Douglas Ross (physicist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Douglas Ross
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| Born |
Douglas Alan Ross
9 May 1948 |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | |
| Known for | Understanding tiny particles and forces |
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| Thesis | Higher order corrections in muon decay (1972) |
| Doctoral advisor | John Clayton Taylor |
Douglas Alan Ross FRS, born on May 9, 1948, is a British physicist. He is known for his important work in understanding the smallest particles that make up our universe. As of 2017, he is a Professor Emeritus of physics at the University of Southampton. This means he is a retired professor who still keeps his title.
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Studying Physics
Douglas Ross studied at New College, Oxford, a famous university in England. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1969. Later, in 1972, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil). This is a very high degree for research. His research focused on how tiny particles called muons break down. His supervisor, who guided his studies, was John Clayton Taylor.
Exploring the Universe's Building Blocks
Professor Ross is famous for helping to develop and use what are called gauge theories. These theories help scientists understand the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. He worked on ideas both within and beyond the the Standard Model of particle physics. The Standard Model is like a rulebook that describes most of the known particles and forces.
His work helped us understand how theories can be "renormalized." This is a way to make sure calculations in physics give sensible answers. He also studied how forces behave in complex situations.
Understanding the Strong Force
Professor Ross did many early calculations that helped prove that quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the correct theory for the strong nuclear force. This force is incredibly powerful. It holds together the tiny particles called quarks inside protons and neutrons. These particles then make up the atoms that form everything around us.
Looking Beyond the Standard Model
He also contributed to physics beyond the Standard Model. This field explores new ideas that the current Standard Model doesn't explain. For example, he showed that because we don't see protons breaking down, it rules out the simplest version of a Grand Unified Theory. Grand Unified Theories try to combine different forces into one big theory.
Awards and Recognition
In 2005, Douglas Ross was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. It means he is recognized for his outstanding contributions to science.
