William E. Moerner

Bacteria-3D-Double-Helix

William Esco Moerner (born June 24, 1953) is an American chemist and Nobel laureate recognized for his pioneering work in the field of chemical physics, particularly for the development of super-resolution microscopy. This groundbreaking work has enabled scientists to visualize biomolecules in systems at resolutions well beyond the traditional limits imposed by the diffraction limit of light.

Early Life and Education

William E. Moerner was born in Pleasanton, California, and developed an early interest in science and engineering. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Moerner continued his education at Cornell University, obtaining a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry for his work on vibrational relaxation dynamics in solids.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Moerner embarked on a career that spanned both academia and industry. He initially worked at the IBM Almaden Research Center, where he conducted seminal research on the optical detection and spectroscopy of single molecules in solids at low temperatures. This work laid the foundation for the field of single-molecule spectroscopy, a technique that allows for the observation and manipulation of individual molecules.

Moerner's academic career includes positions at the University of California, San Diego and, more recently, at Stanford University, where he serves as the Harry S. Mosher Professor of Chemistry. His research interests have expanded to include the study of single molecules in biological systems, leading to significant contributions in the development of super-resolution microscopy techniques, such as STED microscopy and PALM microscopy. These techniques have revolutionized biological imaging by allowing scientists to observe the fine details of cellular structures at the nanoscale.

Nobel Prize

In 2014, William E. Moerner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly with Eric Betzig and Stefan W. Hell "for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy," which surpassed the optical resolution limit. This accolade recognized their contributions to the field of optical microscopy and their impact on life sciences, enabling researchers to visualize the pathways of individual molecules inside living cells in real time.

Legacy and Impact

Moerner's work has had a profound impact on the fields of chemistry, physics, and biology. By pushing the boundaries of what can be seen and measured at the molecular level, his contributions have opened new avenues for research in molecular biology, neuroscience, and nanotechnology. His pioneering efforts in single-molecule spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, in addition to the Nobel Prize.

Selected Publications

Throughout his career, Moerner has authored numerous influential publications that have advanced the field of chemical physics. His work is widely cited and has contributed to the development of new methodologies for studying molecular dynamics and interactions.

Personal Life

Beyond his scientific endeavors, Moerner is known for his passion for opera and his involvement in community and educational outreach, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists.