Norman Ramsey wins 1985 Compton Medal

JAN 02, 1985

In recognition of his manifold contributions to the science of physics and his outstanding example of statesmanship and leadership of major institutions of physics for over four decades.

About the Winner

Norman Ramsey headed groups that developed the first three-centimeter-wavelength magnetrons and related radar systems. He also served as a consultant to the Secretary of War, and worked on the Manhattan Project as a group leader, Associate Division Chief, and Chief Scientist for the Tinian Technical Group.

Ramey’s diverse research interests have led to key contributions in determining magnetic moments, the structural shape of nucleons, the nature of nuclear forces and the thermodynamics of energized populations of atoms and molecules. Notably, he invented the method of using separated oscillatory fields for exciting resonances, which provides extremely high resolution in atomic molecular spectroscopy and forms the practical basis for the most precise atomic clocks.

Generations of students and colleagues have benefited from his spirited teaching and impeccable taste in problems worth of attack. His research, spanning the whole of physics at institutions in the United States and abroad, has provided major advances and insights to both pure and applied physics. His penetrating insight, generously given to both government and private institutions, has insured that they have had before them the best advice and wisdom that physics has to offer. His keen administrative skills and scientific leadership in the service of physics societies and national laboratories have been significant forces in their becoming institutions of international repute. Imaginative, wise, enthusiastic, he draws out the best of both institutions and people for the advance of physics and its application to hum welfare.