Max Born

Solvay conference 1927

Max Born 1937

Grave of Max Born at Stadtfriedhof Göttingen 2017 01

Born, Max – Einstein's theory of relativity (Die Relativitätstheorie Einsteins und ihre physikalischen Grundlagen), 1922 – BEIC 10969245

Max Born (11 December 1882 – 5 January 1970) was a German-Jewish physicist and mathematician who was instrumental in the development of quantum mechanics. He also made contributions to solid-state physics and optics. Born was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1954 for his "fundamental research in Quantum Mechanics, especially for his statistical interpretation of the wave function".

Early Life and Education

Born was born in Breslau, which was then in the Kingdom of Prussia (now Wrocław, Poland), into a family of Jewish descent. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science. He studied at the Universities of Breslau, Heidelberg, and Zurich before completing his doctorate under the supervision of David Hilbert at the University of Göttingen in 1907.

Career

After receiving his doctorate, Born went on to work in various academic positions across Europe. He made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics during the 1920s, including the formulation of the matrix mechanics representation of quantum mechanics alongside Werner Heisenberg. His work on the statistical interpretation of the wave function laid the groundwork for the theory's broader acceptance and application.

During the 1930s, due to the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Born, who was of Jewish heritage, was forced to flee the country. He took up a position at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, where he continued his research in physics. Later, he also worked at the University of Edinburgh, where he remained until his retirement.

Contributions to Physics

Max Born's contributions to physics are vast. His work on quantum mechanics, particularly the statistical interpretation of the wave function, is among his most significant achievements. This interpretation played a crucial role in understanding quantum phenomena and has been a foundational aspect of the field.

In addition to his work in quantum mechanics, Born made significant contributions to solid-state physics and optics. His research in these areas has had a lasting impact on the development of technologies in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Legacy

Max Born's legacy in the field of physics is profound. His contributions to the development of quantum mechanics have shaped the direction of modern physics. The Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to him in 1954 is a testament to the importance of his work. Beyond his scientific achievements, Born is remembered for his role as a teacher and mentor to a generation of physicists who would go on to make their own significant contributions to the field.

Selected Works

Among Born's notable works are his contributions to the development of the theory of crystal lattice dynamics in solid-state physics and his work on the optical properties of solids. His publications, including books and academic papers, continue to be influential in the fields of physics and mathematics.

Death

Max Born passed away on 5 January 1970 in Göttingen, West Germany. His contributions to science, particularly in the field of physics, continue to be celebrated and studied by scientists around the world.