John Robert Schrieffer

John Robert Schrieffer was born on May 31, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois, USA. He would go on to become a prominent physicist known for his work in the field of condensed matter physics. Schrieffer's most notable achievement would later be his contribution to the development of the BCS theory of superconductivity, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

In 1957, John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and John Robert Schrieffer published the BCS theory, which provided the first microscopically attractive mechanism to explain superconductivity. The theory explained the phenomenon through the condensation of electron pairs, known as Cooper pairs, which allowed electrons to move through a conductor without resistance.

John Robert Schrieffer married Anne Grete Thomsen in August 1962. The marriage was a significant event in his personal life, providing a stable family environment that supported his academic and professional pursuits throughout his career. This aspect of his life is often noted for its important role in his success.

In 1964, John Robert Schrieffer became a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Here, he continued his research in theoretical physics, focusing on many-body problems and solid-state physics. His work significantly influenced the field and inspired many students and researchers in physics.

In 1965, John Schrieffer joined the University of Pennsylvania as a professor, continuing his research in condensed matter physics and education. His work and teachings greatly influenced future physicists and continued to advance the understanding of superconductivity and related phenomena.

In 1969, Schrieffer joined Stony Brook University, where he served as a professor and further developed his work in theoretical physics. His contributions to the university included strengthening its academic programs and mentoring many students in physics.

John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and John Robert Schrieffer jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1972 for their development of the BCS theory, the first successful quantum theory of superconductivity. The theory explains how electron pairs cause superconductivity, which is the property of zero electrical resistance in certain materials at low temperatures.

John Robert Schrieffer was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the area of superconductivity and condensed matter theory. Membership in this academy is a significant honor and acknowledgment of his impact on scientific research.

In 1989, John Robert Schrieffer was involved in a car accident in California, resulting in fatalities. The incident led to a legal case, with Schrieffer pleading guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to prison in 1991, serving two years of a two-year term. This incident was a notable event affecting his personal and professional reputation.

In 1992, John Robert Schrieffer delivered a lecture at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he discussed advancements in theoretical physics, particularly in superconductivity. His insights and shared experience helped guide ongoing research efforts at one of the world's leading scientific research laboratories.

John Robert Schrieffer passed away on July 27, 2019, in Tallahassee, Florida. His death marked the end of a distinguished career in physics, during which he contributed significantly to the understanding of superconductivity. Schrieffer's legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the many physicists he inspired throughout his life.