For his innovative LED technological research, University of Utah physics professor John Lupton recently received a $875,000 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

"This is a prominent national award intended to identify the best and brightest junior faculty members and provide them with generous resources that will allow them to make breakthrough discoveries," said David Kieda, head of the U.'s physics department.

Lupton has published several papers since arriving at the U. in 2006, including most recently wherein he demonstrated the maximum possible efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and successfully controlled an electrical current using the "spin" within electrons.

"This is the first time anyone has done really fundamental, hands-on quantum mechanics with an organic LED," Lupton said. He plans to use the fellowship to improve performance of LEDs and solar cells, as well as develop novel optical sensing techniques.

Lupton was selected out of 100 professors from 50 institutions. The foundation provides fellowships to 20, payable over five consecutive years.