Richard P. Feynman
Facts
Photo from the Nobel Foundation archive.
Richard P. Feynman
Nobel Prize in Physics 1965
Born: 11 May 1918, New York, NY, USA
Died: 15 February 1988, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Affiliation at the time of the award: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA, USA
Prize motivation: “for their fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics, with deep-ploughing consequences for the physics of elementary particles”
Prize share: 1/3
Work
Following the establishment of the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, an initial relativistic theory was formulated for the interaction between charged particles and electromagnetic fields. This needed to be reformulated, however. In 1948 in particular, Richard Feynman contributed to creating a new quantum electrodynamics by introducing Feynman diagrams: graphic representations of various interactions between different particles. These diagrams facilitate the calculation of interaction probabilities.
Six prizes were awarded for achievements that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. The 10 laureates' work and discoveries range from optogenetics to efforts to promote peace and international law.
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