SHANGHAI, China and MAINZ, Germany, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Japanese and one Chinese scientists, Prof. Kazuyuki Hirao (54), Kyoto University, Japan, Dr. Kiyotaka Miura (45), Kyoto University and Central Glass Co. Ltd., Japan as well as Prof. Jianrong Qiu (41) from the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, China, were named recipients of the Otto Schott Research Award 2005. They were selected for their outstanding research and achievements in the area of optical materials, especially their pioneering work on femtosecond laser-induced microfeatures in glasses and the application of such novel materials to achieve new functionalities. The award, with a total prize money of 25.000 Euros, was presented on April 11, 2005 within the framework of an international congress on glass science in Shanghai (China).

The three scientists have co-operated closely in the Hiaro Active Glass Project and the Photon Craft Project, both initiated by the Japan Science and Technology Co-operation. Within these projects they have achieved major breakthroughs in the research of novel phenomena in glasses introduced by intensive external electromagnetic fields.

On this basis new microoptical and photonic devices and applications become accessible. For example, direct writing of optical waveguides into glasses opens new opportunities for further miniaturization of optical circuits. The valence state of Samarium ions in glasses can be changed reversibly by laser irradiation in very small volumes of glass. As the local valence state can be detected by fluorescence, this technique is very promising

for 3-D-optical memory devices with extreme storage density. In related experiments, the awardees have also shown that spectral hole burning in Samarium containing glasses is persistent at room temperature and can be used for holographic optical memories.

In summary, many novel effects caused by femto second laser irradiation have been studied by the awardees, that open up promising new application for glasses in microoptics and photonics.

Since 1991, the Otto Schott Research Award has been presented biennially with the Carl Zeiss Research Award to recognize excellent scientific research, but also to encourage cooperation between science and industry. Both awards are administered by the Donors' Association for the Promotion of Science in Germany and are advertised internationally in line with the global spheres of activity of both companies SCHOTT AG and CARL ZEISS AG.

SCHOTT is an international technology group that sees its core purpose as the lasting improvement of living and working conditions. For this purpose special materials, components and systems are developed. The main areas of focus are the household appliances industry, optics and opto-electronics, pharmaceuticals and regenerative energies. The SCHOTT Group has a presence in proximity to its customers through its production and sales companies in all its major markets. It has 17,200 employees producing worldwide sales of 2 billion euros. The company's technological and economic expertise is closely linked with its social and ecological responsibility.

Trade Press: Editor: Matthias M. Reinig, +49-(0)-61-31/66-40-94, Fax +49-(0)-61-31/66-40-41 E-Mail: matthias.reinig@schott.com http://www.schott.com