Dr. Boubacar Kanté

Professor

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Biography

Boubacar Kante is the inaugural Chenming Hu endowed Chair Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his multidisciplinary research in wave-matter interaction and microwave optics. He has made significant contributions to areas such as antennas, nanophotonics, novel materials, and quantum optics. Kante is recognized for his invention of scale-invariant lasers, known as Berkeley Surface Emitting Lasers (BerkSELs), which address a longstanding challenge in wave-physics by maintaining single mode while increasing the size of the lasing cavity. He proposed and demonstrated the world's first topological laser based on the quantum Hall effect of light, earning recognition as one of the top 10 discoveries in Physics World 2017. His work also includes the development of a bound state continuum (BIC) laser, achieving world records in plasmonic nanosensing and bandwidth efficiency of structured lenses. Kante's innovations extend to non-magnetic metamaterials and the introduction of symmetry/parity ring resonators. He has received notable honors including the 2024 Bakar Prize, the 2021 Bakar Fellow award, and recognition from various scientific organizations such as the IEEE and Optica.

Research Interests

Awards

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Bakar Prize

2024-01-01
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Moore Inventor Fellow

2021-01-01
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Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award

2017-01-01
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National Science Foundation Career Award

2016-01-01
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Undergraduate Teacher Award

2017-01-01
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Hellman Fellowship

2015-01-01
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Richelieu Prize

2015-01-01

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.