Hubbry Logo
Discover Hubs
Create HubSign in
search buttonadd
Sign in
Ursula Keller
Ursula Keller
Comunity Hub
IntroIntro
WikipediaWikipedia
MediaMedia
arrow-down
TimelinesTimelines
arrow-down
ChronicleChronicle
arrow-down
ArticlesArticles
TalksTalks
addSign in
add
Sign in

Themed Timelines

Early Life and Education TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineMain milestonesMain milestonesScientific Contributions and InventionsScientific Contributions and InventionsAcademic and Research Career at ETH ZurichAcademic and Research Career at ETH ZurichProfessional Affiliations and MembershipsProfessional Affiliations and MembershipsPersonal Life and RelationshipsPersonal Life and RelationshipsAwards and RecognitionAwards and RecognitionPublications and Intellectual OutputPublications and Intellectual OutputSESAM Technology TimelineSESAM Technology TimelineImpact on Ultrafast Laser PhysicsImpact on Ultrafast Laser Physics
Show all
icon
Talks
General forumGeneral forum
General chatGeneral chat

Media Collections

Ursula Keller - Swiss physicist

Main images

03.04.25
Show all
icon

Overview

Ursula Keller, born on June 21, 1959, is a highly influential Swiss physicist renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to ultrafast laser technology. Her innovations in passively mode-locked solid-state lasers have revolutionized fields ranging from telecommunications to fundamental science. This timeline highlights key milestones in her life and career, tracing her journey from her early education to her current position as a leading figure in the world of photonics.
Main Milestones
Birth in Zug, Switzerland
June 21, 1959
Ursula Keller was born in Zug, Switzerland. Her early life and upbringing laid the foundation for her future pursuit of scientific excellence. The Swiss emphasis on precision and innovation likely influenced her later work in laser physics.
Diploma in Physics, ETH Zurich
1984
Keller obtained her diploma (Master's equivalent) in Physics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, one of the world's leading science and technology universities. This marked the formal beginning of her career in physics, providing a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental physics.
Ph.D. in Physics, Stanford University
1987
Ursula Keller earned her Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University, USA. Her doctoral research likely involved exploring the properties and behavior of laser systems, laying the groundwork for her future innovations in ultrafast laser technology. This international experience broadened her perspective and research network.
Research Scientist, AT&T Bell Laboratories
1989
Following her Ph.D., Keller joined AT&T Bell Laboratories (later Lucent Technologies), a renowned center for innovation in telecommunications. Here, she gained invaluable industrial research experience, contributing to cutting-edge developments in fiber optics and laser technology. This allowed her to apply her academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Professor of Physics, ETH Zurich
1993
Keller returned to ETH Zurich as a Professor of Physics. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, providing her with the platform to lead her own research group and train the next generation of scientists. Her appointment demonstrated the recognition of her significant contributions to laser physics.
Development of Semiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirrors (SESAMs)
1996
Keller's group pioneered the development of Semiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirrors (SESAMs), a key enabling technology for passively mode-locked solid-state lasers. SESAMs revolutionized ultrafast laser technology by providing a reliable and versatile mechanism for generating ultrashort pulses. This invention established her as a leader in the field.
ERC Advanced Grant
2010
Keller received a prestigious Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). This substantial funding enabled her to pursue high-risk, high-reward research in attosecond science and advanced laser systems, further solidifying her research leadership.
SPIE Gold Medal
2015
Ursula Keller was awarded the SPIE Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). This award recognized her pioneering contributions to ultrafast laser science and technology and their impact on various scientific and technological fields.
Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science
2018
Keller received the Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science from the American Physical Society (APS). This esteemed award honored her outstanding contributions to the fundamental understanding and advancement of laser science, further recognizing her impact on the field.
Continuing Research and Leadership at ETH Zurich
Present
As of today, Ursula Keller continues to lead a vibrant research group at ETH Zurich, pushing the boundaries of ultrafast laser science and attosecond physics. She remains a highly sought-after speaker and mentor, shaping the future of photonics research globally.

Other Themed Timelines

Academic and Research Career at ETH ZurichAcademic and Research Career at ETH ZurichAwards and RecognitionAwards and RecognitionEarly Life and Education TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineImpact on Ultrafast Laser PhysicsImpact on Ultrafast Laser PhysicsPersonal Life and RelationshipsPersonal Life and RelationshipsProfessional Affiliations and MembershipsProfessional Affiliations and MembershipsPublications and Intellectual OutputPublications and Intellectual OutputScientific Contributions and InventionsScientific Contributions and InventionsSESAM Technology TimelineSESAM Technology Timeline