Nikolay Basov
Soviet physicist who co-developed the laser and maser.
Last updated
Background
In the early 1950s, Basov and Prokhorov developed theoretical grounds for a molecular oscillator based on ammonia, later known as the maser. He was elected a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in 1971. In 1983, he signed a letter condemning U.S.
Did You Know?
- He served in the Red Army during the Second World War with the 1st Ukrainian Front.
- He was a member of parliament (the Soviet of the Union of the Supreme Soviet) from 1974.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nikolay Basov?
Nikolay Gennadiyevich Basov was a Soviet physicist and educator best known for his foundational research in quantum electronics. His theoretical work helped make the laser and maser practical realities.
Who shared the 1964 Nobel Prize with Nikolay Basov?
He split the prize with fellow Soviet physicist Alexander Prokhorov and American physicist Charles Hard Townes. All three were recognized for their parallel and complementary research on stimulated emission in the infrared and microwave ranges.
More in Physicists And Chemists Of The 20Th Century
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Nikolay Basov (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced