Dr. David J. Wineland, a physicist whose work is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), received the Nobel Prize in Physics Oct. 15 for his work in developing the most accurate clock in the world. Wineland’s work centered on measurement and control of individual quantum systems – essentially, isolating and trapping atoms and photons. By examining the way the atoms and photons function, Wineland helped broaden the understanding of the relationship between light and matter. The work has had a direct relationship on the ability both to improve accuracy of atomic clocks and develop better ultra-powerful computers. Based on Wineland’s research, atomic clocks now will lose no more than one second of actual time during the course of 30 billion years. Wineland shares the award with Serge Haroche, a French scientist. The pair will receive medals and split a $1.2 million prize.
