In its motivation, the Swedish Society of Physicists emphasises that Raab's work makes important contributions to the development of ultrafast laser sources and opens up new opportunities for advanced research.
‘This is a fantastic surprise! I am deeply honoured to receive this award and I am happy that the importance of laser development for applications in ultrafast physics is being recognised’, says Ann-Kathrin Raab, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
In her research, Raab has developed new ways to create powerful light pulses in extreme ultraviolet light (XUV). By improving ytterbium lasers and combining different laser colours, she has managed to produce XUV radiation with high efficiency. This technology could have a major impact on both medical research and development in the semiconductor industry.
The Oseen Medal is awarded annually to the doctoral student who has presented the best thesis in physics at a Swedish university. In addition to the medal and a diploma, the winner receives SEK 100,000, a donation from the Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Foundation.