Biography
Arthur Ashkin was born on September 2, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. He went to James Madison High School and later studied at Cornell University and Columbia University. Ashkin spent most of his career at Bell Laboratories, where he did groundbreaking work in laser physics and optical manipulation. He changed how we understand light’s ability to control matter on a microscopic level.
In the late 1960s, Ashkin started his innovative research on using laser light to manipulate tiny particles. He showed that the radiation pressure from light could break down into optical gradient and scattering forces. These forces could be managed to trap and move tiny objects without touching them. This research led to the development of optical tweezers, which he officially invented in 1986.
The technique Ashkin developed revolutionized scientific research, allowing for the manipulation of atoms, molecules, and biological cells with amazing accuracy. It was used in many fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Researchers could now look at individual cells, manipulate DNA molecules, and perform experiments that weren't possible before.
Throughout his career, Ashkin earned many awards for his contributions to science. He received the IEEE Quantum Electronics Award in 1987, the Charles Hard Townes Award in 1988, the Frederic Ives Medal in 1998, the Joseph F. Keithley Award For Advances in Measurement Science in 2003, and the Harvey Prize in 2004. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2013 and was a fellow of several professional organizations like the American Physical Society, the Optical Society, and IEEE.
Ashkin's most notable recognition came in 2018 when he won the Nobel Prize in Physics for creating optical tweezers and their use in biological systems. At 96, he became the oldest Nobel laureate at that time, a record surpassed by John B. Goodenough who won at 97 in 2019. Ashkin lived in Rumson, New Jersey, until he passed away on September 21, 2020, just after his 98th birthday.
Before Fame
Arthur Ashkin grew up during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II, a time of rapid advances in physics and technology. He went from James Madison High School in Brooklyn to study at Cornell University and Columbia University, both leading places for scientific research in America. When Ashkin started his career after the war, there was a lot more government and corporate funding for scientific research, especially at places like Bell Laboratories.
In the 1960s, Bell Labs was buzzing with innovation, having just seen the invention of the transistor and the laser. Ashkin joined the lab right as the field of laser physics was starting out, with the first working laser demonstrated only in 1960. This timing was perfect for him to explore laser light's fundamental properties and discover new uses for this groundbreaking technology.
Key Achievements
- Invented optical tweezers in 1986, revolutionizing microscopic manipulation techniques
- Pioneered the use of radiation pressure to trap and manipulate atoms, molecules, and biological cells
- Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018 at age 96 for optical tweezers and biological applications
- Established the theoretical foundation for optical gradient and scattering forces
- Enabled new fields of research in single-cell biology and molecular manipulation
Did You Know?
- 01.Ashkin held his Nobel Prize record as oldest laureate for only one year before being surpassed by John B. Goodenough in 2019
- 02.He used optical tweezers to trap living bacteria and viruses without damaging them, opening new avenues for biological research
- 03.Ashkin's early experiments involved using laser light to accelerate and trap micron-sized transparent spheres in water
- 04.His work on radiation pressure built upon concepts first theorized by Johannes Kepler in 1619 when observing comet tails
- 05.The term 'optical tweezers' was coined because the laser beams could grab and manipulate particles like a pair of tweezers
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nobel Prize in Physics | 2018 | for the optical tweezers and their application to biological systems |
| Frederic Ives Medal | 1998 | — |
| Harvey Prize | 2004 | — |
| IEEE Quantum Electronics Award | 1987 | — |
| Charles Hard Townes Award | 1988 | — |
| National Inventors Hall of Fame | 2013 | — |
| Fellow of the American Physical Society | — | — |
| Fellow of the Optical Society | — | — |
| IEEE Fellow | — | — |
| Joseph F. Keithley Award For Advances in Measurement Science | 2003 | — |