Roland Winston, a pioneer in solar energy, engineering, and physics, passed away on February 8 at his home in California at the age of 88. He was known for his significant contributions to the field of non-imaging optics and served as a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago from 1965 to 2003. In addition to his teaching career, he played a pivotal role in establishing the University of California, Merced.
Winston's work laid the foundation for many modern technologies. He published numerous articles and held over 50 patents. In the 1970s, he developed the "Winston cone," an innovative design that improved light collection efficiency. This design has been instrumental in various applications, including solar energy installations and astronomical research.
Edward Blucher, a UChicago Professor in the Physics Department and Director of the Enrico Fermi Institute, stated: “Roland—a remarkably thoughtful and creative scientist and a kind and generous colleague—invented the field of non-imaging optics to solve a problem he encountered while constructing a detector for a particle physics experiment.” He added that Winston's insight revolutionized light collection for both solar energy and numerous experiments in physics and astronomy.
In his early academic career at the University of Chicago, Winston introduced non-imaging optics with his paper on compound parabolic solar concentrators. These devices significantly advanced solar technology by offering higher concentrations with less thermal loss. They have been used worldwide for various purposes, including water desalination.
International experts recognize Winston's work as foundational to modern solar energy solutions. Aldo Steinfeld from ETH Zurich highlighted its importance by comparing it to Albert Einstein’s photoelectric effect.
Winston also made significant contributions beyond solar energy. His research extended into high-energy physics and astrophysics. Yau W. Wah, UChicago Physics Professor who collaborated with Winston on several projects, said: “Roland was very much focused on the particle physics of ‘weak magnetism’ of hyperon decays.” Wah praised Winston as a great mentor who influenced many students and faculty members.
At UC Merced since its inception in 2003 until his retirement in 2022, Winston continued mentoring students while founding Winston Cone Optics to further advance solar technologies.
His personal life included acts of kindness such as supporting Robyn Lukens' education financially during her time working with him at UC Solar.
Winston was recognized by multiple professional societies for his achievements throughout his career. His accolades include fellowships with prestigious organizations like SPIE—the International Society for Optics and Photonics—and awards such as UC Merced’s first Chancellor’s Award which established an endowed scholarship in his name.
He is survived by sons John and Joe; half-brothers Eugene and Vanya Loroch; grandsons Milo and Beckett; step-grandchildren Zoe Leuba; predeceased by wife Patricia son Gregory.