Dr. William Phillips, an Office of Naval Research (ONR)-funded Nobel Prize-winning physicist, recently delivered a compelling lecture at ONR´s Distinguished Lecture Series. Phillips’ presentation, titled “Time, Einstein and the Coolest Stuff,” highlighted the importance of basic research and ONR´s legacy of support for innovative scientists.

Dr. Phillips is a pioneer and leading researcher in laser cooling and trapping of atoms at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. His fundamental studies were used to develop applications for new kinds of physics measurements and processes such as high resolution spectroscopy, atomic clocks, atomic collisions, atom optics, bio-molecular interactions, and atomic-scale and nano-scale fabrication.

Phillips and two colleagues were awarded the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics. His work has yielded many relevant naval applications, in particular precision timekeeping, navigation and quantum information, including unbreakable encryption.

Nobel Prize winner, Dr. William Phillips, spoke about his work as a leading researcher in laser cooling and trapping of atoms during the Director of Innovation's distinguished lecture series. These fundamental studies are used to develop applications for new kinds of physics measurements and processes such as high resolution spectroscopy, atomic clocks, atomic collisions, atom optics, bio-molecular interactions, and atomic-scale and nano-scale fabrication. (Photo: Office of Naval Research)

Nobel Prize winner, Dr. William Phillips, spoke about his work as a leading researcher in laser cooling and trapping of atoms during the Director of Innovation's distinguished lecture series. These fundamental studies are used to develop applications for new kinds of physics measurements and processes such as high resolution spectroscopy, atomic clocks, atomic collisions, atom optics, bio-molecular interactions, and atomic-scale and nano-scale fabrication. (Photo: Office of Naval Research)