Prof. Mikhail Lukin won the Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries "for contributions to quantum information science, sensing, and physics, including the development of Rydberg atom-based quantum simulators."
Norman Foster Ramsey, a Harvard physics professor for most of his career and a Nobel Laureate in Physics (1989), was an outstanding figure in the world of physics. His scientific accomplishments include the invention of the ubiquitous separated oscillatory field method and the hydrogen maser. Ramsey was also an outstanding teacher, scientific statesman, and advocate for science and technology. He carried out his research with great passion, but also in a spirit of collegiality and fairness.
The Ramsey Prize, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the two fields of Norman Ramsey--atomic, molecular, and optical physics; and precision tests of fundamental laws and symmetries--was established in 2017 with contributions from the family and friends of Norman Ramsey, individual donations from members of the American Physical Society, corporate sponsorship by TOPTICA and Thorlabs, and additional support from Menlo Systems. The Prize is jointly administered by the APS Topical Group on Precision Measurement and Fundamental Constants (GPMFC) and by the APS DAMOP, with each selecting 3 members of a selection committee, and alternating its chair selection year by year. The prize winner serves on the following year’s committee.