The Lithuanian laser community bids a sorrowful farewell to Professor and Academician Juozas Vidmantas Vaitkus — one of the pioneers of laser applications in science in Lithuania, whose name is inextricably linked to the first steps in this field in our country.

In 1966, just six years after the invention of the laser worldwide, Habil. Dr. Juozas Vidmantas Vaitkus, together with his colleagues Jurgis Viščakas and Remigijus Baltramiejūnas, fired the first laser in Lithuania at Vilnius University. This achievement became an important starting point for the subsequent development of laser science and industry in Lithuania.

“It is symbolic that we are saying goodbye to the professor in the very year we mark the 60th anniversary of the first laser being lit in Lithuania,” says G. Račiukaitis, president of the Lithuanian Laser Association and head of the FTMC Laser Technologies Department. Today, Lithuania is recognized as one of the world’s leaders in lasers, but the roots of this success lie in the courage, curiosity, and ability of the early pioneers to see beyond their own time. Professor Juozas Vidmantas Vaitkus’ contribution to the beginning of this story will remain an integral part of the Lithuanian laser community’s identity.

The scientist was one of the pioneers of semiconductor physics and laser-based materials science methods in Lithuania; he mentored several generations of researchers, contributed to the establishment of new laboratories, and helped advance research that has earned international recognition. The laser-based semiconductor research methods he and his colleagues developed were recognized by the global scientific community, and his students and colleagues later became an important part of Lithuania’s photonics ecosystem. “Laser science and laser applications have always gone hand in hand. This is the strength of our entire laser ecosystem, which began with the curiosity and desire of our teacher Juozas Vidmantas Vaitkus to investigate the properties of light-excited semiconductors,” recalls G. Račiukaitis.

This year, his memoir, “The Years of Light: Memoirs,” reached readers. In it, the author recounts the origins of laser science in Lithuania, the first experiments, his colleagues, and the era in which the history of Lithuanian lasers—now recognized worldwide—was born. This is not only a collection of personal memories but also an important document in the history of science and technology in our country.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the professor’s family, colleagues, students, and all who had the honor of knowing him. May his work, ideas, and legacy continue to inspire new generations of Lithuanian scientists and engineers.

You may pay your respects to Professor Juozas Vidmantas Vaitkus at the chapel of St. John’s Church (12 St. John St., Vilnius):

  • June 14 (Sunday) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Holy Mass at 6:00 p.m.);
  • June 15 (Monday) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

After the farewell, the urn will be taken to the bell tower of St. John’s Church, where those who wish may say their final goodbyes. At 1:00 p.m., the professor will be laid to rest at Antakalnis Cemetery.