AJ
Alan J. Heeger
11quotes
Alan J. Heeger
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alan Jay Heeger was a renowned American physicist and chemist.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on 22 January 1936, Heeger passed away on 6 June 2020 at the age of 84.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Heeger held both American and German nationalities. As a prominent figure in the fields of physics, chemistry, and materials science, his work spanned multiple disciplines.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Heeger's interest in science began at an early age. His passion for learning led him to attend Cornell University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics in 1957. After completing his undergraduate studies, Heeger went on to pursue his graduate education at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his Ph.D. in Physics in 1961.
Major Accomplishments
Heeger made significant contributions to the field of science with several groundbreaking discoveries. His most notable achievement was the discovery of conducting polymers. This breakthrough led to the development of lightweight and flexible electronic devices. Heeger's work also explored the properties of fullerene, a carbon-based molecule that has been extensively studied for its unique physical and chemical properties.
Notable Works or Actions
Heeger's work in the field of conducting polymers was recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000. He shared this honor with Alan G MacDiarmid and Hideki Shirakawa, his colleagues at the time. In addition to his research contributions, Heeger served as a professor and researcher at various institutions, including the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Impact and Legacy
Heeger's work has had a lasting impact on the field of materials science. His discovery of conducting polymers paved the way for advancements in fields such as electronics, energy storage, and biomedical devices. Heeger's legacy extends beyond his research contributions, as he also played an important role in shaping the next generation of scientists through his teaching and mentorship.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alan J. Heeger is widely quoted and remembered for his pioneering work in materials science. His groundbreaking discoveries have had a lasting impact on multiple fields, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers. As a true pioneer in the field, Heeger's contributions serve as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the importance of pushing beyond conventional boundaries.
Quotes by Alan J. Heeger
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The transitions from metallic to critical behavior and from critical to insulating behavior have been induced with a magnetic field, and from insulating to critical and then to metallic behavior with increasing external pressure.
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The scaling theory of localization demonstrated that the disorder-induced M-I transition was a true phase transition with a well defined critical point.
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Polymeric materials in the form of wood, bone, skin and fibers have been used by man since prehistoric time. Although organic chemistry as a science dates back to the eighteenth century, polymer science on a molecular basis is a development of the twentieth century.
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Polymer synthesis in the 1950s was dominated by Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta, whose discoveries of polymerization catalysts were of great importance for the development of the modem 'plastics' industry.
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My undergraduate years at the University of Nebraska were a special time in my life: the combination of partying and intellectual awakening that is what the undergraduate years are supposed to be. I went to the university with the goal of becoming an engineer; I had no concept that one could pursue science as a career.
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In spite of the evidence for the disorder-induced M-I transition as inferred from the transport and optical measurements, the metallic state of conjugated polymers has been a subject of controversy.
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In 1990, Paul Smith and I decided that conducting polymers as materials had developed to a level of maturity that commercial products were possible. With this as a goal, we founded UNLAX Corporation.
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I started out as a physicist; however, I am what I have become. I have evolved, with the help of many colleagues in the international scientific community, into an interdisciplinary scientist.
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The science of semiconducting and metallic polymers is inherently interdisciplinary; it falls at the intersection of chemistry and physics.
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My high school years were fun and frustrating, typical of the teen years. The most important accomplishment was meeting my wife, Ruth.
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