Howard Milchberg

Howard Milchberg is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, affiliated with the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, and the Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics. He leads the Laboratory for Intense Laser-Matter Interactions. His career spans roles from Assistant Professor (1988-1993) to his current Professorship since 1995.

Education includes a B.Eng. in Engineering Physics from McMaster University (1979) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences from Princeton University (1985). Postdoctoral work at AT&T Bell Laboratories preceded his academic appointment.

Research focuses on nonlinear optics, laser physics, and intense laser interactions with matter. Key areas include plasma dynamics, cluster explosions, and ultrafast phenomena. His work explores applications like short-wavelength radiation generation and plasma-based optical devices.

Notable contributions include studies on Bessel beam self-trapping, superluminal group velocity measurements, and single-shot spectral interferometry. His lab investigates novel laser-driven technologies and plasma optics.

• Awards: 2024 APS Arthur L. Schawlow Prize, OSA Fellow (2012), APS John Dawson Award (2005), Distinguished Scholar-Teacher (2005-06).

His research has been recognized through grants and fellowships, including NSF support and the Presidential Young Investigator award. He supervises students whose work has earned APS Dissertation Awards.

Labs/Teams: Laboratory for Intense Laser-Matter Interactions, part of the LaserNetUS network.