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Home , Berni Alder, Edward Teller, Emil Konopinski, Enrico Fermi Award, Nuclear Secrets, Radiation implosion

July/August 1998

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

CelebratingCelebrating EdwardEdward TellerTeller atat 9090 About the Cover July/August 1998

Lawrence On the occasion of ’s 90th Livermore National birthday, S&TR has the pleasure of honoring Laboratory Lawrence Livermore’s co-founder and most influential scientist. Teller is known for his inventive work in , his concepts leading to thermonuclear explosions, and his strong stands on such issues as science education, the nation’s strategic defense, the needs for science in the future, and sharing scientific information. The articles in this issue also show him, as always, tirelessly moving forward with his new and changing interests. Celebrating Edward Teller at 90

About the Review

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the Department of Energy. At Livermore, we focus science and technology on assuring our nation’s security. We also apply that expertise to solve other important national problems in energy, bioscience, and the environment. Science & Technology Review is published ten times a year to communicate, to a broad audience, the Laboratory’s scientific and technological accomplishments in fulfilling its primary missions. The publication’s goal is to help readers understand these accomplishments and appreciate their value to the individual citizen, the nation, and the world. Please address any correspondence (including name and address changes) to S&TR, Mail Stop L-664, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, or telephone (925) 422-8961. Our electronic mail address is [email protected].

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¥ ¥ apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or the Prepared by LLNL under contract University of California. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the No. W-7405-Eng-48 United States Government or the University of California and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. S&TR Staff July/August 1998

SCIENTIFIC EDITOR Lawrence J. Smart Livermore National MANAGING EDITOR Laboratory Sam Hunter

PUBLICATION EDITOR Sue Stull

WRITERS 2 Commentary by Bruce Tarter Bart Hacker, Arnie Heller, Gina Kaiper, Happy Birthday, Edward! Sue Stull, Katie Walter, and Gloria Wilt Feature ART DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER Kitty Tinsley Celebrating Edward Teller at 90 4 Glimpses of an Exceptional Man INTERNET DESIGNER 6 Still Shaking Up Science Today Kitty Tinsley 10 Gifts of a Fertile Mind COMPOSITOR 22 For the Love of Science Louisa Cardoza 27 Edward Teller’s Awards 28 Edward Teller’s Honorary Degrees PROOFREADER Al Miguel Edward Teller’s Books

S&TR is a Director’s Office publication, produced by the Technical Information Department, under the direction of the Office of Policy, Planning, and Special Studies.

Printed in the United States of America

Available from National Technical Information Service U.S. Department of Commerce 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161

UCRL-52000-98-7/8 Distribution Category UC-700 July/August 1998 2 Commentary by Bruce Tarter

Happy Birthday, Edward!

HEN we began making plans to celebrate Edward Teller’s this area for many years (and again today, I’m happy to say). W90th birthday, I asked him if he would give a talk to the The second was the development of nuclear weapons that Laboratory. We discussed it and agreed he would give two could be carried by submarines—a very difficult technical talks, the first to a small group at lunch, and then an address in achievement, and one that changed the calculus of the Cold the auditorium that would also be televised throughout the War because it effectively negated the advantage of a first Laboratory. These events would be followed by a dinner and strike (by either side). Finally, there was the work on strategic remarks the next evening at the Stanford University Faculty defense, which he (and many others) believe led to the Club, near the , where he now spends the collapse of the and the end of the . other half of his professional life. All of us who participated in Looking to the future, Dr. Teller enthralled the audience this sequence of activities will remember and cherish them as by describing in some detail a particular area of research that remarkable for a scientist of any age, but simply astonishing should be possible with the National Ignition Facility currently for someone entering his tenth decade. under construction. Specifically, we should be able to create At his birthday lunch, Dr. Teller reflected on the nature of matter at very high pressures and (relatively) low scientific inquiry, as contrasted with artistic value or moral temperatures, leading to an entirely new domain for purpose. It was a particularly interesting talk because he laboratory physics as well as exploring much of planetary illustrated it with anecdotes from his student days, including a and astrophysics. memorable conversation with . As he has so often These two talks and their main themes are indicative of in his life, he concluded by arguing strongly that knowledge be the intensity and diversity of Dr. Teller’s extraordinary pursued as vigorously as possible, its applications sought, and contributions as a scientist. At his birthday dinner at Stanford, both the knowledge and applications described to everyone so I said the best gift we could offer him was to continue to that decisions could then be made about their use. pursue knowledge and its applications as vigorously as In his speech to the Laboratory, “More Science in possible at the Laboratory and to focus on the future, not the Livermore,” Dr. Teller reflected on the Laboratory and on what past. The one tangible gift is this issue of Science and it might do in the future. After remarking, “The Laboratory is Technology Review, not as a memorial, but as a guide to the the one thing in my life I am completely happy about,” he life of one of the most original and important figures of the briefly described three specific contributions of the Laboratory 20th century. that had really major importance. Happy Birthday, Edward. The first contribution was the introduction of very large computers into the scientific enterprise and our leadership in ■ Bruce Tarter is the Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 3

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998

4 Glimpses of an Exceptional Man

EACHING one’s 90th birthday is endures, he has prevailed. Still actively consulted by Papa Teller regarded R in itself an achievement. Edward pursuing new scientific ideas, still a Edward as exceptional in the subject. Teller came to that milestone with much leader in foreseeing problems in need Certainly, Teller’s early educational more—important accomplishments, of solution, Teller is irrepressible and ambitions were to study at great honor, public recognition. For sure, influential. We had better take seriously the university. He was deterred in this by the way has sometimes been rough; his wishes for his 100th birthday, a father who, concerned about Edward’s controversies have surrounded a good among them, “excellent predictions— professional future, bade him to study part of his life. But Teller not only calculations and experiments—about chemical engineering. For two years the interiors of the planets” that he Teller did this, but he was pulled away by wants Lawrence Livermore’s scientists the excitement over , to give him. a new theory of physics that was changing If there was a foreshadow of his the way scientists viewed atoms and career, it was late in appearing. Born in molecules. Teller joined the fray and went , Hungary, in 1908, little Ede to the University of Leipzig, where he Teller did not utter a word until he was studied under . three years old. His grandfather was Just before he entered Leipzig, afraid he might be retarded. But in a tragedy struck: Teller, absentmindedly case of all or nothing, when at last the missing his trolley stop, jumped off the child began to speak, it was in complete vehicle after it had restarted and fell sentences. Shortly thereafter, he was under its tracks. He lost a foot to the inventing mathematical games to amuse accident and has since then depended himself. At the family dinner table with on a . The accident prevented father Max, mother Ilona, and older him from engaging in many athletic sister Emmi, he would sometimes ask activities, but his competitive spirit and to be left alone because he had a determination allowed him to excel in “problem”—that is, he was pondering a one—Ping-Pong. Teller has said that he mathematics question. At an early age, was not greatly afflicted by the loss of he read and understood Euler’s text on his foot; Werner Heisenberg has said algebra. Mathematics professors that it was the hardiness of Teller’s

Born in Budapest, Begins to talk late, Hungary, the son of but in complete Max and Ilona Teller. sentences.

1908 1910 1912

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spirit, rather than stoicism, that allowed unhappy about being interrupted, as career. His own inclination was to pursue him to cope so well with the accident. happened one day when pure science; war turned him into an Teller met his wife, nicknamed phoned. Fortunately for Szilard, the applied scientist who used his expertise Mici (for Augusta Maria), through his reason for the call—confirming the to develop weapons in the service of friendship with Edward “Suki” Harkanyi, fundamental basis for nuclear bombs, the United States. His work on the her older brother. They married in that bombarding elements could hydrogen bomb was an important February 1934, after a long courtship cause the release of more neutrons—was accomplishment, especially when we punctuated with separations caused by interesting enough to displace Mozart. found out that the Soviets were his university studies and appointments If Teller likes to have his Steinway developing their own H-bomb. That and a break of two years caused by a (the “monster” purchased at a hotel work also made possible an invulnerable quarrel over Mici’s decision to study at auction in Chicago) moved to wherever submarine-based nuclear deterrent. But the University of without first he lives, he also likes to be surrounded somehow the confluence of Teller’s discussing any commitment to Edward. by scientific colleagues and continually achievement with the scientific debate But their life together was foreordained. share ideas. Essential to Teller’s scientific over nuclear weapons in McCarthy-era For over 60 years, Mici Teller has been method are free exchanges that stimulate politics led to the Teller–Oppenheimer an integral part of Edward’s life at thought or check irrationalities. It is no conflagration that damaged both locales in Europe and across the United surprise that he feels strongly about scientists. States. Early one year, Mici was scientific exchanges or that he expresses Teller has survived and gone on. uprooted from their home of three himself well and is a natural teacher. Today, as emeritus director of Lawrence months and moved several times, from In his youth, Teller and his family Livermore National Laboratory and the Virginia suburbs to New York City, experienced repression and persecution at senior research fellow at the Hoover then to Berkeley, and, just as she found the hands of the Communists after Bela Institution at Stanford University, he herself pregnant, on to Chicago and Kun seized power in Hungary. One war can look back on a very full life. But finally to Los Alamos. Paul, their first later, they were persecuted by Nazis. After Teller, being Teller, mostly looks ahead. child, was born during the first summer 1938, they were afraid to visit family — Gloria Wilt at Los Alamos, and Wendy followed and friends in Hungary lest they be two years later. detained by the instruments of Nazi Some scientists live only for their power. Teller never saw his father again, work. Teller, who greatly loves science, and he was not to be reunited with his nevertheless has many other interests mother and older sister Emmi until 1959. and pursuits. Among them is music. He Emmi’s husband was lost to the Nazis, as is an accomplished pianist with an was Mici’s brother. extensive classical repertoire. When The political events that so affected relaxing at the piano with Mozart, he is Teller’s life also affected his scientific

Enters the Minta Attends Mellinger School established by School in Budapest. Moritz von Karmann.

1914 1916 1918

Niels Bohr applies Edward and Mici Teller have always enjoyed quantum theory to music. (Photo courtesy of Jon Brenneis.) the movement of electrons around the atom.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998

6 Still Shaking Up Science Today

HERE is little doubt that Edward fields as well, has inspired generations of the hill for their narrow specialty, but TTeller is one of the towering figures of nuclear .” Edward has the ‘intellectual bandwidth’ of 20th-century physics. At 90, he is still Although he officially retired from to be pretty good in a lot of areas and one of the most influential men of Lawrence Livermore in 1975, Teller tops in any area he chooses.” In that science. Although his early training was remains extremely active. He currently respect, says Wood, Teller is similar to in chemical physics and , divides his time between Livermore, other 20th-century greats like Enrico Teller has made substantial contributions where he is Director Emeritus, and Fermi, Leo Szilard, and John von to such diverse fields as , Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, Neumann, who all made sizable plasma physics, astrophysics, and where he is a senior research fellow. contributions to more than one field . Lawrence While at Livermore, Teller pursues (and who all at one time or another Livermore Mort Weiss, a close amazingly diverse research interests were close colleagues of Teller). friend, has written: “His work has with the gusto and curiosity of someone Livermore physicist Neal shaped the nature of nuclear physics 40 years younger. “He has an inborn Snyderman attributes Teller’s insatiable research and has left an indelible wide range of interests, and it seems curiosity to the fact that he was present impression on that field. His wide- every year his interests get broader,” at the creation of quantum mechanics. ranging, questing, and tenacious approach observes former Livermore Director “There was such excitement that you to research, not only in nuclear physics . could finally understand matter. You but in many other Longtime Livermore colleague finally had rules and then the great Lowell Wood notes that there are many challenge of trying to understand generalists who know a little about everything.” many things, but “Edward knows Concerning Teller’s famous a lot about everything.” Because assurance to the Navy in 1956 that Teller is expert in Lawrence Livermore could produce a so many fields, he sees thermonuclear warhead small enough connections and relationships to be carried by a submarine, former between disciplines. Livermore Director Johnny Foster says Says Wood, “Other that Teller had studied the technical scientists can be king challenges of miniaturizing warheads to

1920

(left) Lowell Wood and Edward Teller have long worked physics challenges Socialists take together. (right) From Hungarian Ambassador Pal Tar, Teller accepts the over Hungary. Middle Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit, one of the country’s highest decorations. (Photo courtesy of Stanford University's Hoover Institution.)

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 7

a greater degree than people at the time of catastrophic damage to the Earth from phenomenon illustrates the oft-repeated appreciated. “Actually, Teller does a an asteroid or comet, similar to the one observation that Teller seems to lot more thinking than talking.” If he that probably triggered the demise of anticipate society’s needs for scientific has a motto, says Foster, it is that dinosaurs. Teller has collaborated with and technological solutions, but more “you’ve got to probe the limits.” several Livermore physicists, including than that, he feels an overriding In attempting to explain Teller’s Dick More, on the issue of determining necessity to personally provide answers. mark in so many disciplines, Weiss whether a collision by a giant asteroid Over the past few years, Teller’s cites his “fantastic ability to absorb would disrupt Earth’s magnetic field. concern for the planet has grown to information.” What’s more, he says, A 1995 workshop at Livermore on devising ingenious fixes for possible “Teller’s a very intuitive thinker. He has planetary defense drew more than 100 environmental crises. He was the lead a lot of ideas, and every now and then scientists from , Russia, Europe, author of a paper presented at an there’s a real shaker that changes physics.” and the U.S. Teller emphasized to international conference in last year attendees the need for experiments to that outlined technological responses to Plenty of “Shakers” determine the composition and structure drastic climate changes. He argued that Teller is especially interested in the of comets and asteroids, and he discussed current technology offers much more contributions to physics that will be a strategy for mitigating hazardous objects realistic options for addressing global possible with the National Ignition so large as to be beyond the capabilities warming than proposed drastic cutbacks Facility, now under construction at of nuclear explosives. in emissions. One Livermore. “All of planetary physics and “Today, we know a meteorite killed attractive approach, he suggested, much of astrophysics, like the explanation 90% of all living things—dinosaurs and involves diminishing by about 1% the of magnetic fields in sunspots, may well all kinds of other things. And that it was amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s depend on the findings of NIF,” he that meteorite that actually stimulated surface, to counteract any warming declared recently. Such findings, he said, our own evolution. I have never been in effect of greenhouse gases. In like could be even more important than the favor of people dying out and a new manner, the paper discusses prospects for Laboratory’s contributions to national world taking over. I would rather have “physics-based modulation” of sudden security. evolution based on dreamed possibilities. plunges in temperatures, similar to those While much of Teller’s attention in So I advocate the building of telescopes, in the past that resulted in mini ice ages. the 1980s was directed to designing the prediction of collisions, and the Strongly related to Teller’s concern defensive systems to safeguard the nation deflection of objects, such as meteorites,” with planetary protection is his interest in against ballistic missile attack, his focus Teller said. the origin of life and the forces that have in the 1990s has expanded to protecting The topic of asteroid collisions with shaped evolution. Snyderman suggests the planet from possible catastrophes. Earth has recently caught the fancy of Teller is interested in because it One particular concern is the possibility the public and moviemakers. The involves fundamental chemistry, one of

Slips when Enters U. of Receives Graduates Enters Karlsruhe Technical exiting a Leipzig to study Ph.D. in from the Minta Institute, , to streetcar, physics under physics School, top of class study chemical severing Werner from U. in physics and math. engineering and math. right foot. Heisenberg. of Leipzig.

1922 1924 1926 1928 1930

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 8

his first great interests, and because the features are simple, inexpensive, and propulsion engines in the 1960s and on origin of life presents “one of the great easily understood.” If widely employed, more exotic, fusion-driven designs in questions scientists are capable of the reactor could directly reduce present- the 1970s. Teller’s current concept is answering but have not yet done so.” day worldwide carbon dioxide emissions a rocket engine, based on a by twofold, thereby providing “a solution reactor, that would make Safer solution to all aspects of global possible travel from Earth to Mars in If the industrial world’s production warming.” one day. As might be expected, Teller’s of carbon dioxide is indeed causing The advanced reactor would be interests in space range far beyond global warming, then safe and affordable deployed 200 meters underground and visiting the solar system, extending to nuclear power, Teller believes, is a sure capable of delivering electrical power the great questions of modern way to counteract that trend. His interest up to 1,000 megawatts. It would be cosmology, including the physics of in safe fission reactors dates to the very connected to the plant’s electrical black holes and gamma-ray bursts. beginnings of the . Shortly generator subsystems situated after its formation in June 1947, the aboveground. The residual radioactivity Interest in Superconductors Atomic Energy Commission established would be sealed within the reactor’s core Colleagues say Teller’s enduring the Reactor Safeguard Committee, with and thereafter allowed to decay in place. interest in magnetism is a natural Teller as its first chairman. Notes Heat from the radioactivity would extension of his early background in Snyderman, “Teller was involved from prevent water from reaching the system. chemistry. One offshoot of that interest is the very start of nuclear power more The novel concept has drawn interest his work with Livermore physicist Brian than 50 years ago. He believes it’s the from scientists from other national Wilson to advance the current theory ultimate practical power source, but he laboratories and even from of high-temperature superconducting also recognizes there’s a public and Russia. Foster, who is familiar with materials. First discovered in 1986, perception that must be overcome.” the design, says that although much these materials carry currents without During the past decade, Teller has engineering work is required, the concept the loss of any energy and in some cases worked with Wood and other is sound and deserves further work. generate immensely powerful magnetic Livermore scientists on a new kind of “What energy source are we going to fields. A satisfactory explanation for reactor. The papers leave our children?” he asks. how high-temperature superconductors describe a that has no Teller also has a long-term interest work still eludes scientists. moving parts and can operate without in applying nuclear energy (both fusion Superconductivity is also of interest human intervention for three decades. and fission) to space exploration. Wood to Teller because the promise of Such a reactor, the authors state, “may recalls working as a graduate student is dependent on the use be widely acceptable because its safety with Teller on designs for fission space of materials through which current can

Marries Rockefeller Fellow Research Augusta at Niels Bohr’s Associate at Maria (“Mici”) Institute U. of Göttingen. Harkanyi. for .

1932 1934

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 9

flow with little or no resistance. Teller he’s in the hospital.” Foster describes Teller never wavers from what he was among the first to see that the future taking his son to visit Teller at Stanford believes must be said, says Wood. of computers in science lay in creating Hospital. Wood was also visiting at “Politicians may not agree with him, but models of physical events. the time, Foster recalls, and within they know they are listening to the voice What accounts for Teller’s fertile 15 seconds, the three scientists (including of integrity.” He points out that Teller mind and extraordinary productivity a bedridden Teller), to the amazement had already “shaped the course of men even at age 90? “Physics must be the of the younger Foster, were vigorously and nations” by the time he reached the fountain of youth,” says Snyderman. arguing physics, weapons systems, and age of 70 in 1978. And yet, Teller became “He’s incredibly sharp. I can’t keep up ballistic-missile-defense issues. a tireless advocate for strategic defense with him.” Snyderman, like Weiss, has At the same time, Foster describes a during the following decade, willingly for years met weekly with Teller to man who is “just so gentle.” Friends and enduring much personal criticism from discuss whatever topic is on his mind associates all say they wish the public both politicians and fellow scientists. that day. He admits that Teller has most could see the Teller they know, a man of Foster says that Teller has thought of the original ideas. “He’s always warmth, humor, and playfulness. Indeed, through the proper relationship of thinking about the future, and yet he Wood says the single most striking scientist to society more carefully than keeps coming back to old problems. If feature about Teller’s life is the difference anyone else he knows. “If there’s a big he’s not satisfied that a problem has between the popular public image of the national issue dealing with science and been completely resolved, he keeps cold scientific genius and the reality of engineering, he’ll address that issue, returning to find a practical and elegant a very warm, concerned human being. work hard, and make his contribution solution. The only authority to Edward regardless of politics. . . . He’ll go up is logic.” Taking a Stand against impossible odds. You’ll tell him Snyderman says that he usually Teller continues to take strong, and that he doesn’t have a chance, but he’ll emerges from discussions with Teller occasionally unpopular, stands on issues say that he’s a champion of lost causes.” “in such an excited mood.” Nuckolls involving science and technology. In “It’s striking to see a person at the age finds Teller today much as he was 1995 he said, “We scientists are not of 90 interested in moving forward,” says when Nuckolls arrived at Livermore in responsible and should not be responsible Wood. “It’s a combination of physical the mid-1950s: “extremely creative and for making decisions. But we scientists strength and good genes, but more intuitive, with an insatiable curiosity.” are uniquely and absolutely responsible important, a strength of character and Citing Teller’s “incredible intensity,” for giving information. We must provide of purpose. Teller chooses to make the Foster observes that Teller is “not happy the decision makers with the data. On effort despite his failing physiology. if he isn’t driving himself to exhaustion. the basis of this, they will have the best I think that’s quite remarkable.” Occasionally he oversteps it, and then chance to make the right decisions.” — Arnie Heller

With , establishes Lecturer With Mici, Professor of “thermonuclear energy” theme for at U. of sails to the physics at George annual Washington Conference on London. U.S. Washington U. Theoretical Physics.

1936 1938

Otto Hahn and Leo Szilard Fritz Straussman, verifies working in production from Germany, split fission of uranium atom. uranium.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 10 GiftsGifts ofof aa FertileFertile MindMind It was a fertile decade to which Edward Teller was born: Planck’s work in radiation and energy, the Wright brothers’ first powered flight, and Einstein’s theory of relativity. What Teller has accomplished is rooted in his continual quest for knowledge and the desire for scientists to share their findings.

S he enters his tenth decade, Edward Teller A continues questing after knowledge and innovation. Time recently cited his suggestion of sending a robot spacecraft to rendezvous with asteroid XF11, first thought to be on a collision path with Earth. The idea was to get information about the composition and strength of passing asteroids so as to understand how best to destroy or divert them. Teller for some time has been interested in outer space and has been concerned with the possibility of catastrophes caused by asteroids, comets, or other near-Earth objects. In fact, he and his colleagues have studied ways to deflect or destroy such objects with nuclear

Drives Leo Szilard to ’s summer cottage for him to sign letter to President Roosevelt about “. . . powerful bombs of a new type.”

11

explosions. Prolific in his ideas and determined in his pursuit of scientific In 1957, the truth, Teller has promoted scientific founders of the studies far ahead of their time, studies new Livermore branch of the that often have profoundly affected the University of direction of science and technology. California Radiation While making notable contributions Laboratory are to science, Teller has also involved shown: E. O. himself in myriad causes. He has Lawrence, Teller, and Herbert F. promoted science education to develop York, the first strong scientists and engineers for the director. future; he has advocated openness in sharing scientific information; he has been at the forefront of developing safe nuclear energy for civilian use; and he has developed advanced technologies to defend U.S. national security. That last cause has, of course, brought Teller both credit and controversy. It scientific innovations while serving across a broad range of physics subfields. has endowed him with a larger-than-life the nation’s security interests. The He began with atomic and molecular presence in the scientific pantheon and work at Livermore demonstrates just physics and broadened his expertise has forever tagged him as the “father of how comprehensive Teller science with nuclear physics, plasma physics, the hydrogen bomb.” Nevertheless, it is has been. astrophysics, and statistical mechanics. not the sum of his work; a better symbol In 1925, when Teller graduated from of his work is Lawrence Livermore Doing Pure Science gymnasium in Hungary and entered National Laboratory, the institution Teller Throughout his career, Teller has university in Germany, it was a time fought for and cites as his proudest been a participant in the development of revolution and extraordinary achievement. Founded as a second of nuclear theory; he has helped shape breakthroughs in physics. Einstein had weapons laboratory, it has also been, the nature of nuclear physics research. turned the scientific world on its head as Teller intended, a world-class science Trained in chemical physics and with his theory of relativity. Then Niels research institution that has made many spectroscopy, he cast his research net Bohr came along and invented the early

Hears President Roosevelt address Physics professor, Physicist, U. of Chicago, Pan American Scientific Conference & Columbia U., working working on chain-reaction call to join in defending “our science, our with & Becomes research for U.S. Office culture, our American freedom, and our Leo Szilard on chain- naturalized of Scientific Research civilization” as a personal call to action. reaction research. U.S. citizen. & Development.

1940 1942

Hitler invades . Hitler invades Japan bombs Britain and France Belgium, the Pearl Harbor; declare war on , & U.S. declares Germany. Germany Luxembourg. war on Japan works on atomic bomb. & Germany.

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quantum theory—the radical insight molecular ion and thereby explained the enduring contributions. Because of that electrons circling atomic nuclei properties and behavior of the hydrogen the effect’s value in spectroscopy, were jumping from orbit to orbit molecule. A mathematics prodigy, calculating chemical reactivity, and without heed to the space in between— Teller was the right person for solving determining crystal structure, its and revolutionized the scientific the involved mathematics problem of significance extends through all of understanding of atoms and molecules. how one electron spins around two modern chemistry. Bohr’s theory started to explain the nuclei. That work was one of the Teller had meanwhile fled Germany stability of atoms, how combinations of earliest descriptions and still is a widely in 1933, going first to Copenhagen, then neutral atoms could form chemical held view of the molecule today. London. In 1935, he accepted a position bonds, and why atoms of a particular During the 1930s, Teller continued at George Washington University, where element could form only limited working on electron structure in he continued his work in chemical numbers of bonds. molecular physics at the University of physics. His most significant result in Teller, fascinated by quantum Göttingen. With Heisenberg in 1933, the late 1930s centered on the theory of mechanics, changed from studying Teller wrote another significant paper, the physical of gases on chemical engineering—which he was which extended the Franck–Condon surfaces. Named the BET theory after doing at the behest of his father—and principle to symmetry-breaking the initials of its creators Brunauer, went to the University of Leipzig to transitions among the nuclei in a Emmett, and Teller, it still plays a major study physics under Werner Heisenberg, polyatomic molecule. In 1939, this idea role in calculations for such industrial an important contributor to modern was applied to absorption spectra of processes as catalysis of chemical quantum mechanics theory. Heisenberg’s benzene, explaining an anomalous band reactions. uncertainty principle held that subatomic in the ultraviolet. At George Washington, Teller began particles are governed not by causality A series of collaborations with his a fruitful collaboration in nuclear physics but by probability. students and colleagues led to a 1937 and astrophysics with the distinguished As Heisenberg’s student, Teller paper coauthored with Emil Jahn on the physicist George Gamow. Their first obtained his Ph.D. in 1930 in theoretical Jahn–Teller effect, a statement about publication appeared the same year physics. The same year, he published the role of electron energy levels in Teller arrived and led to the definition his first paper, “Hydrogen Molecular determining the shape of molecules of Gamow–Teller transitions, a still- Ion,” the result of his application of with more than two atoms. Although important extension of the theory of quantum mechanics to the chemical the proof was purely mathematical and . The beta decay theory bond of the positively charged hydrogen its predictions were not verified describes the radioactive transformation molecule. Teller exactly calculated the experimentally until 1952, it remains of an atom as the nucleus emits or energy levels in an excited hydrogen one of Teller’s most significant and absorbs an electron or positron, changing

Physicist, Manhattan Engineer District, working Physics professor, U. of at Los Alamos Scientific Chicago, taking leaves for Laboratory. stints at Los Alamos.

1944 1946

First full-scale President test Atomic bomb controlled nuclear Roosevelt shot of atomic is dropped on reaction is achieved, in dies. device, from Hiroshima & a reactor built at New Mexico. Nagasaki; . Germany Japan surrenders. surrenders.

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its atomic number by one without conference wondered whether a Enrico Fermi at . altering its . The Gamow– splitting nucleus would release enough Their work led to the first controlled Teller theory provides rules for additional neutrons to start a fission . classifying subatomic particle behavior that would release a Early in the war, atomic research in . large amount of energy. Two months intensified and was consolidated at the With this work, Teller, who had been following the conference, Leo Szilard, University of Chicago’s Metallurgical pondering the activity of the electron a Hungarian colleague and friend of Laboratory, where Teller was a part of spinning around the atom, found himself Teller’s, confirmed the feasibility of the theoretical group and worked on delving into the very heart of the atom, such a chain reaction in his laboratory. the first nuclear reactor. There, the the nucleus. Teller and others’ prewar A way had been found to make a bomb feasibility of releasing significant research in nuclear physics produced of great power out of a small amount of nuclear energy was confirmed. The significant theoretical results on the fissionable material, and Teller would to produce the bomb forces holding nuclei together, the play a role in it. began, and scientists took off for the forces between nucleons, models of The following events are well mountains of New Mexico. the , and neutron recounted in history books: Szilard and Once Teller had settled his family in scattering in molecular gases and Teller convinced Einstein to sign a letter Los Alamos in April 1943, one of his crystal lattices. to President Roosevelt about an atom- early responsibilities was to indoctrinate bomb-building project; America incoming scientists about the project. He Developing Nuclear Weapons entered the war, which galvanized also worked on implosion calculations, In 1939, at the Washington bomb research; the top-secret Manhattan helping to develop Conference on Theoretical Physics Project enlisted an elite band of ways to calculate the and convened annually by George Gamow, scientists to work on the bomb in the nuclear efficiency of various bomb attendees received some startling news: remote mountains of Los Alamos; and designs. He devised the implosion the German scientists and work culminated in 1945, with the approach used in the first atomic bomb. Fritz Strassman had discovered fission. explosion of the world’s first atomic But even as he was involved with the Bombarding uranium with neutrons, bomb. work on the fission weapon, Teller, they had split the nucleus and released Teller was present throughout the always thinking ahead, was pondering a a great amount of energy. critical points in the development of fusion bomb, one that worked not by That announcement was to be the the atomic bomb. He obtained initial splitting heavy nuclei but by uniting opening salvo leading to the Manhattan federal funding for chain-reaction light nuclei. The same process that Project and the development of the research, performing experiments by powers the sun and the stars, fusion atomic bomb. Scientists at the the fall of 1941 with Leo Szilard and involves hydrogen, whose nuclei are the

Is appointed chairman Assistant Director of AEC’s Advisory Becomes member of of Los Alamos Committee on Nuclear National Academy of Scientific Reactor Safeguards. Science. Laboratory.

1948

First Soviet Mao Tse-Tung fission proclaims the device is People’s detonated. Republic of China.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 14

including Teller, felt that it would only In 1952, the Los be a matter of time before the Soviets Alamos laboratory developed a hydrogen bomb. To maintain successfully tested “Mike,” the world’s the balance of power, it was imperative first thermonuclear for the U.S. to develop a hydrogen explosion, based on bomb first. A majority of the scientific Edward Teller’s community had doubts about the morality ideas. Subsequently, or the practicality of developing such a the Livermore Laboratory tested bomb, but pressure to build it mounted and developed the with the discovery that Manhattan Polaris missile Project scientist had passed warheads. —including concepts for a hydrogen bomb—to the Soviets. On January 31, 1950, President Truman gave the go-ahead to intensify the simplest in nature and have the lowest significant fusion. But Manhattan Project pursuit of the fusion hydrogen bomb. electrical charge. Hydrogen nuclei also colleague revisited (See box, p. 16.) have the least repulsion of each other, these calculations with him, and they Back at Los Alamos, scientists were so the nuclei fuse at lower temperatures. concluded that the concept probably trying to solve a critical problem of Scientists knew that fusion theoretically would work. The thermonuclear propagating a fusion reaction initiated by could release more energy per unit mass superbomb became a secondary a fission bomb through a cylinder of than fission. endeavor during the Manhattan Project. liquid . The breakthrough With suggestions from Fermi, Teller The end of the war diminished the came when Teller invented the radiation had conceptualized a fusion weapon, in government’s interest in weapon implosion concept, which was described which a fission bomb would be used to development, so research work at Los by Teller and Los Alamos colleague heat a mass of deuterium (a heavy form Alamos shrank significantly, as did in one of the most of hydrogen) to start a fusion reaction. funds for nuclear testing and research. famous documents produced during The concept stalled initially when Teller However, work on the “super” was 40 years of weapons research, but not thought his calculations indicated the revived upon the discovery that the widely read because of its security unlikelihood of a fission weapon Soviet Union, now an adversary of the classification. In the producing the hundreds of millions of U.S., had detonated an atomic bomb. concept, the fusion fuel is first degrees of temperature needed to trigger A faction of the scientific community, compressed. This makes possible the

Conceives of radiation-imploded, Begins campaign high-yield H-bomb for a second nuclear scheme. weapons laboratory.

1950

North Korea President U.S. invades South Truman “Greenhouse” Korea; People’s announces that test ignites first Republic of U.S. will pursue measurable China sends development of thermonuclear forces in. hydrogen bomb. burn.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 15

ignition and effective burn of fusion fuel. Radiation is channeled from the At the Nevada Test Site, Teller exploding primary fission bomb to the and researchers secondary fusion device, causing it to inspect details of implode and compress its fusion fuel. Operation The “Mike” thermonuclear device Plumbbob, in based on this radiation implosion which the U.S. conducted the first concept was exploded on Eniwetok demonstration of atoll on October 31, 1952. In this first a contained test, cryogenic deuterium fuel was used. underground Later, solid lithium–deuterium fuel . was used. Teller was instrumental in this demonstration of Building an Institution underground What would become Lawrence testing without Livermore National Laboratory was radioactive fallout. established just a few weeks before the Mike test, on September 2, 1952. It was the result of vigorous efforts by Teller, who believed that a friendly competitor of the Los Alamos Lawrence Livermore is stamped with peaceful uses, particularly as an laboratory would accelerate the Teller’s vision and ideas. Throughout alternative to other sources of energy. development of thermonuclear the 45 years of its existence, Teller has To that end, he has made many weapons and fuel scientific been its guiding presence. fundamental contributions to the design accomplishment. Teller was greatly of safe and reliable nuclear reactors for assisted by , who also Champion of Safe Reactors generating power. came up with a suitable site. The Nuclear fission was discovered just In 1947, Edward Teller became the Livermore laboratory began life as a before the beginning of World War II, first chairman of the Atomic Energy branch of the University of California which explains why its first application Commission’s Committee on Reactor Radiation Laboratory (now the Ernest was as a weapon. But it has the potential Safeguards. The committee was originally Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National for many civilian uses. Teller has long formed to review, evaluate, and advise Laboratory). been a champion of nuclear energy for the AEC of the hazards of reactor

Visits Livermore with E. O. Lawrence; Consultant to Associate Director of encouraged to think Livermore branch of Livermore branch of of this site for a U. of California Physics Professor, the U. of California second laboratory. Radiation Laboratory. U. of California. Radiation Laboratory.

1952 1954

National Security U.S. “Mike” First Soviet First U.S. Council and AEC thermonuclear implosion ignition of noncryogenic authorize a second device demonstrates measurable thermonuclear nuclear weapons feasibility of thermonuclear bomb tested. laboratory at . burn. Livermore.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998

16

Developing the H-Bomb

In the fall of 1941, Enrico Fermi suggested that a fission bomb Everett made further calculations. They came up with results of be used to heat a mass of deuterium to a temperature where the improved quality, which, however, were negative on the feasibility of two deuterium atoms will proceed rapidly. of their approach to H-bombs. I came up with a counter argument: that the needed temperature would By the end of 1950, I had the novel and positive answer. be so high that most energy will appear as useless radiation rather than Because of the wartime work, we knew how to strongly compress the usable kinetic energy of the nuclei. Fermi agreed to my objection. thermonuclear fuel, and, in the compressed fuel, radiation would be A few months later, I attempted to finalize my argument on the less important and would not inhibit the reaction. The Los Alamos deuterium-plus-deuterium reaction. We did not succeed. Emil administration discouraged new approaches, so for the time being I Konopinski, my collaborator, suggested (correctly) that in a restricted myself to a few private discussions. One of these occurred deuterium-plus-tritium reaction might react much faster than between Ulam and myself in February 1951. Ulam suggested deuterium-plus-deuterium. I, in turn, proposed that the thermonuclear compression, for which I was fully prepared. I knew how to accomplish reaction might proceed before a lot of radiation is emitted and an it, and I knew how it would help. I put all this down in a joint report, equilibrium with radiation is established. which Ulam signed but failed to support in subsequent discussions. During this work, Oppenheimer invited us to participate in a I took the opportunity of an SAB meeting (spring 1951) to present discussion at Berkeley about the problems of explosives using nuclear the plan for “an equilibrium hydrogen bomb,” in which compressed energy. Oppenheimer mentioned the possibility of a hydrogen bomb to fuel would be used. I gained the unanimous support of the SAB. (head of the whole Chicago project), arguing that the At that time, progress at Los Alamos had been assured, and I felt fission and fusion bomb problems required a new laboratory, which that it would be better for me to start work at an additional laboratory. was established in March 1943. This possibility materialized (with the essential help of Ernest In Los Alamos, difficulties connected with the fission bomb soon Lawrence) in Livermore. In 1952, in the early days of Livermore, the required the whole available effort. But working with a small group, I first hydrogen bomb was successfully exploded. The detailed thermo- could give continued attention to the hydrogen bomb. It turned out that nuclear design was furnished by John Wheeler and collaborators. it is quite difficult to postpone radiation equilibrium and obtain An important application of the hydrogen bomb came through a sufficient time for thermonuclear reactions. But it still seemed quite plan for placing such explosives in rockets carried by submarines. This promising to obtain a hydrogen bomb in this manner. development made it impossible for the Soviets to attack the United With the end of the Second World War, strong feelings developed States and prevent retaliation. Indeed, rocket-delivered explosives are against continuing the work. I returned to pure physics in Chicago for hard to shoot down, and the submarines that carry them are hard to the next few years, which personally I found more attractive. locate. The proposal I made succeeded because of the excellent work of In 1949, I returned as a visitor to Los Alamos with the main John Foster at Livermore, who designed a small and efficient primary purpose to continue the improvement of the fission bomb. But in the fission bomb, and Carl Haussmann, who designed a small and efficient summer, the Soviets exploded a copy of our fission bomb. The secondary hydrogen bomb. The resulting nuclear explosives were more question arose whether work on the hydrogen bomb should be given than ten times as powerful as those used during the Second World War, new emphasis. This possibility was strongly supported by Ernest but the use of thermonuclear reactions made them flexible enough to Lawrence. On the other hand, the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) become practical explosives carried by submarines. advised unanimously against such a project. In Los Alamos, Ulam and — Edward Teller, June 1998

Is awarded degree from Yale U., the first Serves on the General Instrumental in Operationdemonstration of a of 23 honorary Advisory Committee Plumbbob, first U.S. degrees. to the AEC. contained underground nuclear explosion.

1956

First Soviet At Project NOBSKA Atomic Energy U.S. U.S.Ð test of a meeting, discussion Commission launches U.S.S.R. genuine of switch to solid supports Teller’s Atlas inter- moratorium thermo- propellant & Teller’s projection of continental on nuclear nuclear compact weapon compact ballistic testing bomb. paves way for Polaris warhead missile. begins. missile. feasibility.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 17

In 1962, President Kennedy presents Edward Teller with the in recognition of “contributions to chemical and nuclear physics, for his leadership in thermonuclear research, and for his efforts to strengthen national security.” (To the left is Glenn Seaborg, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission; Teller’s wife, Mici, is at the President’s right.)

operations. The committee’s charter was while advocating system designs that human tolerances to radiation and later expanded to include all aspects of lowered dependence on human factors, ingestion of were not well reactor safety. and devised systematic rules for reactor known. Under Teller’s guidance, the Teller, an engaging and energetic siting that took into account the nearby committee developed the concept of chairman, led the committee as it population and the reactor’s power level. designing safety features into reactors to incorporated many improvements. The In the early years of reactor prevent the “worst possible accident.” committee innovated such safety features technology, few techniques and little Over time, this concept evolved to today’s as containment structures and methods information existed for evaluating reactor “design basis accident,” which considers for flooding the reactor in an emergency, safety. Probabilistic safety analysis accident probabilities in setting design promoted training of reactor operators techniques had not been developed, and safety standards.

Receives Albert Becomes Einstein Award for Livermore Lab Director of discoveries in achieves breakthrough Livermore atomic, nuclear, & in tests of Polaris Laboratory. solid-state physics. warhead prototypes.

1958

U.S.S.R. U.S. E. O. successfully tests launches Lawrence, intercontinental Explorer I Director of U. ballistic missile; . of California launches Sputnik I. Radiation Laboratory, dies.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 18

Strategic Defense Initiative: The Next Step

It is widely believed that the rapid development of weapons of In this new situation, my good friend, Lowell Wood, took the mass destruction is the main danger humanity confronts. An extreme strong initiative of advocating first x-ray lasers and later “Brilliant consequence of this belief is that new scientific knowledge is Pebbles.” The latter (and final) proposal consisted in destroying considered dangerous and must be limited. the attacking missile by a direct collision with a small guided I strongly believe that the main danger lies in human intentions defensive object. The defensive object should actually be a satellite and not in the ability to bring about mass destruction. An important already in orbit. Lowell and others in our Laboratory continued to example is the history of the wars of Genghis Khan—in particular, develop this concept. Having helped and supported this effort, I the destruction of Persia by the Mongols. More than half the am convinced that it is realistic particularly with the continuing population of the defeated country was killed, and Persia, the great advancement in computing capability. An important part of the present-day , has never recovered its great historic importance. development was and remains the specification that the aggressive I believe that the most important part of the present danger is due missile should be destroyed soon after it has been launched. This to the situation that the world has become smaller and more necessitates continuing surveillance of our globe by and interactive, and catastrophes may occur with unprecedented rapidity. an international understanding that unannounced missiles or missiles The United States, which is losing the remnants of its isolation, in unannounced orbits should be promptly destroyed. This, in is a particularly important component in this change. The technical turn, would make safety from rapid attack a worldwide benefit. cause of this change lies primarily in the development and Such an effect has been strongly supported by Presidents worldwide proliferation of missiles. They may carry weapons of Reagan and Bush. Unfortunately, efforts toward missile defense mass destruction such as nuclear explosives or poisons (chemical or continue at present mostly in connection with defending our biological), but even if they carry no more than high explosives, armed forces on their missions abroad. The American people they are already a terrible and sudden danger to stability. (together with all other people in the world) should have such a My attempts to do something about this situation go back to defense that, indeed, necessitates defensive measures against the visit of , freshly elected governor of California, dangerous launches even before it is obvious who will be to the Livermore Laboratory. Reagan listened with an active interest attacked. We give priority to the defense of our armed forces, to receive novel information of our attempts (in 1967) at missile whose needs as an organization must obviously be satisfied. defense. He asked a few relevant questions and then left without Unfortunately, the need to defend our homeland may, in political stating clearly whether and to what extent he agreed. practice, be deemphasized by denying the possibility or, at any That answer came in 1983 when Reagan gave a remarkable rate, the urgency of such a defense. after-dinner speech to a mixed audience of which I was a part. What has been stated here does not describe my only technical With a delay of sixteen years, he unambiguously stated that missile activity nor the only strongly needed technical-military development. defense was possible, necessary, and urgent. In that regard, he It appears to me that it stands out as a matter that has been in the gave the Livermore initiative his full support. But how to do it? public eye for a couple of decades and where there seems to be Reagan suggested that defense, if ever possible, should not a necessity for change in emphasis in the immediate future. utilize nuclear explosives. — Edward Teller, May 1998

Resigns as Livermore Receives AEC’s Laboratory Director; continues as Enrico Fermi Award for “contributions Associate Director; assumes to chemical and nuclear physics . . . leadership position of Professor-of-Physics- in thermonuclear research . . . efforts to at-Large with U. of California. strengthen national security.”

1960 1962

First Polaris Moratorium on system tests, far nuclear testing ahead of ends with schedule; first U.S.S.R. Polaris submarine resumption goes to sea. of testing.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 19

In 1956, Teller led a study that culminated in the design of an inherently Teller’s concepts safe reactor. The TRIGA (Test, Research, for nuclear —) reactor was reactor safety invented that summer, the result of a design were first used in the Teller idea and his articulate advocacy TRIGA reactors. of peaceful nuclear applications at the The University of 1955 Conference on Peaceful Uses California at of Atomic Energy in Geneva. Some Berkeley used 60 TRIGA reactors were later built this TRIGA-3 reactor for around the world. research from Teller’s study group developed a 1965 to 1989. special reactor material system with an automatic mechanism to stabilize power output at a safe value and thus prevent dangerous overheating. The TRIGA design has led to many important and varied uses in nuclear education, research, and medicine.

Nuclear Power as Servant When President Eisenhower gave the famous “Atoms for Peace” speech at the civilian nuclear applications. The range of Plowshare ideas and explained U.N., about adapting atomic-bomb conference led to the initiation of the the physics and chemistry at their basis. technology to peaceful uses, the idea Plowshare Program in June 1957 to Unfortunately, his enthusiasm for the resonated with Teller. He took the theme explore the feasibility of using nuclear project was at odds with the public’s further in a keynote speech to the Joint explosions for applications such as earth rising concerns about the environmental AEC Weapons Laboratory Symposium moving, power production, and breeding impact of nuclear power. Ultimately, on Nonmilitary Uses of Nuclear and fissile materials such as plutonium. Plowshare lost to such concerns. Even so, Thermonuclear Explosions, held in Teller wholeheartedly endorsed the the program studies and experiments Livermore in February 1957, where he program and, through his writings and yielded many achievements, including: led an effort to stimulate new ideas in public talks, acquainted others with the • The first view of the phenomenology

Becomes Chairman of Department of Applied Science, U. of California at Davis, Livermore Campus; first class enters.

1964 1966 1968

Limited Nuclear First U.S. U.S. Astronauts Test Ban Treaty combat troops Armstrong & prohibits are committed Aldrin land on atmospheric to Vietnam. the moon. testing of nuclear weapons.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 20

explosions and, later, the design of a From the earliest special nuclear explosive for this days, Teller insisted that the Laboratory purpose, leading to increased natural acquire the most gas production. advanced computers Legacy of X-Ray Lasers available. In 1960, The Lawrence Livermore program Teller (left) discusses the to research nuclear-pumped x-ray laser newly installed systems accelerated after President Livermore Reagan’s “Star Wars” speech to Advanced introduce the Strategic Defense Research Initiative (SDI) in 1983. Teller thought Computer with Director Harold such a laser system would provide a Brown (center) and shield for the United States against Sidney Fernbach, Soviet missiles. He championed the head of the x-ray laser effort and numerous other Computation R&D activities, including guided Division (right). antimissile missiles called . (See box, p. 18). Some experts believe the SDI helped to bring about major changes in world of an underground nuclear explosion • Development of a family of nuclear politics, including the end of the Cold and subsequent information derived excavation explosives that had TNT- War. The destruction of the Wall from it has proved useful for other equivalent yields from 1 kiloton to over and the collapse of the Soviet Union underground investigations and nuclear 100 kilotons and that would release changed defense priorities. The program tests. only a relatively low quantity of fission for developing the x-ray laser into an • The most complete environmental products into the atmosphere. These antiballistic missile system was study to date for excavating a small “clean” nuclear explosives would have eliminated. But the SDI program harbor at a remote site in with been used to excavate a new Panama produced a better understanding of the nuclear explosions. This work became Canal, had that project gone forward. physics of x-ray lasers and new a model for the modern environmental • Demonstrations of fracturing low- computer codes for modeling plasmas. impact statement. permeability rocks with nuclear It has also resulted in:

Is named to Nelson Is appointed to Foreign Rockefeller’s Named professor Intelligence Advisory Commission on Critical at U. of California. Board by President Nixon. Choices for Americans.

1970 1972

Paris Peace Accord is signed for Vietnam conflict; cease- fire begins.

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21

Good Luck Wish During his 90th birthday celebration on , 1998, Teller spoke about his latest science interests. He acknowledged that biology is the major field of opportunity for young, would-be scientists, although quantum mechanics is still the field he would choose for himself, “for things that are explainable.” (left) Lawrence Livermore today. (right) Teller gives advice to attendees of his 90th While x-ray lasers did not head his birthday party. latest to-do list, he did bring up the larger issue of planetary defense and the future of physics. He said, “I see planetary defense • A laboratory x-ray laser for biological as a very interesting contribution not to imaging. Coupling x-ray lasers with the preservation of life, but to the further x-ray microscopes, Livermore scientists understanding of the evolution of life.” can create three-dimensional holograms Speaking to an audience of 400 on of living organisms, which enable them his birthday, Teller strongly stated that he to study how DNA is organized inside believes Livermore’s National Ignition a sperm cell. Facility now under construction will • Advanced materials such as aerogel succeed in achieving fusion energy, and and SEAgel. As a target for the x-ray a new branch of physics will develop in laser, these materials can be doped with which ultrahigh pressures from lasers other materials. Their very low densities will be used to change electron structures. have spurred numerous commercial “All of planetary physics and much uses, such as thermal insulation and of astrophysics may well depend on the encapsulating material for timed-release findings of NIF,” he said. To his medication. audience, many of whom will be • Radiographic diagnostic techniques to instrumental in achieving the lofty goal, detect flaws in SDI components and Teller said with a smile, “Good luck.” spinoff methods for detecting flaws in — Gloria Wilt, with Bart Hacker artificial heart valves.

Officially retires; becomes Becomes a senior research Associate Director Emeritus fellow at the Hoover of LLNL and University Institution on War, Is awarded Israel’s Professor Emeritus of the U. Revolution, and Peace at for “. . . contribution to science of California. Stanford University. and technology . . .”

1974 1976

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 22 For the Love of Science

EST known as a scientist and government. He instead encourages teacher is someone who can transfer the Bproponent of sometimes openness and a sharing of ideas with the love he or she has for the subject to controversial ideas, Edward Teller is public and with other scientists around students.” also a self-confessed teaching addict. the world. By nature friendly and A teacher for over 60 years, Teller Among the less controversial of his gregarious, Teller thrives on the free always hopes that his students will opinions is that this country needs more exchange of ideas and thoughts and come to share his love for science. He intensive science education to develop believes that science as a whole thrives has long been concerned that not scientists and engineers of the future. on openness. Moreover, he believes that enough young men and women are He has done everything he can while secrecy is not compatible with choosing science as a career, so he has personally to see that students of all science, it is even less compatible with made every effort to educate and inspire ages learn about and appreciate science. democratic procedure. His years in young scientists. His teaching career His belief in education and the Europe, particularly Germany around began at London City College in 1934 exchange of information is so strong 1930, perhaps demonstrated to him the and continued at George Washington that since the 1940s, he has fought the importance of free speech. University in Washington, D.C., the secrecy that shrouds most defense- University of Chicago, and several related scientific work by the Ever the Teacher campuses of the University of During an interview on the occasion California, where he holds the title of of his 90th birthday, Teller was asked University Professor Emeritus. what scientists could do to help the From the first, Teller developed a public overcome their suspicions about reputation as an outstanding lecturer, new technology and science. “It is not always able to explain complex issues up to the scientists,” Teller responded. in simple terms and to synthesize “It is up to teachers. A good teacher myriad ideas. At the University of does not have to be someone who California at Berkeley, he taught a deeply understands his subject. A good physics course to nonscience majors

1980

Teller loves to teach. At left, he answers a student’s questions after a talk; at right, he talks to rapt fourth graders from Lodi, California, in June 1990.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 23

so popular that hundreds of students engineering but not in the “gap” in leader in experimental physics while had to be turned away. between. After the establishment of also teaching at the Department of He recognized that an appreciation Livermore Laboratory in 1952, he Applied Science and at Berkeley. He of science among nonscientists is as found that new employees were good moved on to become the founding important as the creation of new scientists but often had little or no chairman of Berkeley’s Department of scientists. In fact, science appreciation training in how science could be applied. Nuclear Engineering and to serve in is so important to Teller that he devoted In 1960, Teller formally proposed many prestigious technical positions an entire chapter to the subject in his establishing a Department of Applied across the country. Most recently, Mark 1987 book, Better a Shield than a Sword. Science as part of the University of was named director of Defense In recent years, he has enjoyed California. The department would be Research and Engineering for the reaching out to high school and located at Livermore and offer M.S. Department of Defense. elementary school students to stimulate and Ph.D. candidates science instruction Teller and Mark have served for their interest in science. In 1990, at 82, as well as hands-on experience with years as members of the board of the he taught a weekly class in physics to projects under way at Livermore. Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, Livermore-area high school students This dream became reality when the which has been instrumental in the and their teachers and parents. During first class entered in the fall of 1963. growth of the Department of Applied the early 1990s, he continued to speak Organized as a unit of the College of Sciences at Livermore. In the late several times a year to area students. In Engineering at the University of 1970s, the foundation and the 1996, his soft spot for youngsters California at Davis, the department, University’s Science Fund made interested in science was still apparent with Teller as its first chairman, offered matching $500,000 donations that were in an interview he granted to a seventh M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering. used to build a permanent teaching grader researching the Manhattan Project. The program was designed to create an facility at Livermore. The foundation atmosphere where boundaries between sponsors a hundred fellowships a year Creating a New Department science and engineering are subordinated, at various university levels in the fields Teller began his career as a and engineering is fully integrated with of mechanical and electrical theoretical physicist interested in pure mathematics, physics, and chemistry. engineering, as it has since its science. But after his work on the Hans Mark, the son of a colleague of establishment in 1958. Manhattan Project during World War II, Teller’s, has had a particularly close Today, the Department of Applied he was increasingly involved in its relationship with Teller and with the Science offers a five-year Ph.D. program applications. Over the years, he grew new department. In 1955, Teller to a student body of 90. The majority of concerned that our universities were convinced Hans Mark to join the the students also work at Livermore strong in the pure sciences and Laboratory, where he became a division while taking classes. Fourteen faculty

Serves on the White Is awarded Receives House Science National Medal Sylvanus Council. of Science. Thayer Award.

1982 1984 1986

President Reagan announces Strategic Defense Initiative.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 24

Teller was the driving force behind establishing the University of California at Davis, Department of Applied Science. Shown here are the faculty in 1965: (left to right) Michael May, Harold Furth, Montgomery Johnson, , John Killeen, Roy Bainer, Teller (department chairman), Wilson Talley, Richard Borg, Al Kirschbaum, and Richard Post.

members hold joint appointments at science school at one of the leading nuclear scientists even advocated UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore. centers of high technology in the sharing nuclear secrets with the Soviet Other than Lawrence Berkeley country, but to its credit, one of the Union, then our former ally and National Laboratory, Livermore is world’s leading institutions, the budding adversary, reasoning that the only laboratory with such a close University of California, acted on the openness on our part would allay the relationship to a university. proposal.” fears of the Soviets. Teller made the At the dedication of the permanent point that keeping scientific facts secret teaching facility at Livermore in 1977, The War against Secrecy would hinder us but would hardly Vice President Nelson Rockefeller Not long after World War II, Teller, interfere with the work of a potential commended Teller, saying that he had J. Robert Oppenheimer, Niels Bohr, competitor, because scientific “spoken against the times when he and others protested continued discoveries are almost always made by suggested [establishing] an applied classification of research. Many more than one researcher. However, the

Receives Order Receives Is conferred of Banner with Presidential “Director Cowinner of first Sicilian Rubies of the Citizens Medal Emeritus” by Regional Science Peace Republic of from President U. of California Prize from Italy’s Ettore Hungary from Reagan. Regents. Majorana-Erice- Scienza. its President.

1988 1990

Hungary Berlin Wall Operation officially is dismantled. Desert Storm declares itself is fought in an independent Persian Gulf. republic.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 25

U.S. government rejected this and other overtures for openness. Long-time colleagues and Teller likened military secrets to friends Hans Mark industry’s protection of engineering (left) and Edward and production technologies. Industry Teller have shared limits access to a product until it a passion for reaches the market and researchers experimental physics, intense begin to produce the next generation. interest in science He saw no reason why military secrets education, and could not be handled in a similar way, their excellent maintaining secrecy for a year to senses of humor. maintain the element of surprise and then sharing the new technology. Teller also felt strongly that the country’s citizenry should be as well informed about science as possible to allow rational discussion of public policy. Yet, as in the past, the public knows few hard facts about our country’s defense systems or those of our adversaries, leaving decisions about our defense to the political winds. But the classification tide is turning. In December 1993, then-Secretary of Energy Hazel O’Leary began to declassify many documents that had scientists at a disadvantage and impeded A Way of Life been kept at the secret level for decades. international cooperation. Because Edward Teller never stops fighting Teller played a key role in convincing foreign governments did not restrict the good fight. During a speech at O’Leary to declassify documents on fusion research in their countries, the Lawrence Livermore National laser fusion, pointing out that the secret only victims of the secrecy were Laboratory’s Special Guest Day in classification of this work placed U.S. Americans. 1992, he reiterated his concern about

Is named to National Space Council’s Receives Middle Cross Advisory Board by with the Star of the Vice President Dan Order of Merit of the Quayle. Republic of Hungary.

1992 1994

U.S.S.R. is disbanded.

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26

education in the hard sciences and engineering. His thesis was that the U.S. cannot maintain its world leadership position and standard of living unless we act now to rejuvenate our scientific community. He also restated his belief that every student should receive lectures that instill an appreciation of science and technology. According to Teller, possessing a scientific understanding of the universe is important because science “has an influence on all of us, affecting our ideas of space, time, and causality.” And understanding technology is important “because we live in it.” He also continues to urge the government to change its classification policy to one that enforces secrecy in a practical manner, that limits the lifespan of secret information, and corresponds with the American ethos. Teller, a naturalized American citizen, clearly loves his adopted country. Both efforts—for better science education and greater openness—are driven by his concern for maintaining the American way of life. Edward Teller and then-Secretary of Energy Hazel O’Leary confer at a public forum on reshaping — Katie Walter the Department of Energy’s classification policy. Teller believes that such a policy should include not only less restrictive classification of new documents and declassification of old ones but also a proper explanation of declassified material. (Photo courtesy of AP/Wide World Photos.)

Receives A Magyarság Hírnevéért Díj, highest official government award, 90th from the Prime Minister of Birthday Republic of Hungary. Celebration.

1996 1998

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 27 Edward Teller’s Awards

1955 Harrison Medal, American Ordnance Association 1982 Lloyd Freeman Hunt Citizenship Award, 1957 Joseph Priestly Memorial, Dickinson College Heritage of Freedom Council 1958 , Lewis and Rosa Strauss 1982 American Academy of Achievement Gold Medal Memorial Fund 1982 Jerusalem College of Technology 1959 General Donovan Memorial Award 1983 National Medal of Science for 1982 1960 Midwest Research Institute Award 1983 Joseph Handleman Prize, Jewish Academy of Arts 1960 Research Institute of American Living and Sciences History 1984 National Security Award, National Coordinating 1961 American Academy of Achievement Council on Emergency Management Golden Plate 1985 American Preparedness Award, American Civil 1962 Thomas E. White Award Defense Association 1962 Enrico Fermi Award, Atomic Energy Commission 1986 , Association of Graduates, U.S. Military Academy, West Point 1963 Robins Award of America 1987 Strategic Defense Initiative Technical Achievement 1974 Leslie R. Groves Gold Medal Award, American Defense Preparedness Association 1975 Harvey Prize, Technion Institute of Israel 1988 Shelby Cullom Davis Award, Ethics and Public Policy 1977 Semmelweiss Medal 1988 Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Award 1977 Albert Einstein Award, Technion Institute of Israel 1989 Presidential Citizens Medal, President Reagan 1978 Henry T. Heald Award, Illinois Institute of 1989 DAR Americanism Medal, National Society of Technology the Daughters of the American Revolution 1980 American College of Nuclear Medicine 1990 Ettore Majorana Erice Scienza Per La Pace, Gold Medal Science Peace Prize, Ettore Majorana Centre for 1980 Man of Science, Achievement Rewards for Scientific Culture, Erice, Sicily College Scientists 1990 Order of Banner with Rubies of the Republic 1980 Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary of Hungary, President of the Republic of Hungary, 1980 A. C. Eringen Award, Society of Engineering Foreign Minister of the Republic of Hungary Science, Inc. 1994 Middle Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit 1981 Distinguished Scientist, National Science of the Republic of Hungary Development Board 1998 A Magyarság Hírnevéért Díj, highest official 1981 Distinguished Scientist, Phil-American Academy Hungarian government award, Prime Minister of Science and Engineering of the Republic of Hungary

Edward Teller receives awards from (at left) General James Abrahamson and (at right) President Ronald Reagan.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998 28 Edward Teller’s Honorary Degrees

Doctor of Science 1954 Yale University 1959 University of Alaska 1960 Fordham University 1960 George Washington University 1960 University of Southern California 1960 St. Louis University 1962 Rochester Institute of Technology 1964 University of Detroit 1966 Clemson University 1969 Clarkson College of Technology 1987 Adelphi University

Doctor of Law 1961 Boston College 1961 Seattle University 1962 University of Cincinnati 1963 1974 Pepperdine University 1977 University of Maryland, Heidelberg

Doctor of Humane Letters 1964 Mount Mary College

Doctor of Philosophy 1972 Tel Aviv University

Doctor of Natural Science 1981 De La Salle University, Philippines

Doctor of Medical Science, honoris causa 1983 Medical University of South Carolina

Doctor of Strategic Intelligence 1987 Defense Intelligence College Edward Teller has received 23 honorary degrees Honorary Professorship since his Ph.D. in physics from the University of 1991 Eotvos University, Budapest Leipzig in Germany.

Science & Technology Review July/August 1998

Edward Teller’s Books

Structure of Matter, Francis Owen Rice and Edward Teller, Energy: A Plan for Action, Edward Teller, available from John Wiley and Sons, NY, 1949. the Commission on Critical Choices for Americans, NY, 1975. Our Nuclear Future, Edward Teller and Albert L. Latter, Criterion Books, NY, 1958. Critical Choices for Americans: Power and Security, Edward Teller, Hans Mark, and John S. Foster, Lexington Books, The Legacy of Hiroshima, Edward Teller with Allen Lexington, MA, 1976. Brown, Doubleday and Co., Garden City, NY, 1962. Nuclear Energy in the Developing World, Edward Teller, The Reluctant Revolutionary, Edward Teller, University Mitre Corporation, Metrek Division, McLean, VA, 1977. of Missouri Press, Columbia, MO, 1964. Energy from Heaven and Earth, The Constructive Uses of Nuclear Explosives, Edward Edward Teller, W. H. Freeman Teller, Wilson K. Talley, and Gary H. Higgins, McGraw and Co., San Francisco, CA, 1979. Hill, NY, 1968. The Pursuit of Simplicity, Edward Great Men of Physics, Emilio G. Segrè, Joseph Kaplan, Teller, Pepperdine University Press, Leonard I. Schiff, and Edward Teller, Tinnon-Brown, , CA, 1980. Los Angeles, CA, 1969. Better a Shield Than a Sword, The Miracle of Freedom, Edward Teller, Free Press/MacMillan, Edward Teller, International New York, NY, 1987. Academic and Technical Publications, Boulder, CO, Conversations on the Dark Secrets 1972. of Physics, Edward Teller, Wendy Teller, and Wilson Talley, Plenum Press, NY, 1991.

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