Jean-Claude Diels named 2026 UNM Rainforest Innovator Fellow
April 28, 2026
The Rainforest Innovator Fellow is awarded to an exceptional UNM inventor by Rainforest Innovations. In giving this award to Prof. Diels, they highlighted his research into ultrashort laser pulse phenomena, "pioneering the development of lasers as high-precision sensors for measuring rotation, acceleration, and magnetic fields."
They also noted that the Discovery and History Channels featured his research into laser-induced lightning, while his book, Lasers: The Power and Precision of Light, won the 2013 CHOICE Award for Outstanding Academic Title. The award includes an honorarium of $2500.
From the award ceremony announcement:
The UNM Rainforest Innovations Board of Directors was honored to present the 2026 Rainforest Innovation Fellow Award to Jean-Claude Diels, PhD, a Professor in the UNM Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Electrical & Computer Engineering, and General Chair of the Optical Science & Engineering Program.
This award was created in 2010 to honor annually a UNM inventor whose body of technologies has generated significant commercialization activities. Based on achievements in new technologies disclosed, patents received, license and option agreements entered into, new companies started, and income generated from these technologies, the UNM Rainforest Innovation Fellow Selection Committee evaluates and selects an Innovation Fellow.
Dr. Diels’ research specializes in the high-speed world of ultrashort laser pulse phenomena, pioneering the development of lasers as high-precision sensors for measuring rotation, acceleration, and magnetic fields. His impact is perhaps best illustrated by his designation as a ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar, a distinction that places him in the top 0.05% of scholars worldwide. His research into “laser-induced lightning” has been featured on the Discovery and History Channels, and his book, “Lasers: The Power and Precision of Light,” earned the 2013 CHOICE Award for Outstanding Academic Title. From his early days experimenting with CO2 lasers during military service to his modern collaborations spanning from Switzerland to Mexico, Dr. Diels has remained at the forefront of his field. It is our distinct honor to recognize his lifetime of research excellence and his lasting contributions to the University of New Mexico.
Learn more about Dr. Diels’ research here: https://innovations.unm.edu/2026/04/23/jean-claude-diels-2026-rainforest-innovation-fellow/
Congratulations, Jean-Claude!
