To recognize and encourage outstanding contributions to the field of optical effects in solids. The prize is awarded biennially in even-numbered years as a memorial to Frank Isakson. The prize was established in 1979 and supported by the Photoconductivity Conference. Nominations are open to scientists of all nations regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. The prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person, but the prize may be shared among recipients when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishment.
Nominations are active for three years.
The next prize will be presented in 2002.