Olav Solgaard

Olav Solgaard is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University and Director of the Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory. He has been a faculty member at Stanford since 1999, progressing from Assistant Professor (1999-2003) to Associate Professor (2003-2012) and Full Professor (2012-present). As Director of the Ginzton Laboratory since 2008, he oversees one of Stanford's premier research centers focused on lasers, photonics, and applied physics.

Professor Solgaard's research spans several interconnected areas centered around optical MEMS and photonic devices. His work includes the development of photonic crystal structures for optical filtering and sensing applications, MEMS-based scanning systems for biomedical imaging, and novel approaches to miniaturizing optical systems. A significant portion of his recent work focuses on dual-axis confocal microscopy systems for in vivo medical imaging, with applications in dermatology and gastrointestinal diagnostics. His research integrates microfabrication techniques with optical engineering principles to create practical devices that bridge fundamental science and clinical applications.

His publication record shows consistent productivity with over 300 technical papers. His work appears in top journals including IEEE Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, Optics Express, and Applied Physics Letters. Professor Solgaard has received numerous honors including being named a Fellow of the Optical Society of America (2008) and Fellow of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (2010). He was a Terman Fellow at Stanford (1999-2002) and received the NSF CAREER Award (1998).

• Fellow of the Optical Society of America (2008)
• Fellow of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (2010)
• Member of The Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters (2008)
• Terman Fellow, Stanford University (1999-2002)
• National Science Foundation CAREER Award (1998)
• Royal Norwegian Councils for Scientific and Industrial Research Fellowship (1986)

Professor Solgaard has supervised numerous Ph.D. and Master's students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been supported by various funding sources including the National Science Foundation, NIH, and industry partnerships. The interdisciplinary nature of his work provides students with training in multiple domains including microfabrication, optical design, and biomedical applications. As Director of the Ginzton Laboratory, he plays a key role in shaping photonics research at Stanford and fostering collaborations across engineering and medical disciplines.

His laboratory focuses on developing practical optical systems with applications in medical diagnostics and treatment. Current projects include miniaturized confocal microscopes for clinical use, photonic crystal-based sensors, and advanced atomic force microscopy techniques. The lab maintains strong connections with both the engineering and medical communities at Stanford, enabling rapid translation of research concepts into clinical prototypes.