The Nobel Prize in Physics 1997

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics jointly to

Steven Chu, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji andWilliam D. Phillips

for their developments of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light.

 

 

This year’s Nobel laureates in physics have developed methods of cooling and trapping atoms by using laser light. Their research is helping us to study fundamental phenomena and measure important physical quantities with unprecedented precision.

To cite this section
MLA style: The Nobel Prize in Physics 1997. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Media AB 2019. Thu. 21 Feb 2019. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1997/9955-the-nobel-prize-in-physics-1997/>

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

Learn more

Nobel Prizes 2018

In 2018, 12 new laureates were 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.