*(The Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences) Putting it all together Yields Revolutionary Results… Creating Revolutionary Scientific Revolutionary Results from AFOSR Breakthroughs for the Warfighter The United States Air Force and Putting it All Together Yields Revolutionary Results... the Significance of Basic Research Air Force Office of Scientific Research funding has played a key role in many discoveries of critical importance to the United States Air Force, the scientific community and the whole world. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), a part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), manages the United The many advantages held by the United States Air Force investment in basic research. AFOSR accomplishes Nobel Prize in Physics Nobel Prize in Chemistry Nobel Prize in Medicine Nobel Prize in Economics* States Air Force on the battlefields of today Polykarp Kusch and Willis Lamb made discoveries that resulted in a Subramanyan Chandrasekhar and William Fowler’s work in the this task through strong, productive alliances with a wide array of and tomorrow are due, in large part, to the reshaping of the theory of quantum electrodynamics. development of models of nucleosynthesis, thermonuclear and fusion reactions, government agencies, the university research community, industry was critical in the development of the U.S. thermonuclear arsenal, and insight into Dr. Steven Chu Dr. Ahmed Zewail Dr. Paul Greengard Dr. Daniel Kahneman technological innovations developed by the John Bardeen was the co-inventor of the transistor. He laid the foundation for the “Big Bang” origin of the universe. laboratories and worldwide research establishments. the electronics revolution of the last half of the 20th century. a 1997 Nobel Prize winner in the 1999 Nobel Prize winner in shared the Nobel Prize for shared the Nobel Prize for extraordinary efforts of countless scientists and Dudley Herschbach and John Polanyi opened a new area of research in Physics, was one of three Chemistry, pioneered “femtochemistry,” Medicine in 2000 for discoveries Economics in 2002. AFOSR engineers. Willard Libby developed carbon-14 dating which allows accurate chemistry-reaction dynamics, which was pivotal in the development of the first AFOSR funding is distributed among approximately 1,200 grants determination of the age of artifacts. physicists sharing the prize for a branch of study in chemistry that regarding “signal transduction in funded Dr. Kahneman’s ground- chemical lasers. and contracts provided to more that 225 academic institutions, 150 Robert Hofstadter pioneered studies in electron scattering of atomic nuclei "development of methods to cool allows scientists to understand the nervous system.” First funded breaking research on human The Air Force Office of Scientific Research Daniel Tsui discovered a new form of quantum fluid that led to miniaturized, commercial firms and more than 240 internal Air Force research and opened new explorations into the nature of fundamental particles and allowed high-performance millimeter wave components used extensively in surveillance and and trap atoms with laser light." chemical reactions at the most by AFOSR in 1984, Greengard’s perception, attention and (AFOSR) sponsors the work of exceptional for new mechanisms for hardening systems against harmful radiation. There are few programs that demonstrate the significant impact of basic efforts performed within AFRL’s nine technology directorates. communications systems. Funded by AFOSR since 1988, fundamental level and at the speed research demonstrated the means decision-making beginning in individuals who provide basic research; the invented the maser, which was the basis for its successor, the research on an Air Force weapons system like the Airborne Laser (ABL). Additionally, AFOSR manages a portion of the basic research Charles Townes Herbert Kroemer developed semiconductor heterostructures which resulted in Chu's research provides the at which they occur. Future Air by which chemicals known as 1971. Along with psychologist foundation that underpins the dramatic evolution laser. He transformed communications, navigation, astronomy, radar, atomic the High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT), critical to today’s high-speed The fields of basic research that ultimately contributed to the realization investments of the Department of the Defense, the Defense clocks, surgery and numerous industrial procedures. foundation for atom interferometers, Force applications include: neurotransmitters carry signals Amos Twersky, Kahneman of Air Force technology. These scientists develop electronics. He also assisted in the creation of the heterostructure laser crucial to of the ABL include physics, chemistry, electronics, materials, theoretical Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Missile Defense the development of fiber-optic communications. atom lasers and more precise Greater understanding and control of between nerve cells. Under AFOSR studied the determinants of the revolutionary scientific breakthroughs that Hans Bethe was a pioneer in the theory of nuclear reactions--especially his mathematics, and of course, laser research. Seven AFOSR supported Agency. discoveries in concerning the energy production in stars. His work is used to frequency standards, the basis for the release of energy in chemical sponsorship, Greengard experi- human choice in risky situations. keep America’s Air Force the best in the world. Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit. His microchip laid the conceptual and researchers received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in lasers, assess survivability from radiation for every Air Force satellite in orbit today. technical foundation for the entire field of modern electronics. ultra-precise clocks. The Air Force mented with large nerve cells to Kahneman and Twersky showed reactions in systems such as novel including the development of the theoretical foundation for the laser itself: AFOSR is organized into three scientific directorates: Aerospace, George Porter invented novel means to study extremely fast chemical will benefit from Chu's research in understand the molecular activity that a person’s decisions depend reactions. His work contributed to understanding processes related to solar energy John Fenn received the Nobel Prize for his development of methods for rocket propellants, chemical lasers, and Charles Townes, (known as the father of the laser); Arthur Schawlow; Chemical and Material Sciences; Mathematics, Information and Among these AFOSR-sponsored scientists and of synapse transmission. This conversion and radiation damage control in biological systems. identification and structure analysis of biological macromolecules. the following areas: on how the decision problem is engineers are a select group of 56 researchers the interactions of aerospace vehicles Nicolas Bloembergen; Dudley Herschbach; John Polanyi; Steven Chu; Life Sciences; and Physics and Electronics. These directorates knowledge has led to a better framed or described, and this Murray Gell-Mann, along with George Zweig, advanced the“quark” theory. This Navigation, guidance and control systems who have earned worldwide recognition for John Hall refined the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, which with their environments. and Herbert Kroemer. manage programs supporting nearly 40 major research areas. classification of elementary particles and their interactions brought order to the understanding of the brain’s dependence results in decisions receiving the prestigious Nobel Prize for their ultimately led to even greater accuracy in defining the quantum structure of matter. (using atom interferometers for chaos created by the discovery of some 100 particles in the atom’s nucleus. Increased understanding and control of function in perception, coginition that deviate in predictable ways While the laser is the cornerstone of the ABL, the research in physics and research contributions in physics, chemistry, Robert Grubbs achieved the first well-defined catalysts for practical laboratory accelerometers and rotation sensors). AFOSR also has two foreign offices: the European Office of Ulf von Euler discovered the neural key to what controls the human body’s radar signatures from aircraft and and action. from the rational choice. electronics by Nobel winners John Bardeen, Jack Kilby, Brian Josephson, application, which have found very broad use in the chemical industry with the medicine and economics. This brochure recognizes response to stress and exertion. This research is used to help determine the Smaller electronic circuits with greater Philip Anderson, John Van Vleck and Herbert Kroemer provided revolutionary Aerospace Research and Development in London, United Kingdom development of new plastics, herbicides, drugs, and synthetic pheromones. rockets; processes that affect chemical This research benefits the Air these outstanding Nobel Prize winning research effectiveness of an individual during sustained operations. This research directly supports and the Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development in density (using atom lasers). Force by providing a solid advances in electronic computing capability and communications. Paul scientists. Brian Josephson invented the Josephson Junction. This superconductivity Roy Glauber’s work in the field of quantum optics led to the formulation that erosion in space and the drag placed on DoD goals for advancement in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, AFOSR maintains the Air Force Covert and encrypted communications scientific basis for designing Flory’s work in macromolecules led to many advanced composites integral to device provides the basis for the world’s fastest, lowest power electronic switching certain states of light could not be described with classical wave theory. satellites by their environments. model perception and cognition Research Laboratory’s International Office. These offices provide elements. This discovery greatly enhanced the precision of time measurements. equipment and jobs to match the ABL platform, while Ahmed Zewail’s advances in femtochemistry will (using precise frequency standards). for improved human performance. lead to a better understanding of the Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser enhanced access to international research opportunities for is considered by many to be the founder of polymer science. His human capabilities and Paul Flory Thomas Schelling proposed the theory that in a conflict a party can strengthen Fundamental physics study, a foundation (COIL) that is at the heart of the ABL. The Airborne Laser program is one AFRL’s entire technology community. work in macro-molecules led to the composites used in many Air Force aircraft, its position by actually weakening or limiting its options. limitations. for future breakthroughs. including the F-16, B-2, F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter. of the many significant testaments to the importance of basic research to Air Force Office of Scientific Research Philip Anderson and John van Vleck are responsible for the fundamental George Smoot shared the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics with John C. Mather “for the Air Force. solid-state physics theory. Their research made possible the development of their discovery of the blackbody form and anisotropy of the cosmic microwave Voice: (703) 696-7797 inexpensive electronic switching and memory devices in computers. background radiation,” which can be applied to space-based surveillance DSN: 426-7797 requirements. http://www.wpafb.af.mil/AFRL/afosr E-mail: [email protected] David Hubel and Thorsten Wiesel pioneered work on the mechanisms governing the brain’s visual system. Many in today’s military benefit from their Web: www.afosr.af.mil discovery of motion-sensitive cortical cells, which led to how humans detect and track moving targets. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research Sponsored Nobel Prize Winning Research

AFOSR-funded Nobel Prize Timeline This brochure acknowledges the many Nobel Prize winners whose research was supported by AFOSR. A few examples of the types of research these Nobel winners have explored and the results are included. The extraordinary body of work of this impressive list of researchers has led to scientific breakthroughs that have dramatically affected not only the Air Force, but science (SB) Physics Medicine AFOSR Support Began and technology around the world. AFOSR is proud of its sponsorship and collaboration with other agencies in supporting these researchers in the many years prior to becoming a Nobel Laureate. Chemistry Economics AFOSR is grateful for their lasting contributions to the Air Force mission.

1 9 5 0 s 1 9 6 0 s 1 9 7 0 s 1 9 8 0 s 1 9 9 0 s 2 0 0 0 s 1955 1960 1963 1966 1967 1968 1970 1973 1974 1977 1979 1981 1981 1983 1986 1988 1990 1992 1997 2000 2002 2005 2006 PHYSICS CHEMISTRY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY MEDICINE CHEMISTRY MEDICINE MEDICINE CHEMISTRY PHYSICS PHYSICS PHYSICS MEDICINE PHYSICS CHEMISTRY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY ECONOMICS CHEMISTRY PHYSICS SB 1959 SB 1961 SB1961 SB 1968 SB 1975 SB 1961 SB 1962 SB 1990 SB 1954 SB 1952 SB 1958 SB 1952 SB 1959 SB 1966 SB 1958 SB 1959 SB 1979 SB 1970 SB 1968 SB 1988 SB 1988 SB 1977 SB 1980 Ulf von Euler Nikolass Paul Flory Phillip Anderson Nicolaas Subramanyan Rudolph Marcus John Hall A Legacy of Polykarp Kusch Willard Libby Eugene Wigner Robert Mulliken Ragnar Granit Lars Onsager Sheldon Glashow David Hubel Dudley Melvin Schwartz Elias Corey Steven Chu Alan Heeger Daniel Kahneman George Smoot Columbia University The Karolinska Stanford University Bell Laboratories Harvard University Harvard Medical Stanford University Harvard University California Institute of Stanford University Princeton University University of Colorado University of University of California Princeton University University of The Karolinska Yale University Tinbergen Bloembergen Chandrasekhar Herschbach University of California Institute, Sweden University of Oxford Harvard University School University of Chicago Harvard University Technology California Willis Lamb Chicago Institute, Sweden “complete ‘fundamental “for the neutrino “for his development “development of “the discovery and “integrated insights “developed the “discovered and SB 1964 SB 1958 SB 1962 Stanford University “introduced “discoveries “theoretical studies “for his development of on human “discovery of the applied fundamental “the “made theoretical achievements in SB1981 beam method of the theory and methods to cool and trap Nobel Prize carbon-14 discoveries John Van Vleck Steven Weinberg SB 1959 SB 1981 Roy Glauber “their work discoveries concerning of the structure contributions to the conductive polymers.” judgement and blackbody form symmetry principles advancement of description of the physical Harvard University Harvard University Arthur Schawlow Thorsten Wiesel John Polanyi and the methodology of atoms with laser light.” Harvard University method for relating to decision-making became one of concering visual irreversible organization and chemistry of “investigations of Stanford University Havard Medical and evolution of University of Toronto, CA demonstration of organic synthesis.” theory of electron “development of and anisotropy of of the atomic computer codes humoral PHYSICS artifact age processes in processes.” elicitation of the electronic SB 1962 School stars.” “contributions transfer reactions under uncertainty.” laser precision the cosmic Winning the foundations nucleus.” macromolecules.” the doublet SB 1995 with predictive transmitters in SB 1956 determination.” the eye.” Abdus Salam “discoveries individual and structure of concerning the structure of the PHYSICS in chemical spectroscopy.” microwave of quantum nerve terminals.” International Centre for Kai Siegbahn 1998 Herbert Kroemer CHEMISTRY capabilities.” social behavior magnetic and concerning SB 1961 Theoretical Physics, Uppsala University, PHYSICS dynamics of leptons through systems.” PHYSICS University of California SB 1975 background electrodynamics.” SB 1961 Jerome Freedman CHEMISTRY Research patterns.” disordered systems.” Italy & Imperial College Sweden information chemical elementary SB 1985 “his work was John Fenn radiation.” 1964 PHYSICS the discovery of Massachusetts SB 1987 1972 of Science and “contributions to the processing in the William Fowler Daniel Tsui crucial to the Virginia 1961 PHYSICS SB 1953 PHYSICS 1976 California Institute of processes.” the muon Institute of Technology Robert Grubbs Technology, UK development of 1995 Princeton University Commonwealth PHYSICS SB 1953 Hans Bethe 1969 SB 1953 1973 CHEMISTRY visual system.” Technology Henry Kendall development of California Institute of “contributions to nuetrino.” CHEMISTRY University SB 1953 Cornell University PHYSICS PHYSICS SB 1959 laser spectroscopy.” Massachusetts “discovery of a new fiber optic Charles Townes John “studies of the Technology SB 1958 SB 1968 the theory of the SB 1995 “identification and Robert Massachusetts Institute “"contributed to Bardeen William 1977 1987 Institute of Technology form of quantum fluid communications.” “development of 1956 Murray Gell-Mann Brian Josephson nuclear reactions Mario Molina Hofstadter of Technology University of Ilinois Lipscomb CHEMISTRY unified weak and CHEMISTRY “development of structure analyses PHYSICS the theory of California Institute Cambridge University Massachusetts fractionally charged the metathesis Harvard Universtiy SB 1954 electromagnetic of importance in SB 1962 Stanford University “invented the nuclear reactions” "developed the the quark model in Institute of excitations.” MEDICINE of biological SB 1953 of Technology “his work is the IIya Prigogine Donald Cram method in organic “illuminated interaction between 1981 the formation of Technology SB 1984 John Bardeen “pioneered maser; laid “made discoveries theory to basis for the University Libre de University of particle physics.” macromolecules.” synthesis.” the problems CHEMISTRY Paul Greengard University of Illinois foundation for the Bruxelles, Belgium elementary the chemical “work in studies of concerning the explain fastest, lowest SB 1962 California Rockefeller University “co-inventor of CHEMISTRY of chemical particles.” elements in the atmospheric 1999 ECONOMICS electron laser.” classification of superconduc- power electronic ‘the theory of Kenichi Fukui “development “ signal transduction SB 1962 bonding.” Kyoto University, Japan universe.” chemistry, CHEMISTRY SB 1960 the transistor” elementary tivity," switching dissipative and use of scattering in George Porter SB 1986 in the nervous ‘theories concerning particularly Thomas Schelling Royal Institute of particles and their elements .” structures.” molecules with Ahmed Zewail system.” atomic nuclei.” University of Maryland interactions.” the course of concerning the California Institute of Great Britain, England structure-specific “ formation and having enhanced chemical reactions.” Technology “solar energy interactions of PHYSICS our understanding decomposition “studies of the SB 1958 conversion.” high selectivity.” of conflict and of the ozone transition of Jack Kilby layer.” Texas Instruments cooperation chemical reactions “invention of the through game- using femtosecond integrated circuit.” theory analysis.” spectroscopy.”

Air Force Office of Scientific Research | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.afosr.af.mil *(The Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences) Putting it all together Yields Revolutionary Results… Creating Revolutionary Scientific Revolutionary Results from AFOSR Breakthroughs for the Warfighter The United States Air Force and Putting it All Together Yields Revolutionary Results... the Significance of Basic Research Air Force Office of Scientific Research funding has played a key role in many discoveries of critical importance to the United States Air Force, the scientific community and the whole world. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), a part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), manages the United The many advantages held by the United States Air Force investment in basic research. AFOSR accomplishes Nobel Prize in Physics Nobel Prize in Chemistry Nobel Prize in Medicine Nobel Prize in Economics* States Air Force on the battlefields of today Polykarp Kusch and Willis Lamb made discoveries that resulted in a Subramanyan Chandrasekhar and William Fowler’s work in the this task through strong, productive alliances with a wide array of and tomorrow are due, in large part, to the reshaping of the theory of quantum electrodynamics. development of models of nucleosynthesis, thermonuclear and fusion reactions, government agencies, the university research community, industry was critical in the development of the U.S. thermonuclear arsenal, and insight into Dr. Steven Chu Dr. Ahmed Zewail Dr. Paul Greengard Dr. Daniel Kahneman technological innovations developed by the John Bardeen was the co-inventor of the transistor. He laid the foundation for the “Big Bang” origin of the universe. laboratories and worldwide research establishments. the electronics revolution of the last half of the 20th century. a 1997 Nobel Prize winner in the 1999 Nobel Prize winner in shared the Nobel Prize for shared the Nobel Prize for extraordinary efforts of countless scientists and Dudley Herschbach and John Polanyi opened a new area of research in Physics, was one of three Chemistry, pioneered “femtochemistry,” Medicine in 2000 for discoveries Economics in 2002. AFOSR engineers. Willard Libby developed carbon-14 dating which allows accurate chemistry-reaction dynamics, which was pivotal in the development of the first AFOSR funding is distributed among approximately 1,200 grants determination of the age of artifacts. physicists sharing the prize for a branch of study in chemistry that regarding “signal transduction in funded Dr. Kahneman’s ground- chemical lasers. and contracts provided to more that 225 academic institutions, 150 Robert Hofstadter pioneered studies in electron scattering of atomic nuclei "development of methods to cool allows scientists to understand the nervous system.” First funded breaking research on human The Air Force Office of Scientific Research Daniel Tsui discovered a new form of quantum fluid that led to miniaturized, commercial firms and more than 240 internal Air Force research and opened new explorations into the nature of fundamental particles and allowed high-performance millimeter wave components used extensively in surveillance and and trap atoms with laser light." chemical reactions at the most by AFOSR in 1984, Greengard’s perception, attention and (AFOSR) sponsors the work of exceptional for new mechanisms for hardening systems against harmful radiation. There are few programs that demonstrate the significant impact of basic efforts performed within AFRL’s nine technology directorates. communications systems. Funded by AFOSR since 1988, fundamental level and at the speed research demonstrated the means decision-making beginning in individuals who provide basic research; the invented the maser, which was the basis for its successor, the research on an Air Force weapons system like the Airborne Laser (ABL). Additionally, AFOSR manages a portion of the basic research Charles Townes Herbert Kroemer developed semiconductor heterostructures which resulted in Chu's research provides the at which they occur. Future Air by which chemicals known as 1971. Along with psychologist foundation that underpins the dramatic evolution laser. He transformed communications, navigation, astronomy, radar, atomic the High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT), critical to today’s high-speed The fields of basic research that ultimately contributed to the realization investments of the Department of the Defense, the Defense clocks, surgery and numerous industrial procedures. foundation for atom interferometers, Force applications include: neurotransmitters carry signals Amos Twersky, Kahneman of Air Force technology. These scientists develop electronics. He also assisted in the creation of the heterostructure laser crucial to of the ABL include physics, chemistry, electronics, materials, theoretical Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Missile Defense the development of fiber-optic communications. atom lasers and more precise Greater understanding and control of between nerve cells. Under AFOSR studied the determinants of the revolutionary scientific breakthroughs that Hans Bethe was a pioneer in the theory of nuclear reactions--especially his mathematics, and of course, laser research. Seven AFOSR supported Agency. discoveries in concerning the energy production in stars. His work is used to frequency standards, the basis for the release of energy in chemical sponsorship, Greengard experi- human choice in risky situations. keep America’s Air Force the best in the world. Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit. His microchip laid the conceptual and researchers received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in lasers, assess survivability from radiation for every Air Force satellite in orbit today. technical foundation for the entire field of modern electronics. ultra-precise clocks. The Air Force mented with large nerve cells to Kahneman and Twersky showed reactions in systems such as novel including the development of the theoretical foundation for the laser itself: AFOSR is organized into three scientific directorates: Aerospace, George Porter invented novel means to study extremely fast chemical will benefit from Chu's research in understand the molecular activity that a person’s decisions depend reactions. His work contributed to understanding processes related to solar energy John Fenn received the Nobel Prize for his development of methods for rocket propellants, chemical lasers, and Charles Townes, (known as the father of the laser); Arthur Schawlow; Chemical and Material Sciences; Mathematics, Information and Among these AFOSR-sponsored scientists and of synapse transmission. This conversion and radiation damage control in biological systems. identification and structure analysis of biological macromolecules. the following areas: on how the decision problem is engineers are a select group of 56 researchers the interactions of aerospace vehicles Nicolas Bloembergen; Dudley Herschbach; John Polanyi; Steven Chu; Life Sciences; and Physics and Electronics. These directorates knowledge has led to a better framed or described, and this Murray Gell-Mann, along with George Zweig, advanced the“quark” theory. This Navigation, guidance and control systems who have earned worldwide recognition for John Hall refined the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, which with their environments. and Herbert Kroemer. manage programs supporting nearly 40 major research areas. classification of elementary particles and their interactions brought order to the understanding of the brain’s dependence results in decisions receiving the prestigious Nobel Prize for their ultimately led to even greater accuracy in defining the quantum structure of matter. (using atom interferometers for chaos created by the discovery of some 100 particles in the atom’s nucleus. Increased understanding and control of function in perception, coginition that deviate in predictable ways While the laser is the cornerstone of the ABL, the research in physics and research contributions in physics, chemistry, Robert Grubbs achieved the first well-defined catalysts for practical laboratory accelerometers and rotation sensors). AFOSR also has two foreign offices: the European Office of Ulf von Euler discovered the neural key to what controls the human body’s radar signatures from aircraft and and action. from the rational choice. electronics by Nobel winners John Bardeen, Jack Kilby, Brian Josephson, application, which have found very broad use in the chemical industry with the medicine and economics. This brochure recognizes response to stress and exertion. This research is used to help determine the Smaller electronic circuits with greater Philip Anderson, John Van Vleck and Herbert Kroemer provided revolutionary Aerospace Research and Development in London, United Kingdom development of new plastics, herbicides, drugs, and synthetic pheromones. rockets; processes that affect chemical This research benefits the Air these outstanding Nobel Prize winning research effectiveness of an individual during sustained operations. This research directly supports and the Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development in density (using atom lasers). Force by providing a solid advances in electronic computing capability and communications. Paul scientists. Brian Josephson invented the Josephson Junction. This superconductivity Roy Glauber’s work in the field of quantum optics led to the formulation that erosion in space and the drag placed on DoD goals for advancement in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, AFOSR maintains the Air Force Covert and encrypted communications scientific basis for designing Flory’s work in macromolecules led to many advanced composites integral to device provides the basis for the world’s fastest, lowest power electronic switching certain states of light could not be described with classical wave theory. satellites by their environments. model perception and cognition Research Laboratory’s International Office. These offices provide elements. This discovery greatly enhanced the precision of time measurements. equipment and jobs to match the ABL platform, while Ahmed Zewail’s advances in femtochemistry will (using precise frequency standards). for improved human performance. lead to a better understanding of the Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser enhanced access to international research opportunities for is considered by many to be the founder of polymer science. His human capabilities and Paul Flory Thomas Schelling proposed the theory that in a conflict a party can strengthen Fundamental physics study, a foundation (COIL) that is at the heart of the ABL. The Airborne Laser program is one AFRL’s entire technology community. work in macro-molecules led to the composites used in many Air Force aircraft, its position by actually weakening or limiting its options. limitations. for future breakthroughs. including the F-16, B-2, F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter. of the many significant testaments to the importance of basic research to Air Force Office of Scientific Research Philip Anderson and John van Vleck are responsible for the fundamental George Smoot shared the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics with John C. Mather “for the Air Force. solid-state physics theory. Their research made possible the development of their discovery of the blackbody form and anisotropy of the cosmic microwave Voice: (703) 696-7797 inexpensive electronic switching and memory devices in computers. background radiation,” which can be applied to space-based surveillance DSN: 426-7797 requirements. http://www.wpafb.af.mil/AFRL/afosr E-mail: [email protected] David Hubel and Thorsten Wiesel pioneered work on the mechanisms governing the brain’s visual system. Many in today’s military benefit from their Web: www.afosr.af.mil discovery of motion-sensitive cortical cells, which led to how humans detect and track moving targets. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research Sponsored Nobel Prize Winning Research

AFOSR-funded Nobel Prize Timeline This brochure acknowledges the many Nobel Prize winners whose research was supported by AFOSR. A few examples of the types of research these Nobel winners have explored and the results are included. The extraordinary body of work of this impressive list of researchers has led to scientific breakthroughs that have dramatically affected not only the Air Force, but science (SB) Physics Medicine AFOSR Support Began and technology around the world. AFOSR is proud of its sponsorship and collaboration with other agencies in supporting these researchers in the many years prior to becoming a Nobel Laureate. Chemistry Economics AFOSR is grateful for their lasting contributions to the Air Force mission.

1 9 5 0 s 1 9 6 0 s 1 9 7 0 s 1 9 8 0 s 1 9 9 0 s 2 0 0 0 s 1955 1960 1963 1966 1967 1968 1970 1973 1974 1977 1979 1981 1981 1983 1986 1988 1990 1992 1997 2000 2002 2005 2006 PHYSICS CHEMISTRY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY MEDICINE CHEMISTRY MEDICINE MEDICINE CHEMISTRY PHYSICS PHYSICS PHYSICS MEDICINE PHYSICS CHEMISTRY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY ECONOMICS CHEMISTRY PHYSICS SB 1959 SB 1961 SB1961 SB 1968 SB 1975 SB 1961 SB 1962 SB 1990 SB 1954 SB 1952 SB 1958 SB 1952 SB 1959 SB 1966 SB 1958 SB 1959 SB 1979 SB 1970 SB 1968 SB 1988 SB 1988 SB 1977 SB 1980 Ulf von Euler Nikolass Paul Flory Phillip Anderson Nicolaas Subramanyan Rudolph Marcus John Hall A Legacy of Polykarp Kusch Willard Libby Eugene Wigner Robert Mulliken Ragnar Granit Lars Onsager Sheldon Glashow David Hubel Dudley Melvin Schwartz Elias Corey Steven Chu Alan Heeger Daniel Kahneman George Smoot Columbia University The Karolinska Stanford University Bell Laboratories Harvard University Harvard Medical Stanford University Harvard University California Institute of Stanford University Princeton University University of Colorado University of University of California Princeton University University of The Karolinska Yale University Tinbergen Bloembergen Chandrasekhar Herschbach University of California Institute, Sweden University of Oxford Harvard University School University of Chicago Harvard University Technology California Willis Lamb Chicago Institute, Sweden “complete ‘fundamental “for the neutrino “for his development “development of “the discovery and “integrated insights “developed the “discovered and SB 1964 SB 1958 SB 1962 Stanford University “introduced “discoveries “theoretical studies “for his development of on human “discovery of the applied fundamental “the “made theoretical achievements in SB1981 beam method of the theory and methods to cool and trap Nobel Prize carbon-14 discoveries John Van Vleck Steven Weinberg SB 1959 SB 1981 Roy Glauber “their work discoveries concerning of the structure contributions to the conductive polymers.” judgement and blackbody form symmetry principles advancement of description of the physical Harvard University Harvard University Arthur Schawlow Thorsten Wiesel John Polanyi and the methodology of atoms with laser light.” Harvard University method for relating to decision-making became one of concering visual irreversible organization and chemistry of “investigations of Stanford University Havard Medical and evolution of University of Toronto, CA demonstration of organic synthesis.” theory of electron “development of and anisotropy of of the atomic computer codes humoral PHYSICS artifact age processes in processes.” elicitation of the electronic SB 1962 School stars.” “contributions transfer reactions under uncertainty.” laser precision the cosmic Winning the foundations nucleus.” macromolecules.” the doublet SB 1995 with predictive transmitters in SB 1956 determination.” the eye.” Abdus Salam “discoveries individual and structure of concerning the structure of the PHYSICS in chemical spectroscopy.” microwave of quantum nerve terminals.” International Centre for Kai Siegbahn 1998 Herbert Kroemer CHEMISTRY capabilities.” social behavior magnetic and concerning SB 1961 Theoretical Physics, Uppsala University, PHYSICS dynamics of leptons through systems.” PHYSICS University of California SB 1975 background electrodynamics.” SB 1961 Jerome Freedman CHEMISTRY Research patterns.” disordered systems.” Italy & Imperial College Sweden information chemical elementary SB 1985 “his work was John Fenn radiation.” 1964 PHYSICS the discovery of Massachusetts SB 1987 1972 of Science and “contributions to the processing in the William Fowler Daniel Tsui crucial to the Virginia 1961 PHYSICS SB 1953 PHYSICS 1976 California Institute of processes.” the muon Institute of Technology Robert Grubbs Technology, UK development of 1995 Princeton University Commonwealth PHYSICS SB 1953 Hans Bethe 1969 SB 1953 1973 CHEMISTRY visual system.” Technology Henry Kendall development of California Institute of “contributions to nuetrino.” CHEMISTRY University SB 1953 Cornell University PHYSICS PHYSICS SB 1959 laser spectroscopy.” Massachusetts “discovery of a new fiber optic Charles Townes John “studies of the Technology SB 1958 SB 1968 the theory of the SB 1995 “identification and Robert Massachusetts Institute “"contributed to Bardeen William 1977 1987 Institute of Technology form of quantum fluid communications.” “development of 1956 Murray Gell-Mann Brian Josephson nuclear reactions Mario Molina Hofstadter of Technology University of Ilinois Lipscomb CHEMISTRY unified weak and CHEMISTRY “development of structure analyses PHYSICS the theory of California Institute Cambridge University Massachusetts fractionally charged the metathesis Harvard Universtiy SB 1954 electromagnetic of importance in SB 1962 Stanford University “invented the nuclear reactions” "developed the the quark model in Institute of excitations.” MEDICINE of biological SB 1953 of Technology “his work is the IIya Prigogine Donald Cram method in organic “illuminated interaction between 1981 the formation of Technology SB 1984 John Bardeen “pioneered maser; laid “made discoveries theory to basis for the University Libre de University of particle physics.” macromolecules.” synthesis.” the problems CHEMISTRY Paul Greengard University of Illinois foundation for the Bruxelles, Belgium elementary the chemical “work in studies of concerning the explain fastest, lowest SB 1962 California Rockefeller University “co-inventor of CHEMISTRY of chemical particles.” elements in the atmospheric 1999 ECONOMICS electron laser.” classification of superconduc- power electronic ‘the theory of Kenichi Fukui “development “ signal transduction SB 1962 bonding.” Kyoto University, Japan universe.” chemistry, CHEMISTRY SB 1960 the transistor” elementary tivity," switching dissipative and use of scattering in George Porter SB 1986 in the nervous ‘theories concerning particularly Thomas Schelling Royal Institute of particles and their elements .” structures.” molecules with Ahmed Zewail system.” atomic nuclei.” University of Maryland interactions.” the course of concerning the California Institute of Great Britain, England structure-specific “ formation and having enhanced chemical reactions.” Technology “solar energy interactions of PHYSICS our understanding decomposition “studies of the SB 1958 conversion.” high selectivity.” of conflict and of the ozone transition of Jack Kilby layer.” Texas Instruments cooperation chemical reactions “invention of the through game- using femtosecond integrated circuit.” theory analysis.” spectroscopy.”

Air Force Office of Scientific Research | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.afosr.af.mil