The scientific community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Benjamin (Benji) Vest, an esteemed Assistant Professor of Light Sciences at the Institut d’Optique Graduate School in Palaiseau, France. Dr. Vest’s untimely death has left a significant void in the fields of optics and photonics, where his contributions were both profound and influential.
Academic and Professional Journey
Dr. Vest’s academic journey was marked by excellence and dedication. He graduated from the Institut d’Optique with a Master of Science in Optical Engineering and later earned his Ph.D. from École Polytechnique in 2015. His doctoral research focused on the theoretical and experimental study of nonlinear processes, specifically two-photon absorption in nanostructured devices for infrared light detection. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Vest conducted postdoctoral research with Professor Jean-Jacques Greffet at the Institut d’Optique, delving into the intricacies of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale and in the quantum regime.
In November 2017, Dr. Vest joined the Atwater Research Group at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a Postdoctoral Scholar. During his tenure at Caltech, he explored quantum emission from defects in multilayers of hexagonal boron nitride and advanced the field of quantum plasmonics. His work during this period underscored his commitment to pushing the boundaries of nanophotonics and quantum optics.
Contributions to Optics and Photonics
As an Assistant Professor at the Institut d’Optique, Dr. Vest’s research encompassed experiments investigating collective effects arising from interactions between emitters, light-matter interactions involving single emitters and nanostructures, and advancements in quantum plasmonics. His scholarly work has been widely published, reflecting his dedication to advancing our understanding of light at the quantum level.
Personal Interests and Legacy
Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Vest was known for his love of narratives, immersing himself in stories across various mediums, including literature, theater, and role-playing games. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, running, and biking. As a true connoisseur of French culture, he appreciated fine cuisine, especially cheese paired with a good bottle of wine.
Dr. Vest’s sudden passing is a profound loss to the scientific community, his colleagues, students, and all who knew him. His legacy will endure through his significant contributions to the fields of optics and photonics and the many lives he touched throughout his career.