Michel Orrit

Michel Orrit is a Professor in Molecular Physics at Leiden University since 2001. His career spans significant contributions to single-molecule spectroscopy and molecular photophysics, with prior roles as a CNRS researcher in France from 1984 to 2001.

• Professor, Leiden University (2001–present)
• Directeur de Recherche, CNRS (1993–2001)
• Chargé de Recherche, CNRS (1984–1993)

Research Interests:
Michel Orrit specializes in the interaction of light with organic condensed matter. His work focuses on single-molecule fluorescence, surface excitons in molecular crystals, Langmuir-Blodgett films, spectral hole-burning, molecular orientation in ultrathin films, semiconductor nanocrystals, and metal nanoparticles. His research bridges molecular photophysics, solid-state dynamics, and nonlinear optics.

Scientific Awards:

• 1984: Bronze medal of CNRS, France
• 1985: Humboldt fellowship, Germany
• 1985: Hughes Prize, French Académie des Sciences
• 1998: Langevin Prize, French Académie des Sciences
• 1998: Hans-Sigrist Prize, University of Bern, Switzerland
• 2000: Gay-Lussac-Humboldt Prize, Germany
• 2007: Karl Friedrich Bonhoeffer lecture and medal, Germany
• 2008: ERC Advanced Grant
• 2010: Harkins Lecturer, USA