Igor Tamm

Igor Tamm
Born	(1895-07-08)8 July 1895 Vladivostok, Russian Empire
Died	12 April 1971(1971-04-12) (aged 75) Moscow, Soviet Union
Nationality	Soviet
Alma mater	Moscow State University
Known for	Tamm-Dancoff approximation, Tamm's problem, Cherenkov radiation
Awards	Nobel Prize in Physics (1958)
Scientific career
Fields	Physics
Institutions	Moscow State University, Lebedev Physical Institute

Igor Yevgenyevich Tamm (Russian: И́горь Евге́ньевич Тамм

8 July 1895 – 12 April 1971) was a Soviet physicist who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for his work on the theoretical explanation of Cherenkov radiation. He made significant contributions to the fields of quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and plasma physics.

Early Life and Education

Igor Tamm was born in Vladivostok, Russian Empire, on 8 July 1895. He studied at the Moscow State University, where he later became a professor. Tamm's early work was influenced by the political and scientific environment of the early 20th century Russia.

Career

Tamm worked at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow, where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research. He is best known for his theoretical work on Cherenkov radiation, which he explained in collaboration with Ilya Frank. This phenomenon occurs when a charged particle moves through a dielectric medium at a speed greater than the phase velocity of light in that medium.

Tamm also developed the Tamm-Dancoff approximation, a method used in quantum field theory to simplify the calculations of particle interactions. Additionally, he worked on Tamm's problem, which deals with the behavior of electrons in a crystal lattice.

Awards and Honors

In 1958, Tamm was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics along with Pavel Cherenkov and Ilya Frank for their collective work on Cherenkov radiation. He received numerous other honors and awards throughout his career, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of physics.

Personal Life

Tamm was known for his dedication to both his scientific work and his family. He passed away on 12 April 1971 in Moscow, Soviet Union.

Legacy

Igor Tamm's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of physics and quantum mechanics. His contributions continue to influence contemporary research and applications in these areas.

See Also

• Cherenkov radiation
• Tamm-Dancoff approximation
• Quantum mechanics
• Plasma physics
• Nobel Prize in Physics