Dr. J. Gary Eden

Class of 2024-25

Intel Alumni Endowed Chair Emeritus
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

J. Gary Eden is a distinguished physicist and engineer recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to laser physics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics, and deepultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photochemistry.

He co-discovered excimer lasers and high-power UV/VUV lamps, technologies that have advanced fields such as atomic clocks, photolithography, air and water disinfection, and laser fusion energy.

His innovative research has greatly impacted the development of these technologies, pushing the boundaries of laser applications and microplasma devices.

Eden earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign (UIUC). Over his career, he has held several prominent positions, including associate vicechancellor for research and associate dean of the graduate college at UIUC.

He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Society for Optics and Photonics and Optica (formerly known as the Optical Society of America).

Honors include the IEEE Plasma Science and Applications Award, the C.E.K. Mees Medal from the Optical Society of America and the IEEE Third Millennium Medal. Eden has authored or co-authored 12 books or book chapters and 371 peer-reviewed articles. He holds 105 patents.

Eden will collaborate with faculty and students in the Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering.