Wilson Sibbett

Wilson SibbettCBEFRSFRSEHonFInstP(born 1948) is a British physicist noted for his work onultrashort pulse lasersandStreak cameras.He is the Wardlaw Professor of Physics atSt Andrews University.

Early life and education

He was born inPortglenoneinCounty Antrim,Northern Ireland,in March 1948.

He studied Physics atQueen's University, Belfast,and graduated BSc in 1970, then studying at postgraduate level, gaining a PhD in Laser Physics in 1973. He began lecturing atImperial College Londonin 1973, rising to Reader before moving toSt Andrews Universityas full Professor in 1985. From 1988 he was Head of Physics and Astronomy at the University.

Works

Professor Sibbett led a large research team at the university and supported many students in laser physics research and later in 2020’s collaborated with the optical micro manipulation team led byKishan Dholakia.He worked withMiles PadgettandAlan James Duncanto create optical instruments to measure theOrbital angular momentum of light.

He was made a Fellow of theRoyal Societyin 1997, and awarded theRumford Medalin 2000.The Royal Society of Edinburgh elected him their first Chief Advisor on Science.

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001.

In 1989 he was made a Fellow ofThe Royal Society of Edinburgh.He was Vice-President for Physical Sciences from 2010 - 2013.

Now retired, he remains a well respected pioneer of the ultrafast laser research community, by staff and students alike.