2017 Allen V. Astin Measurement Science Award

Dr. Williams is recognized for pioneering a new power meter for high-power lasers (greater than 100 watts) that enables SI-traceability while the laser is in use, creating for the first time a measurement solution for high-power lasers that measures in real-time, and is three orders of magnitude faster than other primary standards. Multi-kilowatt lasers can cut through steel and melt bricks into glass. Many industries use high-power lasers like these to precisely cut and weld metals for a range of applications, from manufacturing cars and cell phones to ships, planes, and medical devices. Williams' power meter and measurement methods have been welcomed by industry and rapidly adopted by Department of Defense primary standards labs.