who have served with distinction in the advancement of optics and photonics. The nomination recognizes outstanding achievements and lasting contributions in the field of optics and photonics: Only those scientists who advance the photonics community worldwide through excellent research, innovative developments, or outstanding commitment to science, teaching, or technology are eligible to become Fellows of Optica. The Fellow Members Committee, led by Cristina Masoller, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain, reviewed 239 nominations submitted by current Fellows. Fellows can account for no more than 10 percent of the total membership. Candidates are recommended by the Fellow Members Committee and approved by the Awards Council and Board of Directors.
About Optica
Optica is one of the largest global societies for the advancement of knowledge in the field of optics and photonics and is dedicated to the distribution, preservation, archiving, and access of authoritative scientific and technical information at the highest level. The society was founded in 1916 and has since brought together experts from science, engineering, education, technology, and entrepreneurs from around the world, now serving more than 430,000 professionals in 181 countries.
