Famous Physicists

1921 Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect" (from the official Nobel Prize announcement). The photoelectric effect posed a significant challenge to the study of optics in the latter portion of the 1800s. It challenged the classical wave theory of light, which was the prevailing theory of the time. It was the solution to this physics dilemma that catapulted Einstein into prominence in the physics community, ultimately earning him the 1921 Nobel Prize.

Albert Einstein - Early Work: In 1901, Albert Einstein received his diploma as a teacher of physics and mathematics. Unable to find a teaching position, he went to work for the Swiss Patent Office. He obtained his doctoral degree in 1905, the same year he published four significant papers, introducing the concepts of special relativity and the photon theory of light. Albert Einstein & Scientific Revolution: Albert Einstein's work in 1905 shook the world of physics. In his explanation of the photoelectric effect, he introduced the photon theory of light. In his paper "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies," he introduced the concepts of special relativity. Under the photon theory of light, a photon is a discrete bundle (or quantum) of electromagnetic (or light) energy. Photons are always in motion and, in a vacuum, have a constant speed of light to all observers, at the vacuum speed of light (more commonly just called the speed of light) of c = 2.998 x 108 m/s.

Einstein spent the rest of his life and career dealing with the consequences of these concepts, both by developing general relativity and by questioning the field of quantum physics on the principle that it was "spooky action at a distance."
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Einstein's theory of special relativity - localized behaviour of objects in inertial frames of reference, generally only relevant at speeds very near the speed of light Einstein's theory of general relativity - the more comprehensive theory, which treats gravity as a geometric phenomenon of a curved space time coordinate system, which also includes noninertial (i.e. accelerating) frames of reference

Galileo Galilei - Basic Information: Nationality: Italian Religion: Roman Catholic Born: February 15, 1564 Death: January 8, 1642 Children (with mistress Marina Gamba):
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Virginia, 1600 Livia, 1601 Vincenzio, 1606

Among other things, Galileo has been called:

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The father of science (by Albert Einstein) The father of modern physics The father of modern astronomy The father of observational science y Some of Galileo's most significant work was in the field of kinematics, identifying that the total distance covered is proportional to the square of the time. He also identified the parabola as the ideal trajectory for uniformly accelerated motion in a plane.
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Galileo also studied the motion of a pendulum, realizing that a pendulum swing is constant regardless of amplitude (at least to small angle approximations). He proposed a principle of inertia, which became the foundation of Newton's First Law of Motion. Though this concept had been put forth by others, Galileo was the first to formalize it mathematically.

Sir Isaac Newton - Basic Information: Nationality: British Born: 4 January 1643 Death: 31 March 1727 Note: While Newton lived, Britain continued to use the old-style Julian calendar instead of the modern Gregorian calendar used in much of Europe. As such, Newton's British birthday was Christmas Day 1642, because of an almost 10-day disparity between the calendars. He died on the Gregorian date of 20 March 1727. The dates given above are using the modern Gregorian calendar. Major Physics Achievements:
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defined the law of gravity, verifying Kepler's laws of planetary motion and essentially ending the geocentric view of the universe. defined the three laws of motion enunciated principles of conservation of momentum & angular momentum invented the reflecting telescope and defined a corpuscular theory of light inventor of calculus (in parallel with Gottfried Leibniz) and applied it directly to the understanding of physical systems

Other Major Achievements: studied alchemy member of Parliament of England 1689 to 1690, and in 1701. wrote religious tracts, including some work disputing the Trinity. became warden of the Royal Mint in 1696, oversaw the "great recoining," and became Master of the Mint in 1699, a position he held for the remainder of his life. Sir Isaac Newton - Classical Mechanics y Newton's Three Laws of Motion Sir Isaac Newton - Universal Gravitation y Newton's Law of Gravity y Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion Sir Isaac Newton - Other Information y About Inventors - Sir Isaac Newton
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Basic Information: Fullname: NielsHenrik David Bohr

Nationality: Danish Birth: Oct. 7, 1885 Death: Nov. 18, 1962 Spouse: MargretheNorlund 1922 Nobel Prize for Physics: "for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them." Early Years: Bohr was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He received a doctorate from Copenhagen University in 1911. In 1913, he developed the Bohr model of atomic structure, which introduced the theory of electrons orbiting around the atomic nucleus. His model involved the electrons being contained in quantized energy states so that when they drop from one state to another, energy is emitted. This work became central to quantum physics and it for this which he was awarded the 1922 Nobel Prize. Copenhagen: In 1916, Bohr became a professor at Copenhagen University. In 1920, he was appointed director of the new "Institute of Theoretical Physics." In this position, he was in a position to be instrumental in building the theoretical framework of quantum physics. The standard model of quantum physics throughout the first half of the century became known as the "Copenhagen interpretation," although several other interpretations now exist. Bohr's careful, thoughtful manner of approaching was colored with a playful personality, as clear in some famous Niels Bohr quotes. Bohr & Einstein Debates: Albert Einstein was a known critic of quantum physics, and he frequently challenged Bohr's views on the subject. Through their prolonged and spirited debate, the two great thinkers helped refine a century-long understanding of quantum physics. One of the most famous outcomes of this discussion was Einstein's famous quote that "God does not play dice with the universe," to which Bohr is said to have replied, "Einstein, stop telling God what to do!" (The debate was cordial, if spirited. In a 1920 letter, Einstein said to Bohr, "Not often in life has a human being caused me such joy by his mere presence as you did.

SUBMITTED BY:MYLESJANINE C. EMPRESE

SUBMITTED TO:MS. JOSEPHINE BELEN

Surgical Robot that Offers Tactile Feedback to Surgeons Although a surgery assisted by machines is steadier, more accurate and less invasive, one of its main disadvantages is that the controls of the robot don't provide a sense of touch, thus the surgeon is unable to feel any of the resistance put up by the tissues of the patient. In order to solve the issue, Linda van den Bedem from Eindhoven University of Technology decided to create a surgical robot that offers tactile feedback. The researcher's latest invention is calledSofie, which stands for Surgeon's Operating Force-feedback Interface Eindhoven. The machine can be controlled with the help of joysticks found on the control panel. It would be interesting to note that the joysticks are harder or easier to move depending on the level of pressure applied by the robot's surgical instruments against the tissues. It is worth mentioning that such an invention could be used for several tasks such as making stitches, informs Gizmag. In addition, Van den Bedem's latest invention is more compact if compared to other surgical machines used today. It can be mounted on the operating table, thus if the table is moved the robot moves with it. In five years the researcher hopes to start commercializing her latest invention. Device that Uses Waste Heat Energy to Power Electronic Gadgets A team of researchers from the Louisiana Tech University, led by Dr. Long Que, managed to create a device that converts the waste heat energy from electronic gadgets into power which is then used to recharge these gadgets. The team's latest invention is called the CNF-PZT Cantilever. It features a carbon nanotube on a cantilever base of piezoelectric material. It would be interesting to note that the device is very small, which allows researchers to include thousands of small CNF-PZT Cantilever devices into different gadgets. It will allow gadgets to use their own energy to charge. Researchers were able to show that a device is able to produce enough energy to operate a number of low-power microsensors and intergrated sensors, informs Treehugger. Latest Invention: New-Gen Exoskeleton from Berkeley Bionics

Berkeley Bionics, a company based in California, presented at a press conference its latest invention - eLEGS exoskeleton. The device was developed for paraplegics and is controlled via an onboard computer. It helps those afflicted with paraplegia to get out of their wheelchairs, stand and even walk. One can wear the eLEGS over clothing. The device is built in a way to allow people get in and out of it in just one or two minutes. Besides, eLEGScan be adjusted in order to fit people between 5'2'' and 6'4'' (157 and 193 cm), and weighing under 220 lbs (100 kg). When the user got in the exoskeleton, the computer makes use of built-in sensors to monitor their gestures. Based on the gestures, it then analyzes user's intentions and reacts accordingly in real time. The exoskeleton weights 45 lbs (20 kg). It includes a battery that can hold for about 6 hours, under normal use. The device registers a walking speed of about 2mph (3.22km/h). Researchers will carry out the first clinical tests early next year. In the second half of 2011 a number of such exoskeletons are expected to be offered to some American rehabilitation clinics. The company also wants the device to be available for home users. It is worth mentioning that Berkeley Bionics is the developer of the Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC), an exoskeleton that is available on the market and which makes it possible for the able-bodied soldiers to carry loads weighting up to 200 lbs (91 kg). Cargo Planes Used to Plant 900,000 Trees a Day Lockheed Martin decided to use its fleet of decommissioned C-130 Hercules cargo aircrafts, which were previously used to drop land mines, as foresters. Thus the military innovation company managed to turn the 25 year old idea, proposed by former UK RAF pilot Jack Walters, into reality. Each cargo plane will be equipped with the necessary tools to be able to drop up to 900,000 trees in one day. The aircrafts will fly at an altitude of 1,000 feet at a speed of 130 knots. Using the same technique as before (but with cones instead of land mines), they will be able to plant 3,000 cones each minute. It is worth mentioning that the cones are created in a way to bury themselves after hitting the soil. The casing of the tree bombs will dissolve and the trees will take root, having all that is needed for a tree to grow, including moisture and a measure of fertilizer, informs TreeHugger.

Today there are about 2,500 unused C-130 planes in 70 countries around the world. Cybertecture Interactive Mirror with Numerous Applications Although the interactive display technology is not new, each time a new product comes up it almost instantly catches the attention of the public. A new device that complements the series of interactive home furnishing equipments is Cybertecture Mirror display. The device represents a mirror that can be controlled with the help of a remote. The operative system of the reflecting display allows the user to connect to their cloud stored information. It also includes messaging, weather and a number of applications like the fitness-tracking utility that connects to a bathroom scale, informs Physicists Discover New Way to Visualize Warped Space and Time Posted on: Sunday April 17, 2011. When black holes slam into each other, the surrounding space and time surge and undulate like a heaving sea during a storm. This warping of space and time is so complicated that physicists haven't been able to understand the details of what goes onuntil now. 'We've found ways to visualize warped space-time like never before,' says Kip Thorne, Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics, Emeritus, at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). By combining theory with computer simulations, Thorne and his colleagues at Caltech, Cornell University, and the National Institute for Theoretical Physics in South Africa have developed conceptual tools they've dubbed tendex lines and vortex lines. Using these tools, they have discovered that black-hole collisions can produce vortex lines that form a doughnutshaped pattern, flying away from the merged black hole like smoke rings. The researchers also found that these bundles of vortex linescalled vortexescan spiral out of the black hole like water from a rotating sprinkler. The researchers explain tendex and vortex linesand their implications for black holesin a paper that's published

Two doughnut-shaped vortexes ejected by a pulsating black hole. Also shown at the center are two red and two blue vortex lines attached to the hole, which will be ejected as a third doughnut-shaped vortex in the next pulsation. [Credit: The Caltech/Cornell SXS Collaboration]

online on April 11 in the journal Physical Review Letters. Tendex and vortex lines describe the gravitational forces caused by warped space-time. They are analogous to the electric and magnetic field lines that describe electric and magnetic forces. Tendex lines describe the stretching force that warped space-time exerts on everything it encounters. 'Tendex lines sticking out of the moon raise the tides on the earth's oceans,' says David Nichols, the Caltech graduate student who coined the term 'tendex.' The stretching force of these lines would rip apart an astronaut who falls into a black hole.

Solar power without solar cells? Posted on: Sunday April 17, 2011. A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by University of Michigan researchers could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells. The researchers found a way to make an optical battery, said Stephen Rand, a professor in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Physics and Applied Physics. In the process, they overturned a century-old tenet of physics. You could stare at the equations of motion all day and you will not see this possibility. Weve all been taught that this doesnt happen, said Rand, an author of a paper on the work published in the Journal of Applied Physics. Its a very odd interaction. Thats why its been overlooked for more than 100 years.

Solar cell. Image by: xUmp.com

Light has electric and magnetic components. Until now, scientists thought the effects of the magnetic field were so weak that they could be ignored. What Rand and his colleagues found is that at the right intensity, when light is traveling through a material that does not conduct electricity, the light field can generate magnetic effects that are 100 million times stronger than previously expected. Under these circumstances, the magnetic effects develop strength equivalent to a strong electric effect. This could lead to a new kind of solar cell without semiconductors and without absorption to produce charge separation, Rand said. In solar cells, the light goes into a material, gets

absorbedand creates heat. Here, we expect to have a very low heat load. Instead of the light being absorbed, energy is stored in the magnetic moment. Intense magnetization can be induced by intense light and then it is ultimately capable of providing a capacitive power source. What makes this possible is a previously undetected brand of optical rectification, says William Fisher, a doctoral student in applied physics. In traditional optical rectification, lights electric field causes a charge separation, or a pulling apart of the positive and negative charges in a material. This sets up a voltage, similar to that in a battery. This electric effect had previously been detected only in crystalline materials that possessed a certain symmetry. Rand and Fisher found that under the right circumstances and in other types of materials, the lights magnetic field can also create optical rectification. It turns out that the magnetic field starts curving the electrons into a C-shape and they move forward a little each time, Fisher said. That C-shape of charge motion generates both an electric dipole and a magnetic dipole. If we can set up many of these in a row in a long fiber, we can make a huge voltage and by extracting that voltage, we can use it as a power source. The light must be shone through a material that does not conduct electricity, such as glass. And it must be focused to an intensity of 10 million watts per square centimeter. Sunlight isnt this intense on its own, but new materials are being sought that would work at lower intensities, Fisher said. In our most recent paper, we show that incoherent light like sunlight is theoretically almost as effective in producing charge separation as laser light is, Fisher said. This new technique could make solar power cheaper, the researchers say. They predict that with improved materials they could achieve 10 percent efficiency in converting solar power to useable energy. Thats equivalent to todays commercial-grade solar cells. To manufacture modern solar cells, you have to do extensive semiconductor processing, Fisher said. All we would need are lenses to focus the light and a fiber to guide it. Glass works for both. Its already made in bulk, and it doesnt require as much processing. Transparent ceramics might be even better. In experiments this summer, the researchers will work on harnessing this power with laser light, and then with sunlight. The paper is titled Optically-induced charge separation and terahertz emission in unbiased dielectrics. The university is pursuing patent protection for the intellectual property.