Arthur Leonard Schawlow

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Artur Schawlow, Stanford University

Arthur Leonard Schawlow (May 5, 1921 – April 28, 1999) was an American physicist and co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1981 for his work in laser spectroscopy. He is best known for his contributions to the development of the laser and his research in optics and quantum electronics.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Leonard Schawlow was born in Mount Vernon, New York. He attended Toronto University where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1941 and his master's degree in 1942. He completed his Ph.D. at the same institution in 1949 under the supervision of Malcolm Crawford.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Schawlow worked at Columbia University with Charles Townes, where they developed the concept of the maser and later the laser. In 1951, Schawlow joined the Bell Telephone Laboratories where he continued his research in microwave spectroscopy and optical properties of solids.

Nobel Prize

In 1981, Schawlow was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics along with Nicolaas Bloembergen and Kai Siegbahn for their contributions to the development of laser spectroscopy. Schawlow's work laid the foundation for numerous applications in medicine, communications, and industry.

Personal Life

Schawlow married Arthur Townes' sister, Aurelia, in 1951. They had three children. Schawlow was known for his dedication to his family and his advocacy for autism research, inspired by his son who was diagnosed with the condition.

Legacy

Arthur Leonard Schawlow's contributions to the field of physics have had a lasting impact on both scientific research and practical applications. His work on the laser has revolutionized fields ranging from medicine to telecommunications.

See Also

• Laser
• Spectroscopy
• Quantum electronics
• Nobel Prize in Physics