Nobel Physics Prize Expected to Spotlight Groundbreaking Light and New Materials

2023-10-03 12:18:28

Light or new materials tipped for Nobel Physics Prize

Research into light, new materials and cosmic exploration are seen as possible contenders for Tuesday's Nobel Physics Prize, though experts warn it is difficult to predict a winner in the vast field.

The award, to be announced at 11:45 am (0945 GMT) in Stockholm, is the second Nobel of the season after the Medicine Prize on Monday went to mRNA researchers Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking technology that paved the way for messenger RNA (mRNA) Covid-19 vaccines.

Short laser pulses and fast movement of electrons

One potential honoree could be a scientist whose work involves "really short laser pulses that allow you to follow the super-fast movement of electrons inside molecules," according to experts.

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L'Huillier, a recipient of the 2022 Wolf Prize, which sometimes serves as a precursor to the Nobel, is a leading candidate for her contributions in this field.

Marie Curie, Maria Goeppert Mayer, Donna Strickland, and Andrea Ghez are the only four women who have won the Nobel Physics Prize since its inception in 1901.

Exploring the universe with cosmic neutrinos

Another female candidate expected to be in the running is Denmark's Olga Botner, who focuses on studying the universe using cosmic neutrinos, a technology utilized in the IceCube Observatory in Antarctica.

Quantum mechanics still a strong contender

While previous years have seen recognition for quantum entanglement and mechanics, it is not unlikely to have another Nobel Prize in this field. Outstanding scientists like Ignacio Cirac, David Deutsch, Peter Shor, Peter Zoller, Yakir Aharonov, and Michael Berry are potential candidates for their contributions.

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However, analytics group Clarivate suggests that the prize may return to something more practical this year. Stuart P. Parkin, a British scientist known for his work in spintronic materials, is seen as a strong contender.

Light-related research

Sharon Glotzer from the United States and Federico Capasso from Italy have been spotlighted for their research in controlling the assembly process of new materials and advancements in photonics, respectively.

Other notable researchers in the field include John B. Pendry, known for his work on "invisibility cloak" materials, and scientists working on photovoltaics and the conductive properties of twisted graphene.

The Nobel Physics Prize will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, the Literature and Peace Prizes on Thursday and Friday, respectively, and the Economics Prize on Monday to conclude the 2023 Nobel season.

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