Petr Georgievich Eliseev

It is with great sorrow that the family of Dr. Petr Georgievich Eliseev announces his passing on January 15th, 2021 at the age of 85.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Dr. Eliseev received a Master’s degree from the Physics Department at Lomonosov State University in 1959. He then pursued and was awarded a PhD from the Lebedev Physics Institute in 1965 and a Doctorate of Science degree from the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1974. In 1984, he was awarded the State Prize of the U.S.S.R. in Science and Technology for his pioneering work in, and development of quaternary InGaAsP materials for semiconductor lasers operating at optical communication wavelengths. While residing in Moscow, Dr. Eliseev headed the Injection Laser Laboratory at the Lebedev Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In 1995, Dr. Eliseev and his wife, Elena Naiditch, arrived to the United States where he obtained a position as a Research Professor at the University of New Mexico Center for High Technology Materials. In time, both he and his wife became citizens of their adopted country.

Dr. Eliseev was one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of semiconductor lasers. During his illustrious career, he authored three books, authored or coauthored in excess of 500 scientific publications, mentored students across continents and was recognized for the body of his work by the Nick Holonyak Award from the Optical Society of America in 2004. He retired as Research Professor Emeritus in 2006 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award upon his 80th birthday from the UNM Center for High Technology Materials.

Peter and Elena enjoyed a life filled with world travel and exploration. Together, they took particular joy in having visited all of the continental national parks and many state parks. Perhaps his greatest avocation was classical music which he composed prolifically. His more notable works can be found at the Smithsonian Institute.

At his passing, he was married to his devoted wife for 58 years. Additionally, he is survived by their three children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues and long remembered as an extraordinary man who lived a remarkable life.