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Albert A. Michelson

1852–1931 · physics, optics, spectroscopy, metrology
American physicist known for his precise measurements of the speed of light and the creation of the interferometer, which became the basis for many optical experiments, including the Michelson-Morley experiment. His work laid the foundation for the special theory of relativity.

Biography

He studied at the US Naval Academy, then at the Universities of Berlin and Heidelberg. He worked at the Case School of Applied Science, Clark University, and the University of Chicago. He was the first American scientist to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics (1907) for his precise optical instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations carried out with their aid.

Key discoveries

💡 Michelson measured the speed of light throughout his life, constantly improving accuracy, and his last measurement was completed after his death.
"He believed that future discoveries await us in the sixth decimal place."
Concepts
electromagnetisminterferometryquantum opticsspectroscopyspeed of light
Laws
principle of constancy of the speed of lightSagnac effect
Scientists
Henri PoincaréRobert HookeJohann Jakob BalmerJocelyn Bell BurnellArno PenziasCharles TownesJames Clerk MaxwellAlain Aspect

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