Henry Primakoff

Henry Primakoff was a prominent American physicist known for his significant contributions to the fields of theoretical physics and nuclear physics. Born on February 12, 1914, in Russia, he immigrated to the United States as a child and later became a naturalized American citizen. Primakoff made notable advancements in understanding the behavior of atomic nuclei and the interactions of subatomic particles.

One of his most famous achievements is the Primakoff effect, which explains how photons (particles of light) interact with atomic nuclei. This effect has important applications in nuclear physics and astrophysics, contributing to our understanding of stellar processes and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

Throughout his career, Henry Primakoff made significant contributions to both theoretical physics and experimental studies, earning him recognition and respect within the scientific community. His work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the fundamental properties of matter and the universe.

Henry Primakoff passed away on December 29, 1983, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and a profound influence on the field of nuclear physics. He served as Trustee at the Aspen Center for Physics from 1968-1972.

For a full biography and memoir on Henry Primakoff, see Volume 66 (1995) Chapter 15, published by The National Academies Press here.