William E. Moerner

William E. Moerner was born on June 24, 1953, in Pleasanton, California, USA. Moerner is an influential American physical chemist and chemical physicist. He is well-known for his pioneering work in the field of single-molecule spectroscopy and for his contributions to the development of super-resolution microscopy, which has revolutionized the field of fluorescence microscopy.

In 1975, William E. Moerner graduated with highest honors earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis. His outstanding academic performance laid a strong foundation for his future research and career in physical chemistry and microscopy.

In 1981, Moerner contributed to quantum optics by detecting the photon anti-bunching effect, which is a quantum phenomenon where photons are less bunched than would be expected for classical light. This work helped lay the foundation for later advances in quantum optics and single-photon sources, which are crucial for quantum information science.

William E. Moerner obtained his Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1982. His doctoral research focused on the area of nonlinear optics and was supervised by Albert J. Sievers III. This advanced degree helped propel Moerner into a distinguished career in chemical physics, characterized by numerous groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

In 1989, Moerner developed a method to obtain images at the nanoscale using a form of super-resolution termed STED (stimulated emission depletion) microscopy. This innovative method allowed scientists to surpass the diffraction limit of light and was a major advancement in the field of optical microscopy, eventually leading to Moerner's receipt of the Nobel Prize.

In 1992, Moerner achieved a groundbreaking feat by demonstrating the first optical detection and spectroscopy of a single molecule in condensed phases. This pioneering research opened new frontiers in the study of chemistry at the molecular level, providing insights into the behavior and characteristics of individual molecules within various environments.

In 1995, Moerner achieved a milestone by being the first to observe single fluorescent molecules at room temperature. This breakthrough paved the way for increased utility of single-molecule experiments in biological and chemical research, making it feasible to conduct such studies under standard laboratory conditions without the need for extreme cryogenic temperatures.

In 1997, Moerner made a significant breakthrough in the field of single-molecule spectroscopy. He successfully measured the precise position of individual molecules, which was a key development in the field of fluorescence microscopy. This work laid the groundwork for further advancements, allowing scientists to study molecular processes at unprecedented resolutions.

In 2010, William E. Moerner was awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize in Chemistry alongside Allen J. Bard and Jordan J. Campbell. Moerner's contribution to single-molecule spectroscopy was recognized with this award, highlighting his role in expanding the field and enhancing the understanding of complex chemical processes at a molecular level.

On October 8, 2014, William E. Moerner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing it with Eric Betzig and Stefan W. Hell. The prestigious honor was bestowed upon them for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy. Their innovative techniques overcame the diffraction limit of conventional light microscopy, enabling researchers to observe molecular processes at the nanoscale level.