David J. Wineland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David J. Wineland
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Wineland in 2013
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David Jeffery Wineland
February 24, 1944 |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley<2r>Harvard University |
| Known for | Cavity quantum electrodynamics Laser cooling |
| Awards | IRI Medal (2020) Nobel Prize in Physics (2012) National Medal of Science (2007) Schawlow Prize (2001) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Quantum physics |
| Institutions | University of Washington National Institute of Standards and Technology University of Colorado, Boulder University of Oregon |
| Thesis | The Atomic Deuterium Maser (1971) |
| Doctoral advisor | Norman Foster Ramsey, Jr. |
| Other academic advisors | Hans Georg Dehmelt |
David Jeffery Wineland (born February 24, 1944) is an American physicist. He works at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He is famous for his work with laser cooling and using tiny particles called ions for quantum computing. This is a new way of computing that uses the strange rules of quantum physics.
In 2012, he won the Nobel Prize in Physics. He shared it with Serge Haroche. They won for their "ground-breaking experimental methods." These methods help scientists measure and control individual quantum systems.
Contents
Early Life and Amazing Discoveries
Where Did David Wineland Grow Up?
David Wineland was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. His family moved to Sacramento, California, when he was three. He finished high school in Sacramento in 1961.
How Did He Become a Scientist?
He studied physics at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his bachelor's degree there in 1965. Later, he went to Harvard University for his master's and doctoral degrees. He finished his PhD in 1970. His research was about something called "The Atomic Deuterium Maser."
After his PhD, he did more research at the University of Washington. He studied tiny charged particles called electrons in special "ion traps."
Joining NIST and Key Breakthroughs
In 1975, Wineland joined the National Bureau of Standards. This is now known as NIST. There, he started a group focused on storing ions. He also teaches physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 2018, he moved to the University of Oregon. He still helps the Ion Storage Group at NIST.
Wineland made a huge breakthrough in 1978. He was the first to use lasers to cool ions down. This "laser cooling" helps scientists study ions better. His group at NIST uses trapped ions for many experiments. They explore basic physics and how to control quantum states.
What Did His Research Lead To?
His work has led to big steps forward in several areas:
- Spectroscopy: Studying how light interacts with matter.
- Atomic clocks: Super accurate clocks that use atoms to keep time.
- Quantum information: How to store and process information using quantum rules.
In 1995, he created the first "single atom quantum logic gate." This was a key step for quantum computers. In 2004, he was also the first to "quantum teleport" information. This was done using massive particles. In 2005, he built the most precise atomic clock. It used quantum logic on a single aluminum ion.
Wineland is a member of important science groups. These include the American Physical Society. He was elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences in 1992. He shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics with Serge Haroche. They were recognized for their "ground-breaking experimental methods." These methods let scientists measure and control individual quantum systems.
Family Life
David Wineland is married to Sedna Quimby-Wineland. They have two sons together.
Awards and Recognition
David Wineland has received many awards for his important work.
- 1990 Davisson-Germer Prize in Atomic or Surface Physics
- 1990 William F. Meggers Award
- 1996 Einstein Prize for Laser Science
- 1998 Rabi Award
- 2001 Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science
- 2003 Samuel Stratton Award
- 2004 Frederic Ives Medal
- 2007 National Medal of Science
- 2009 Herbert Walther Award
- 2010 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics
- 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics
- 2014 Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement
- 2019 Micius Quantum Prize
- 2020 IRI Medal
Public Appearances
Wineland was a main speaker at the 2015 Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders.
See also
- Cat state
- Doppler cooling
- Resolved sideband cooling
- Quantum supremacy
- Quantum Zeno effect
Images for kids
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In Spanish: David Wineland para niños
