Brookline, MA -- The global laser community is mourning the loss of one of its outstanding technologists: the inventor of the fiber laser, Dr. Elias (Eli) Snitzer, who passed away on May 21, 2012.
Dr. Snitzer was a pioneer in the field of laser glass research. He demonstrated the first optical fiber laser in 1961, and his visionary inventions include both neodymium-and erbium-doped laser glass. In another far-reaching discovery that preceded today's communication devices by 30 years, Snitzer co-developed the first fiber-optic laser amplifier with laser glass. He held numerous groundbreaking patents and received several awards for his exemplary work in the field of lasers and fiber optics, including the Otto Schott Research Award, the Charles Hard Townes Award, and the Rank Prize in Opto-Electronics. Dr. Snitzer received his undergraduate degree from Tufts University and his doctorate in physics from the University of Chicago. His career spanned over four decades in industry and academia. He held research and teaching positions at American Optical, Rutgers University, Honeywell, Lowell Tech, United Technologies, and Polaroid.
On a more personal level, I was fortunate to have been a colleague, associate, and friend of Eli, commencing with his technical assistance provided to an entrepreneurship venture by a group of young engineers and scientists to create a commercial industrial laser business within American Optical Corp. in the early 1970's. Eli, then a mature professional, acted as a godfather to the enthusiastic group who were attempting to introduce the first production-rated Nd:glass laser into manufacturing operations. The frustrations of that endeavor were made more palatable by the Friday afternoon sessions where Eli would counsel patience with the travails of attempting to transition a new technology into industry.
Over the intervening years, I had occasions to call on Eli for his wisdom and guidance as the field of industrial lasers grew. As always, his calm and thoughtful opinions were freely given. I can picture him today, with his trademark half-smile, nodding his head as he lived vicariously through the efforts of others who were trying to advance his beloved technology. Eli has left a lasting mark on the world's laser community.
In addition to his distinguished professional career, Dr. Snitzer was a devoted family man. He was the beloved husband of the late Dr. Shirley (Wood) Snitzer, and loving father of Sandra and Michael Tristano of Chicago, IL, Barbara and Edward Konowicz of Virginia Beach, VA, Peter Snitzer and Geri Weis of Solon, OH, Helen and Alan Paret of Newton, MA, and Louis and Carol Snitzer of Sydney, Australia. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Leanna, Glenn, Jeff, Mike, Emily, Ben, Daniel, Kirsten, Matt and Amy; and great-grandchildren Killian, Mikah, Tyler, Logan and Theodore, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Saul Snitzer.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington St. (Rte 16) in Wellesley Hills, MA, on Saturday, May 26 at 12 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Snitzer's memory may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.
