Professor John Midwinter OBE FREng FRS

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

  • Engineering and Materials Science

    Opto-electronics (inc lasers, optical microscopy/imaging, fibre optic component), Communications incl information theory

  • Other

    Publications

Awards

  • Clifford Paterson Medal and Lecture

    On 'Optical fibre communications, present and future'.

Professor John Midwinter OBE FREng FRS
Elected 1985
Committees Participated Role
Audit Committee December 2000 - December 2004 Member
Council December 2000 - November 2002 Member
Sectional Committee 4: Engineering December 1997 - November 1999 Chair