NIST’s Laser Research: A Nobel Legacy
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been at the forefront of laser research since the 1960s. In 1991, NIST researcher Kris Helmerson captured a groundbreaking photo of sodium atoms trapped by laser beams, showcasing the institute’s pioneering work in laser cooling and trapping techniques. This research, led by Nobel laureate Bill Phillips, has enabled the creation of the coldest temperatures in the universe and is crucial for developing ultra-precise atomic clocks.
NIST’s laser research has had a profound impact on science and technology. The institute’s work has transformed lasers from experimental devices into essential tools for measurement, enabling new technologies and advancing our understanding of the universe. Three NIST scientists have been awarded Nobel Prizes for their contributions to laser research, highlighting the institute’s significant role in this field. NIST’s ongoing laser research continues to shape the future of science and technology, benefiting all Americans.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/history/nists-role-laser-measurements-and-applications
Keywords: coolest, laser, atomic, research, accuracy
