Igor Tamm
Early Life and Education
Igor Yevgenyevich Tamm was born on July 8, 1895, in Vladivostok, Russian Empire. His father, Yevgeny Tamm, was an engineer, and his mother, Olga Davydova, was a teacher. Tamm's early education took place in Yelisavetgrad (now Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine), where he attended a gymnasium. He later moved to Moscow to study at the Moscow State University, where he initially focused on mathematics before switching to physics.
Academic Career
Early Research
Tamm's early research was influenced by the works of Einstein and Bohr. He began his academic career at the Crimean University in Simferopol and later moved to the Moscow State University. During this period, he collaborated with notable physicists such as Landau and Kapitsa.
Quantum Mechanics
In the 1920s, Tamm made significant contributions to quantum mechanics. He worked on the theory of electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter. His research in this area laid the groundwork for future studies in quantum field theory.
Contributions to Physics
Tamm-Dancoff Approximation
One of Tamm's most notable contributions is the Tamm-Dancoff approximation, developed in collaboration with Dancoff. This method is used in quantum field theory to simplify the calculations of particle interactions. It has been widely adopted in the study of nuclear physics and particle physics.
Cherenkov Radiation
Tamm, along with Frank, explained the phenomenon of Cherenkov radiation in 1934. This radiation occurs when a charged particle travels through a dielectric medium at a speed greater than the phase velocity of light in that medium. Their work on Cherenkov radiation earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958.
Plasma Physics
Tamm also made significant contributions to the field of plasma physics. He was involved in the early research on controlled thermonuclear reactions and the development of the tokamak, a device used to confine plasma using magnetic fields. His work in this area has been crucial for the development of nuclear fusion as a potential energy source.
Later Life and Legacy
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Tamm received numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Nobel Prize, he was awarded the Stalin Prize and the Order of Lenin. He was also a member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences and received honorary doctorates from several universities.
Influence on Future Research
Tamm's work has had a lasting impact on various fields of physics. His contributions to quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and plasma physics continue to influence contemporary research. Many of his students and collaborators, such as Sakharov, went on to become prominent physicists in their own right.
Personal Life
Tamm was married to Nataliya Shuyskaya, and they had two children. Despite his demanding career, he was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for teaching. He passed away on April 12, 1971, in Moscow.