ECE Professor Dan Botez retiring

After a distinguished career dedicated to advancing both education and innovation, Philip Dunham Reed Professor Dan Botez is retiring from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). A renowned expert in photonics and semiconductor lasers, Dan’s groundbreaking research has shaped the field and inspired countless students. As an educator, he was deeply committed to academic growth, challenging students to push the boundaries of knowledge while fostering a passion for discovery. His contributions to both research and teaching have left a lasting mark on the department, preparing the next generation of engineers and expanding the frontiers of optical science.

Botez earned his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1976 before beginning a career in industry, including research positions at IBM, RCA Labs, and the TRW Research Center. In 1993, he joined UW-Madison as a member of the ECE faculty.

His research focuses on three areas of semiconductor-laser physics: high-power, coherent grating-coupled surface-emitting lasers, and quantum cascade lasers. He has published 399 papers in refereed journals and has received 56 patents, with two more pending. He is a Life Fellow of IEEE, recipient of the Nick Holonyak Jr. Award from the Optical Society of America, of which he is a fellow, among many other awards and honors. In 1984, he co-founded the IEEE/Photonics Society Semiconductor Laser Workshop, which is now held annually.

“I have worked with Dan Botez on quantum cascade lasers since I joined the UW twenty years ago,” recalls ECE’s Patricia and Michael Splinter Professor and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Irena Knezevic. “Dan has been a wonderful collaborator; creative, knowledgeable, and always passionate about the work. It has been a pleasure to bear witness to his career and to the great impact his work has had on both the fundamental physics and the applications of semiconductor lasers.”

Acknowledging Botez’ impact, ECE Department Chair Susan Hagness reflects “I vividly remember Dan asking me a challenging question during my interview talk in ECE at UW–Madison 27 years ago.  That has been his hallmark: getting to the heart of the science behind our advances and innovations.  Since then, he has been an extraordinary supporter and champion not only for me, but for our entire department.”

Botez also co-founded spin-off companies Alfalight, which produces high-power aluminum-free diode lasers, and Intraband LLC, which is developing quantum cascade lasers. In addition to his research, teaching, and entrepreneurial work, he has served on numerous editorial boards, professional committees, and academic service roles, including the materials science advisory committee, the UW-Madison faculty senate, and the College of Engineering promotions committee.