John Midwinter made a number of major contributions to the field of nonlinear optics during the 1960s, the identification of the requirements, and materials for the realisation of efficient infrared to visible up-converters being of particular importance. His book on Applied Nonlinear Optics proved highly influential for many years.
From the beginning of the 1970s, John’s research centred on optical fibre communications. His numerous scientific contributions include the realisation of a glass fibre — an approach running counter to the conventional view — which has proved an outstanding success.
His leadership of British Telecom Research was a major factor in the speed with which optical communications was introduced in the United Kingdom. In retirement, John lectured to members of the general public all over East Anglia on the dangers inherent in anthropogenic climate change and what needs to be done to address it.
Professor John Midwinter OBE FREng FRS died on 13 November 2021.
Subject groups
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Engineering and Materials Science
Opto-electronics (inc lasers, optical microscopy/imaging, fibre optic component), Communications incl information theory
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Other
Publications
Awards
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Clifford Paterson Medal and Lecture
On 'Optical fibre communications, present and future'.
