· Concept #86

Nobel Physics 1986

1986 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to: Ernst Ruska, Gerd Binnig, Heinrich Rohrer His fundamental work in electron optics, and for the design of the first electron microscope / for their design of the scanning tunneling microscope.

Commentary

Commentary

Source: Wikipedia / Nobel Foundation
In 1986, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Ernst Ruska, Gerd Binnig, Heinri ch Rohrer. The prize recognized: His fundamental work in electron optics, and for the design of the first electron microscope / for their design of the scanning tunneling microscope. Electron diffraction is a generic term for phenomena associated with changes in the direction of electron beams due to elastic interactions with atoms.

Commentary

Source: Internal
Why does fundamental work in electron optics matter? Understanding fundamental work in electron optics is fundamental to how we explain the physical world. The work recognized in 1986 helped scientists build more accurate models of nature, leading to practical technologies and a deeper understanding of why things behave the way they do. The simplest approximation using the de Broglie wavelength for electrons, where only the geometry is considered and often Bragg's law is invoked. This approach only considers the electrons far from the sample, a far-field or Fraunhofer approach. The first level of more accuracy where it is approximated that the electrons are only scattered once, which is called kinematical diffraction and is also a far-field or Fraunhofer approach. More complete and accurate explanations where multiple scattering is included, what is called dynamical diffraction (e.g. refs). These involve more general analyses using relativistically corrected Schrödinger equation methods, and track the electrons through the sample, being accurate both near and far from the sample (both Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction). Electron diffraction is similar to x-ray and neutron diffraction. However, unlike x-ray and neutron diffraction where the simplest approximations are quite accurate, with electron diffraction this is not the case. Simple models give the geometry of the intensities in a diffraction pattern, but dynamical diffraction approaches are needed for accurate intensities and the positions of diffraction spots.

Commentary

Source: Nobel Foundation
Historical context: 1986 Ernst Ruska, Gerd Binnig, Heinrich Rohrer (various countries) received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986. The official citation from the Nobel Committee reads: "for his fundamental work in electron optics, and for the design of the first electron microscope / for their design of the scanning tunneling microscope" The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded since 1901. Each award marks a turning point in humanity's understanding of the physical universe.
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