Lester Germer | |
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| Born | (1896-10-10)October 10, 1896 |
| Died | October 3, 1971(1971-10-03) (aged 74) |
| Alma mater | Cornell University |
| Known for | Davisson-Germer experiment |
| Awards | Elliott Cresson Medal(1931) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Doctoral advisor | Clinton Davisson |
Lester Halbert Germer (October 10, 1896 – October 3, 1971) was an Americanphysicist.[1] WithClinton Davisson, he proved thewave-particle duality ofmatter in theDavisson–Germer experiment, which was important to the development of theelectron microscope. These studies supported the theoretical work ofDe Broglie. He also studiedthermionics,erosion of metals, and contact physics. He was awarded theElliott Cresson Medal in 1931.
A formerfighterpilot inWorld War I, Germer subsequently worked atBell Labs inNew Jersey.
In 1945 (at the age of 49), Germer launched a side career as arock climber. He climbed widely around theNortheast United States, and especially atNew York'sShawangunk Ridge. Although theAppalachian Mountain Club was dominant in the area at the time, and strictly regulated rock climbing, Lester was never associated with the club, and found himself in conflict with the leading climber in the area,Hans Kraus, who was head of the AMC's Safety Committee. He was once turned down for climbing certification with the comment "Likes people too much and is too enthusiastic." Lester was known for being generous and friendly. He was once called "A one man climbing school."
In 1971, one week before his 75th birthday, Lester Germer died of a massiveheart attack whilelead climbing a rock climb at the Shawangunk Ridge (Double Chin,[2]5.6). Until that moment, Lester had a 26-year perfect safety record in rock climbing; he had never even taken aleader fall.
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