Alan J. Heeger

Heeger, Alan J. (1936)

Alan J. Heeger (born January 22, 1936) is an American physicist and professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000, alongside Alan G. MacDiarmid and Hideki Shirakawa, for their discovery and development of conductive polymers. Heeger's work has had a significant impact on the field of materials science, particularly in the development of plastic electronics.

Early Life and Education

Alan J. Heeger was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He developed an interest in science at an early age, which led him to pursue physics for his higher education. Heeger earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1957 and went on to receive his Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1961. His doctoral research focused on semiconductors, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field of conductive polymers.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Heeger took up a position at the University of Pennsylvania, where he embarked on pioneering research in the field of conductive polymers. It was here that he, along with MacDiarmid and Shirakawa, discovered that certain plastics could be made conductive through the process of doping. This breakthrough opened up new possibilities for using plastics in electronic devices, leading to the development of flexible electronic displays, solar cells, and other technologies.

In 1982, Heeger founded the Institute for Polymers and Organic Solids at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he continued his research into conductive polymers and plastic electronics. His work has led to the creation of highly efficient organic solar cells and light-emitting diodes, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Alan J. Heeger has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and technology. These include the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize from the American Physical Society and the Balzan Prize for Science of New Materials. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Legacy and Impact

Alan J. Heeger's work on conductive polymers has had a profound impact on the fields of materials science and electronics. His research has paved the way for the development of flexible, lightweight electronic devices, revolutionizing the way we think about and use technology. Heeger's contributions to the understanding and application of conductive polymers continue to influence advancements in solar energy, display technology, and beyond.

Selected Publications

Heeger has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and articles that have been published in prestigious journals. Some of his most notable publications include studies on the electrical properties of doped polyacetylene, the mechanism of conductivity in conductive polymers, and the development of organic solar cells.

See Also

• Conductive polymer
• Plastic electronics
• Organic solar cell
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry