Origins & Early Life

Arthur Leonard Schawlow (May 5, 1921 – April 28, 1999) was an American physicist who, along with Charles Townes, developed the theoretical basis for laser science. His central insight was the use of two mirrors as the resonant cavity to take maser action from microwaves to visible wavelengths. He shared the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physics with Nicolaas Bloembergen and Kai Siegbahn for his work using lasers to determine atomic energy levels with great precision. Arthur Leonard Schawlow was born on May 5, 1921, in Mount Vernon, New York, to a Jewish father from Riga and a Canadian mother.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Schawlow was raised in his mother's Protestant faith. When Arthur was three years old, they moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At the age of 16, Schawlow completed high school at Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute, and received a scholarship in science at the University of Toronto (Victoria College). He obtained his B.A. in 1941 and his M.A.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

the following year. He received his Ph.D. in 1949 under Professor Malcolm F. Crawford. Schawlow then took a postdoctoral position with Charles Townes in the Physics Department of Columbia University in the fall of 1949. Schawlow went on to accept a position...

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• 1921 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1921
• May 5 (05-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 5
• 1999 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1999
• April 28 (04-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 28