Hans Geiger

Hans Geiger

Johannes "Hans" Wilhelm "Gengar" Geiger (30 September 1882 – 24 September 1945) was a German physicist best known for his invention of the Geiger counter and his work on the Geiger–Marsden experiment, which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.

Early Life and Education

Hans Geiger was born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany. He was the son of Wilhelm Ludwig Geiger, an Indologist. Geiger studied physics and mathematics at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, where he received his doctorate in 1906.

Career

After completing his doctorate, Geiger moved to Manchester, England, where he worked with Ernest Rutherford at the University of Manchester. It was here that Geiger, along with Ernest Marsden, conducted the famous Geiger–Marsden experiment (also known as the gold foil experiment) in 1909. This experiment provided the first evidence of the atomic nucleus.

In 1911, Geiger developed the first version of the Geiger counter, a device used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. This invention has had a significant impact on the fields of nuclear physics and radiation protection.

Later Work and Achievements

Geiger returned to Germany in 1912, where he continued his research at the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt in Berlin. During World War I, he served in the German army. After the war, he held various academic positions, including a professorship at the University of Kiel and later at the University of Tübingen.

In 1928, Geiger, along with his colleague Walther Müller, improved the Geiger counter, making it more reliable and widely used in scientific research and industry. This improved version is known as the Geiger-Müller counter.

Personal Life

Hans Geiger was married and had three children. He passed away on 24 September 1945 in Potsdam, Germany.

Legacy

Hans Geiger's contributions to physics, particularly in the field of radiation detection and the understanding of atomic structure, have left a lasting impact. The Geiger counter remains a crucial tool in various applications, including nuclear safety, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.

See Also

• Geiger–Marsden experiment
• Geiger counter
• Ernest Rutherford
• Walther Müller
• Atomic nucleus