Ultraviolet light is considered a key technology for some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from modern medicine to environmental and water technology and quantum technologies. The award for Dr. Giulia Cardinali shows how closely scientific excellence and social impact can be intertwined.
The physicist from the Technical University of Berlin was honored with the prestigious Chorafas Prize for her outstanding dissertation. For over 30 years, the award has recognized young researchers whose work enables technological, scientific, or social progress. The prize is endowed with a total of $10,000 US.
Giulia Cardinali received her doctorate in experimental physics, nanophysics, and photonics under the supervision of Prof. Michael Kneissl, who is also the Chairman of Advanced UV for Life. In her work, Cardinali dedicated herself to one of the most challenging tasks in modern photonics: the advancement of ultraviolet semiconductor lasers based on AlGaN material systems.
At its core, the dissertation addresses one of the central hurdles of UV photonics, namely efficient lasing at short wavelengths in AlGaN-based semiconductor systems. While visible and infrared semiconductor lasers have long been established, the physical and technological complexity increases considerably in the UV range, due to high internal optical losses and complex charge carrier dynamics, among other things.
Giulia Cardinali was able to demonstrate how the light amplification in the laser can be significantly improved through a targeted design of the laser structure, an optimized arrangement of the quantum wells, and a particularly “clean” material surface. Using modern measurement methods, it was possible to understand how the processes involved take place in the material over time and how they can be specifically influenced so that the laser works efficiently even with less excitation. Particularly important is the realization that even the smallest irregularities in the material or internal stresses can strongly influence the performance. These results are crucial for being able to produce UV semiconductor lasers reliably and on a larger scale industrially in the future.
A look at the fields of application shows why this research extends far beyond the laboratory. Ultraviolet semiconductor lasers open up new possibilities in medical diagnostics and dermatology, for example in high-resolution fluorescence spectroscopy or the treatment of skin diseases. In environmental technology, they are regarded as a promising alternative to mercury-based UV lamps, for example for water treatment, air sterilization or the detection of trace gases. UV lasers can also play a central role in quantum technology, for example in the control and manipulation of ions in quantum computers.
The great advantage lies in the technology itself. Semiconductor lasers are compact, potentially energy-efficient, and their emission wavelength can be flexibly adjusted within certain limits. This gives them the potential to make UV technologies more sustainable, cost-effective, and widely applicable.
The award for Giulia Cardinali is an example of the aspiration to combine cutting-edge scientific research with concrete social benefits. It shows how consistent basic research paves the way for innovative applications and how UV technologies can make a measurable contribution to health, the environment and future technologies in the future.
Advanced UV for Life
→ Contact
Send us an email to publish your own news.
Advanced UV for Life e.V.
Binding Effect: Upon submission of the event online registration form or through other means (e.g., email, phone), you are considered “registered,” even in the case of pending payment. If you register for the event on behalf of an entity, you agree to these terms on behalf of that entity.
Registration Confirmation: Your event registration is subject to our final confirmation, which will be sent via email. We reserve the right to deny registration without cause.
Program Changes: It may be necessary to modify the event content, program timing, speakers, date, or venue at any time before the event. In such cases, we will notify you, providing an opportunity to adapt or to cancel your registration. If you choose to cancel, we are not responsible for any costs or expenses resulting from the cancellation.
Event Language: The event language is specified in the event announcement.
Payment of Fees (Where Applicable): If the event is not free of charge, you must pay the relevant fees, including all taxes as specified in the event information, in the registration form, or in the invoice. Payment is due before the event begins. Discounts, such as early bird rates, apply only if payment is made by the agreed-upon date.
Event Cancellation by Us: If the event is canceled, registered attendees will receive a refund of the registration fee only. Any fees related to travel or hotel reservations are the exclusive responsibility of the attendees.
Cancellation by the Attendee: For free events, please inform us if you cannot participate. If payment is required, all fees remain due unless other agreements are made in writing between us and you. We are not liable for any costs or expenses resulting from your registration cancellation.
Travel and Hotel Accommodation (Where Applicable): You are responsible for arranging your own travel and accommodations. Check visa requirements with your local embassy, where applicable. We are not liable for travel or accommodation formalities, expenses, or any consequences by missed attendance.
Assistance (If Applicable): If you require special assistance, please contact us in advance via email.
No Recordings: Attendees, speakers, and guests can speak freely and interact in-person. We will not be recording the event (no videos, no voice transcripts)
Photography: Photos may be taken und used for event minutes, news, promotion, and illustration on our websites and social media pages. By participating, you agree to be included in event photos. If you have concerns, please contact us before or during the event.
Data Protection: The legal basis of data protection and collection is based on the EU General Data Protection Act (DSGVO). The collection of personal data is necessary for the fulfillment of the contract between us and the registrants and/or participants. By registering and/or participating in the event (physically or virtually), you acknowledge that we will collect and process your personal data to organize and manage your registration. Your data may be shared with your employing organization. Personal data may also be shared with third parties necessary for event registration or attendance (e.g. payment partners, registration partners, or venue partners). Registrants and participants have the right to information about personal data collected by us and can request deletion by us unless other legal obligations prevent it.
For contact information refer to www.advanced-uv.de
Miscellaneous: Our services are offered to professional customers belonging to an employer and not to private individuals.
You agree that this agreement will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws in Germany. United Nations convention on contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall be excluded. If there’s a dispute, it shall be resolved by arbitral tribunal in Berlin, Germany or in a Berlin, Germany court.
