Rick Russo

Rick Russo has studied the fundamental properties of laser material interactions and related applications for over 30 years. He received a BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida in 1976 and a PhD in Chemistry from Indiana University in 1981, where he also completed his postdoctoral studies. Since 1982, he has held various positions at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, where he is currently a Senior Scientist. His research has included: fundamental studies of laser heating and laser ablation processes; improved chemical analysis using laser ablation; fiber sensors for monitoring organic and radioactive species in groundwater; Raman, fluorescence, and photothermal spectroscopy of rare-earth and actinide ions. He is co-inventor of the ion-assisted pulsed laser deposition (IBAD) and ion-texturing (ITEX) processes, and holds the world record for the highest critical current density (Jc) HTSC film on polycrystalline substrate. Rick is co-discoverer of the nanowire laser, highlighted by a Science article and patent application in 2002. Rick is also CEO and founder of Applied Spectra.