Alexander Prokhorov, full name Alexander Mikhailovich Prokhorov, was a prominent Russian physicist and Nobel laureate. He was born on 11 July 1916, in Atherton, Australia, to Russian parents who were on a temporary visit to Australia at the time.
Prokhorov is best known for his contributions to the field of quantum electronics and laser technology. He played a pivotal role in the development of the maser (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) and later contributed to the development of lasers (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation).
In 1952, while working at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow, Prokhorov and his colleagues Nikolay Basov and Charles Townes independently proposed the principle of the maser. Their work laid the foundation for the development of devices that could produce and amplify coherent microwaves. For their groundbreaking research, Prokhorov, Basov, and Townes were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964.
Prokhorov continued his research on lasers and contributed to advancements in laser technology. He worked on the development of solid-state lasers and made significant contributions to the understanding of laser physics and the application of lasers in various fields.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Prokhorov was actively involved in scientific and educational institutions. He held various academic and administrative positions, including serving as the director of the General Physics Institute in Moscow. He was also a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science.
Alexander Prokhorov passed away on 08 January 2002, in Moscow, Russia. His work in quantum electronics and laser technology had a profound impact on the field of physics and paved the way for numerous technological advancements in various industries. His contributions continue to be celebrated and recognized as significant milestones in the history of science.
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