'Light whisperer' Alex Solntsev awarded 2023 Young Tall Poppy

What are your areas of expertise?

I'm a bit of a "light whisperer". I study how light interacts with super tiny structures, those that are even smaller than a strand of your hair! The scientific terms for my area of expertise are photonics and nanophotonics, which basically deal with the amazing and often surprising things that light can do.

What research are you working on currently?

Right now, I'm exploring how we can use a laser to fiddle with individual particles of light (we call these 'photons'). These photons can be of different wavelengths, and we get to control various properties of them like their frequency, direction, and even their polarisation.

Why is it important?

Just imagine the Internet being faster, more efficient, and greener! My research is part of a worldwide effort to build the next generation internet. We are aiming to use light to power our communication and computing systems, to keep up with the growing demand for speed and data bandwidth while also being eco-friendly.

What inspired or prompted you to work in this field?

As a kid, I was always fascinated by light – rainbows, mirrors, anything that sparkled. As I grew up, this fascination turned into a desire to study light in more detail, leading me into the world of photonics. I love the idea that light can be harnessed to create technology that can change the way we live and communicate.

What have been your key challenges and achievements?

Navigating the uncharted territory of manipulating light at such a tiny scale has been challenging. However, it's also been a source of my greatest achievements, like being able to control the properties of individual photons. And of course, receiving the Young Tall Poppy Science Award, a recognition for research excellence and enthusiasm in science communication, is a huge honour.

You have been recognised as a NSW Young Tall Poppy for 2023. What does that mean to you?

Being named a NSW Young Tall Poppy is like receiving a thumbs up from the scientific community for my efforts so far. It's a recognition that I'm on the right track, and it's an incredible boost of encouragement. The award is also a reminder that I have a responsibility to share the beauty of science and light with the public, and inspire the next generation of light whisperers.

What comes next?

I'll continue to unravel the secrets of light and its amazing potential. There's still so much to learn and explore! Alongside my research, I'll keep on sharing the wonder of science with everyone – from high school students to adults. Who knows? We might even end up making the Internet greener and faster together!