Heinrich Rohrer

Heinrich Rohrer was born on June 6, 1933, in Buchs, St. Gallen, Switzerland. He would later become a renowned physicist, best known for his groundbreaking work in scanning tunneling microscopy, a technique that allows scientists to visualize surfaces at the atomic level. This innovation would earn him a share of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986. Rohrer spent his early years in Switzerland, where he developed an interest in science and engineering.

In 1951, Heinrich Rohrer began his studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland. He pursued a degree in physics, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field. His education at ETH Zurich provided him with a solid foundation in theoretical and experimental physics, preparing him for his later collaboration with Gerd Binnig, with whom he would develop the scanning tunneling microscope.

Heinrich Rohrer completed his doctorate in physics in 1960 at ETH Zurich, where he conducted research on the thermal conductivity of type-II superconductors. This research was instrumental in shaping his understanding of solid-state physics, which would later influence his work on the scanning tunneling microscope. His doctoral advisor was Wolfgang Pauli, a prominent physicist renowned for his work in quantum mechanics.

In 1963, Heinrich Rohrer joined IBM's Zurich Research Laboratory in Rüschlikon, Switzerland, where he would conduct key research that led to the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope. At IBM, Rohrer worked alongside a team of talented physicists and engineers, including his future collaborator Gerd Binnig. His time at IBM allowed him to explore various challenges in the field of solid-state physics.

In 1981, Heinrich Rohrer and Gerd Binnig invented the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at IBM Zurich. This revolutionary instrument enables scientists to visualize surfaces at the atomic level, providing detailed images of individual atoms on a material's surface. The STM opened new frontiers in nanotechnology and materials science, profoundly impacting fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.

On October 15, 1986, Heinrich Rohrer, along with Gerd Binnig, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their design of the scanning tunneling microscope. This award recognized their pioneering work that has enabled the visualization of individual atoms on material surfaces, providing insights into atomic structures and transformations. The STM has become a cornerstone in the field of nanotechnology.

In 1997, after his retirement from IBM, Heinrich Rohrer joined the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University as a visiting scholar. There, Rohrer continued his engagement with scientific and technological discourse, contributing to global discussions on the impact of science and technology on society. His role at the institute allowed him to influence new generations of students and researchers.

Heinrich Rohrer retired from IBM in 1997 after a distinguished career that spanned over three decades. During his tenure at IBM's Zurich Research Laboratory, he made significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology through his work on the scanning tunneling microscope. Rohrer continued to be active in the scientific community, often giving lectures and sharing his insights into the future of nanoscience.

Heinrich Rohrer passed away on May 16, 2013, in Wollerau, Switzerland. His death marked the end of a distinguished career that had a lasting impact on the field of physics. Rohrer was widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to the development of the scanning tunneling microscope, which transformed our ability to view the nanoscale world. His legacy lives on through the numerous advancements in nanoscience and technology.

On what would have been his 80th birthday, June 6, 2013, numerous scientific institutions and colleagues commemorated Heinrich Rohrer's contributions to science. Events were held around the world, celebrating his role in the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope and his lasting impact on the fields of physics and nanotechnology. Rohrer's work continues to inspire new generations of scientists and engineers.