In 2005, John L. Hall, a researcher at NIST and the University of Colorado, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work on laser technology. Hall focused on improving the precision and stability of lasers, which enabled a wide range of applications in science and technology.
One of Hall’s key achievements was developing the methane-stabilized helium-neon laser in the 1960s. This laser became the foundation for a NIST experiment that measured the speed of light with unprecedented accuracy, leading to a redefinition of the meter. The precise control of laser frequencies enabled applications in precision spectroscopy, fundamental physics measurements, time and length metrology, and fiber-optic communications.
Hall shared the Nobel Prize with Theodor W. Hänsch and Roy J. Glauber, who were recognized for their contributions to laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique. Their work has had a profound impact on various fields, from fundamental physics to practical applications in communication and measurement technologies.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/awards/2005-nobel-prize-physics-jan-hall
Keywords: precision laser, optical frequency, metrology
