The Nobel Prize in Physics 1939

Ernest Orlando Lawrence

Photo from the Nobel Foundation archive.

Prize share: 1/1

The Nobel Prize in Physics 1939 was awarded to Ernest Orlando Lawrence "for the invention and development of the cyclotron and for results obtained with it, especially with regard to artificial radioactive elements."

To cite this section
MLA style: The Nobel Prize in Physics 1939. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Media AB 2018. Tue. 11 Dec 2018. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1939/summary/>

Back to top Back To Top Takes users back to the top of the page

Learn more

Nobel Prizes 2018

This year 12 new laureates have been awarded for achievements that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.

Their work and discoveries range from cancer therapy and laser physics to developing proteins that can solve humankind’s chemical problems. The work of the 2018 Nobel Laureates also included combating war crimes, as well as integrating innovation and climate with economic growth. Find out more.
Nobel prizes burgundy 2018

Explore prizes and laureates

Look for popular awards and laureates in different fields, and discover the history of the Nobel Prize.