Physics: 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics

Atomic Physics Electromagnetism Optics

1997 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to: Steven Chu, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, William D. Phillips Development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light.

Commentary

In 1997, the Nobel Prize in Physics went to Steven Chu, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, William D. Phillips. The prize was awarded for: Development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light. Why does for development of methods to cool matter? The work honored in 1997 helped fill in a piece of the puzzle of how the physical world operates. Every Nobel Prize in Physics marks a shift — a moment when our understanding deepened and, often, something practical followed. Historical note: 1997 Steven Chu, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, William D. Phillips (various countries) received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997. Official Nobel citation: "for development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light" The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded since 1901. Each prize reflects the scientific priorities and discoveries of its era.

Sources: Wikipedia