HUMPHREY J. MARIS 1939 – 2025
Humphrey John Maris (Professor at Brown University from 1965 to 2024), 86, of Barrington, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Ipswich, England, to the late John and Nora (Rudderharn) Maris, he spent his youth in England. During W11VII the family moved from the city to the countryside to escape bomb and gas attacks. For the first seven years of his life, while his father served as a soldier, Humphrey lived with his mother, grandmother, and sister in the small village of West Bergholt. He continued his education in England, attending Imperial College, London. where he received a Ph.D. in physics at the age of 24. He then moved to the United States. After two years as a postdoctoral research associate at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Humphrey joined the physics faculty at Brown University where he remained until his retirement in 2014.
Humphrey had broad scientific achievements in the fields of the physics of phonons, low temperature physics, and ultrafast photoacoustics. Professor Maris was awarded the Phonon Physics Prize (Klemens award) in 2007, the Fritz London Memorial Award for Low Temperature Physics in 2011, the International Photoacoustic and Photothermal Association James Smith Prize in 2017 and the Brown Technology Innovation Impact Award, 2023. He pioneered ultrafast photoacoustics as described in two ground-breaking publications, “Coherent Phonon Generation and Detection by Picosecond Light Pulses” (1984) and “Surface generation and detection of phonons by picosecond light pulses” (1986). In the latter he described an experimental technique that opened up opportunities to study coherent acoustic waves with frequencies exceeding tens of GHz and nanometer scale wavelengths. The method developed by Humphrey and coworkers using ultrashort laser pulses with an optical interference effect to record materials dynamics is an example of the imagination and creativity Humphrey brought to his work. Later he introduced the first of many applications of picosecond laser ultrasonics for measurements of acoustic attenuation of coherent GHz phonons in crystals, amorphous materials and liquids, Kapitza resistance, measurements of acoustic dispersion in crystals, measurements of the vibrations of nanostructures and adhesion of coatings. He also made studies of such fundamental phenomena as formation of acoustic solitons and ultrafast transport of overheated electrons in metals.
Humphrey J. Maris, is the most successful inventor in Brown University history. He has been awarded 57 patents, some of which cover a- leading method for non-destructive testing of materials. His photoacoustic testing technology has become the worldwide standard for quality control in the manufacture of computer chips. The impact of Maris’s work on semiconductor metrology and technology is profound, as ultrafast photoacoustics has become an essential tool for detecting defects and characterizing strain with unprecedented precision as well as measuring various properties of materials, such as their elastic constants, thermal conductivity, and electronic transport properties. His ultrahigh frequency techniques have allowed researchers and manufacturers to identify and address potential issues in semiconductor fabrication processes, ultimately enhancing the reliability and efficiency of microelectronic devices.
DANE BICANIC 1943 – 2018
Dane Bicanic was born on 13th March 1943 in Zagreb, Croatia, where he finished university studies with a BSc degree in Physics. Following Masters’ studies in the USA, in 1971 he moved to the Netherlands, where in 1978 he earned a doctoral degree from the Catholic University in Nijmegen. With the Dissertation “Generation of frequency tuneable sidebands in the THz region” he was the first to push the limits of laser spectroscopy into the region of THz frequencies. Since 1980 he served as professor of physics at the University of Wageningen (at present Wageningen University and Research Centre). As visiting scientist he worked at renowned institutes such as International Centre of Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy, the European Laboratory for Nonlinear Optics in Florence, Italy, and in ETH in Zürich, Switzerland. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Zagreb.
Since 1985 Dane Bicanic dedicated most of his research efforts to the development of optothermal spectroscopic techniques, photoacoustic spectroscopy in particular. He made notable contribution to photoacoustic and photothermal science by organizing the ITMPPP07 International Topical Meeting on Photoacoustic and Photothermal Phenomena in Doorwerth, The Netherlands, in 1991, and by numerous applications of photothermal techniques in agriculture, environmental science and food quality and safety, which are registered in almost 400 scientific and professional papers, books and book chapters, invited lectures and presentations at international conferences. He will be remembered for his contribution to the development of IMPASS-Intermodulated photoacoustic Stark spectroscopy and for the always open doors of his laboratory, where many young scientists have found the opportunity to enter the secrets of photoacoustic and photothermal science, and to experience his enormous enthusiasm, positive energy and good spirit, which inspired us all.
For his exceptional approach and performance in teaching, and for capability and success in motivating students, he was nominated the “2008 Techer of the year”, by the University of Wagenigen. In 2012 Dane Bicanic was awarded the title “Honorary member of the University of Nova Gorica”, Nova Gorica, Slovenia, for scientific excellence and outstanding contribution to the development of photothermal and photoacoustic spectroscopy.
After complications of Parkinson’s disease, from which he suffered in his last years, Dane Bicanic passed away on February 11th 2018 and found his last resting place in Nijmegen.
JOAN F. POWER 1958 – 2019
Associate Professor of Chemistry, McGill University. Joan was the first woman faculty member to serve in the Department of Chemistry.
Joan was the author of numerous scientific papers and the inventor and patent holder of numerous inventions including the first Light Profiling Microscope (LMP).
Click here for Joan Power’s selected contributions.
HELION VARGAS 1934 – 2023
An intense life marked by tireless dedication to both science and sport. First, as a professional basketball player, then shifting towards science, students, friends and family. He left us this Saturday, August, 12,2023, leaving a legacy for Brazilian science. The journey of Prof. Vargas begins on June 5, 1934, in Paracatu, MG, Brazil. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in 1963, a Master’s degree in Physics at the University of São Paulo (USP) in 1966 and a Doctorate in Science at the University of Grenoble (Scientifique et Medicale Joseph Fourier) in 1973.
He was a full professor, at different times, at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), the Polytechnic Institute in Nova Friburgo and the State University of Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF). He began his teaching career in 1974 at UNICAMP, where he retired. He has served as a visiting professor in England, France, Germany, Holland and Mexico. The scientific production of Prof. Helion Vargas involves 274 articles, 71 doctoral and master’s supervisions, 2 published books, 1 organized book (Editor) and 30 published book chapters.
Throughout his academic life he received awards and highlights, such as: Fellow, Joliot Curie Foundation (1972); Fellow, The University of Nottingham UK (1979); Prize for Stimulus to Intellectual Production Best Contribution in Experimental Physics, UNICAMP (1985); Zeferino Vaz Award, UNICAMP (1991); Full Member of the Academy of Sciences of the State of São Paulo (1994); Fellow, Mexican National Research Foundation (1996); Commander of the National Order of Scientific Merit, Presidency of the Republic (1998); Highlight in the Ranking of Science: Physics 13th position, Journal Folha de São Paulo (1999); Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2000); Scientist FAPERJ ( from 2000 to 2014) and tribute in recognition of his contributions to the area of Photothermal Phenomena, State University of Maringá (2007).
In 2011 Prof. Helion Vargas was honored with the highest award given by the International Scientific Community of Photothermal and Photoacoustic Phenomena for his relevant contribution for this field (Senior Prize of the IPPA, International Photoacoustic and Photothermal Association). In 2013 he received the Darcy Ribeiro medal for relevant work produced at UENF. His experience in Physics includes emphasis on optical and spectroscopic properties of Condensed Matter; interactions of matter with radiation and particles, working mainly on the following topics: nuclear and electronic magnetic resonance, photothermal and photoacoustic phenomena, optical and thermal properties of organic and inorganic solids, gases, biological systems and the environment.
He leaves us, but his legacy remains forever as an example of dedication that inspired several generations of students and researchers. Our thanks and may he rest in peace.