Fredrik Laurell

Fredrik Laurell is a Professor of Physics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, leading the Laser Physics Group and previously serving as Head of the Department of Applied Physics (2006–2014). He holds positions in the School of Engineering Sciences, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of optics, photonics, and materials science. His affiliations include roles as Chairman of the Swedish Optical Society (2004–2013), founder of PhotonicSweden, and Chair of the Optics Section at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Laurell earned his M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Lund University in 1983 and his Ph.D. in Physics from KTH in 1990. His career includes postdoctoral research at DuPont (1990–1991) and leadership roles in European and international optical societies (EOS, OSA). He is a Fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.

His research bridges fundamental science and applications, emphasizing nonlinear optics, laser physics, and optical materials. Notable contributions include advancements in periodic poling of ferroelectric crystals, development of optical parametric oscillators, and innovations in fiber lasers and integrated photonics. Laurell has authored/co-authored nearly 800 publications, holds 17 patents, and founded five companies. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Göran Gustafsson Prize in Physics (2003) and the OSA Fellowship.

Recent research highlights include lab-in-a-fiber systems for biomedical diagnostics, high-power THz sources, and additive manufacturing of optical fibers. His work on backward-wave optical parametric oscillators (BWOPOs) enables precision CO₂ sensing and spaceborne applications. Laurell’s lab also pioneers optofluidic devices integrating microfluidics with optical detection for cell analysis and virus detection.

Grants and collaborations span EU projects, Swedish Research Council funding, and industry partnerships. His team actively engages in training the next generation of photonics researchers, with a focus on interdisciplinary innovation at the applied physics and engineering interface.