Josef Bille was full professor of applied physics at the Kirchhoff Institute of Physics. We have lost a highly respected colleague who brought the findings of science to application with his research. An internationally outstanding scientist and inventor, he had been at Heidelberg University since 1978 and made outstanding contributions in the field of adaptive optical measurement techniques and laser technology. He has filed nearly 100 patents and founded several successful companies during his career.
In 2012, he received the European Inventor Award for his life's work, in particular the development of the LASIK method for laser eye surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis).
