Wolfgang K. H. Panofsky | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Panofsky (left) being awarded theE.O. Lawrence Award in 1961 | |
| Born | (1919-04-24)April 24, 1919 Berlin, Germany |
| Died | September 24, 2007(2007-09-24) (aged 88) |
| Citizenship | Germany United States |
| Alma mater | Princeton University California Institute of Technology |
| Known for | director of theStanford Linear Accelerator Center |
| Spouse(s) | Adèle Irène DuMond (1923-2024; m. 1942) 5 children: Richard Jacob, Margaret Anne, Edward Frank, Carol Eleanor, Steven Thomas[2] |
| Awards |
|
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Institutions | University of California, Berkeley,Stanford |
| Doctoral advisor | Jesse DuMond[1] |
| Doctoral students | Cyrus Levinthal |
Wolfgang Kurt Hermann "Pief"Panofsky (April 24, 1919 – September 24, 2007), was a German-Americanphysicist who won many awards including theNational Medal of Science.
Panofsky was born inBerlin, Germany to a family of art historiansDorothea andErwin Panofsky. His ancestors were of Jewish descent. He spent much of his early life inHamburg, where his father was a professor of art history. From the age of 10, he attended theJohanneum, where he received a classical education involving Latin and Ancient Greek, but little science.[3] At the age of 15, he moved with his family to the United States and enteredPrinceton University.[4] He graduated with an A.B. in physics fromPrinceton University, as salutatorian of his class,[3] in 1938 after completing a senior thesis, titled "The construction of a high pressure ionisation chamber", under the supervision ofWalker Bleakney.[5] He then received hisPh.D. in physics from theCalifornia Institute of Technology in 1942 after completing a doctoral dissertation, titled "A measurement of the value of h/e by the determination of the short wavelength limit of the continuous x-ray spectrum at 20 kV", under the supervision ofJesse W. M. DuMond.[6][2] In April 1942 he was naturalized as a U.S. citizen.[7]
From 1945 to 1951, Panofsky held an assistant and then associate professorship at theUniversity of California, Berkeley, before permanently establishing himself as professor of physics atStanford University. Between 1961 and 1984, he was the director of theStanford Linear Accelerator Center and continued to serve as director emeritus until his death.[8] He was also on the board of directors of theArms Control Association from 1996 until 1999.[citation needed]
Panofsky was a member of the board of sponsors of TheBulletin of the Atomic Scientists[9] and won theMatteucci Medal in 1996 for his fundamental contributions to physics. He was also a recipient of the National Medal of Science, theFranklin Medal (1970), theErnest O. Lawrence Medal, theLeo Szilard Award and theEnrico Fermi Award.[2]
During his college days, Panofsky was called "Pief" by fellow students who found his full name unpronounceable. The childhood nickname seemed to suit the ebullient physicist, and it stayed with him throughout his long life.[10] His elder brother, Hans A. Panofsky, was "an atmospheric scientist who taught atPennsylvania State University for 30 years and who was credited with several advances in the study of meteorology".[11]
Panofsky married Adèle Irène DuMond, daughter of his PhD advisor, in 1942.[12] Adèle Panofsky was also known at SLAC for her role in the building of the mountedPaleoparadoxia fossil skeleton display at the SLAC Visitors Center.[13]
Panofsky has received the following rewards and honors:[2]
Panofsky died at the age of 88 on September 24, 2007, inLos Altos, California, from a heart attack.Panofsky stayed active at SLAC until his last day of life.[18] He was survived by his wife of 65 years, Adele Panofsky, their five children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.[12]
| Preceded by none | SLAC Director 1961 – 1984 | Succeeded by |
