Max von Laue

Date of Birth: October 9, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 24, 1960

Biography

Max von Laue was a distinguished German physicist born on October 9, 1879, in Pfaffendorf, near Koblenz, Germany. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of X-ray diffraction by crystals, a discovery that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914. His work provided significant insights into the atomic structure of crystals, laying the foundation for the development of X-ray crystallography, a crucial tool in both physics and chemistry. Von Laue studied physics at various universities, including Strasbourg, Göttingen, and Munich. His academic career was marked by his association with many prominent scientists of his time, including Max Planck, under whose guidance he completed his doctoral thesis on the interference of light and X-rays. Throughout his career, von Laue held several prominent academic positions. He worked at the University of Zurich, the University of Frankfurt, and the University of Berlin, where he succeeded Planck as a professor. During the turbulent times of World War II, von Laue was an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime and its policies against Jewish scientists. After the war, he played a crucial role in the reorganization of German scientific institutions and continued his research until his retirement. Max von Laue passed away on April 24, 1960, in Berlin, Germany, leaving behind a legacy of scientific discovery and intellectual integrity.

5 Interesting Facts about Max von Laue

1. Max von Laue was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914 for his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals.

2. He was a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime and actively supported persecuted scientists during World War II.

3. Von Laue’s work was instrumental in the development of X-ray crystallography, which has been used to determine the structures of many biological molecules, including DNA.

4. He served as the director of the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Berlin from 1951 to 1959.

5. Von Laue was also interested in the theory of relativity and made significant contributions to the understanding of the relationship between X-rays and the theory.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Max von Laue

1. “There are relatively few experiments in physics which can convince the layman that he has seen a new phenomenon.”

2. “The history of science is not like the history of nations, for it contains no wars, no murders, and no bloodshed.”

3. “The physicist must be prepared to undertake the exploration of any branch of physics that promises to lead to new knowledge.”

4. “In science, the important thing is to modify and change one’s ideas as science advances.”

5. “If you want to do something, do it with all your heart.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Max von Laue’s wealth was primarily in the form of intellectual capital rather than financial assets. The exact highest net worth he achieved is not well-documented, but his contributions to science were invaluable.