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2024-04-04 03:38:07

Richard Feynman

American theoretical physicist
American theoretical physicist
Richard Feynman was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his work in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and superfluidity. He developed Feynman diagrams and contributed to quantum computing and nanotechnology. Feynman was also a popularizer of physics through books and lectures.
1918-05-11
Birth of Richard Phillips Feynman
Richard Phillips Feynman, the renowned physicist, was born on May 11, 1918.
1938
Birth of Richard Feynman's younger brother, Henry Phillips
Richard Feynman's mother gave birth to a younger brother, Henry Phillips, who unfortunately passed away at the age of four weeks.
1939-01-01
Feynman earns Bachelor's Degree
Around 1939, Richard Feynman completed his undergraduate studies and earned his Bachelor's Degree.
1941
Work on the Manhattan Project
After the United States entered World War II, Richard Feynman was recruited to work on means to produce enriched uranium for an atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project. He was involved in the development of the isotron device at Princeton, which was ultimately abandoned.
1942-01-01
Marriage of Richard Feynman to Arline Greenbaum
Around 1942, Richard Feynman married his high school sweetheart, Arline Greenbaum.
1942-06-29
Marriage to Arline Greenbaum
Despite the condition of his scholarship to Princeton that he could not be married, Richard Feynman married his high school sweetheart, Arline Greenbaum, who was seriously ill with tuberculosis. The ceremony took place in a city office on Staten Island with no family or friends present.
1943-03-28
Departure to Los Alamos
In early 1943, Richard Feynman and his wife Arline were among the first to depart for Los Alamos, where Feynman was assigned to Hans Bethe's Theoretical Division. He made significant contributions to the Bethe-Feynman formula for calculating the yield of a fission bomb.
1944-08
Acceptance of Offer from Cornell University
In August 1944, Feynman accepted an offer from Cornell University after being recommended by Bethe and endorsed by Robert Bacher.
1945-01-01
Taught physics at Cornell
On January 1, 1945, Richard Feynman started teaching physics at Cornell University, where he contributed significantly to the field of physics education and research.
1945-06-16
Death of Arline Feynman
Richard Feynman's wife, Arline, passed away on June 16, 1945 in Albuquerque. Feynman spent hours by her side before her death.
1945-07-16
Observing First Atomic Bomb Detonation
Feynman observed the first detonation of an atomic bomb on July 16, 1945, near Alamogordo, New Mexico, as part of the Manhattan Project.
1946-10-17
Letter to Arline
On October 17, 1946, Feynman wrote a heartfelt letter to his late wife Arline, expressing his deep love and heartbreak, which was only opened after his death.
1947-06
Shelter Island Conference
In June 1947, Feynman attended the Shelter Island Conference where the problems in quantum electrodynamics were discussed, but the experimentalists' achievements overshadowed the theoreticians.
1948
Feynman's Paper on Space-time Approach to Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics
In 1948, Richard Feynman published a paper in Reviews of Modern Physics introducing the Space-time Approach to Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics.
1949
Space-Time Approach to Quantum Electrodynamic
In 1949, Richard Feynman introduced the 'Space-Time Approach to Quantum Electrodynamic' in the Physical Review. This paper laid the foundation for understanding the interaction between light and matter at the quantum level.
1950-01-01
Feynman moved to CalTech and started work in QED
Around 1950, Richard Feynman relocated to the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) to teach and began his groundbreaking work in quantum electrodynamics (QED), a significant contribution to theoretical physics.
1951
An Operator Calculus Having Applications in Quantum Electrodynamics
In 1951, Richard Feynman presented 'An Operator Calculus Having Applications in Quantum Electrodynamics' in the Physical Review. This paper introduced a new mathematical tool for solving problems in quantum electrodynamics.
1952-06-28
Feynman's Marriage to Mary Louise Bell
On June 28, 1952, Richard Feynman married Mary Louise Bell in Boise, Idaho. They had met at Cornell and she followed him to Caltech.
1953
The λ-Transition in Liquid Helium
Richard Feynman's 1953 paper 'The λ-Transition in Liquid Helium' published in the Physical Review discussed the behavior of liquid helium near the lambda point. This work contributed to the understanding of phase transitions in quantum fluids.
1954
Albert Einstein Award
In 1954, Richard Feynman was awarded the Albert Einstein Award, which included a cash prize of $15,000 and a gold medal. Despite initial reluctance due to political reasons, he accepted the award.
1955
Dispersion of the Neutron Emission in U235 Fission
In 1955, Richard Feynman, along with de Hoffmann and Serber, studied the dispersion of neutron emission in U235 fission at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. This research provided insights into nuclear fission processes.
1956-01-01
Feynman and Bell Divorce
Richard Feynman divorces his first wife, Arline Greenbaum Bell, around 1956.
1956-05-20
Separation from Mary Louise Bell
On May 20, 1956, Richard Feynman separated from Mary Louise Bell. Their divorce was finalized on May 5, 1958, on grounds of 'extreme cruelty'.
1957
Theory of Inelastic Scattering of Cold Neutrons from Liquid Helium
In 1957, Richard Feynman and Cohen developed the 'Theory of Inelastic Scattering of Cold Neutrons from Liquid Helium' in the Physical Review. This theory explained the behavior of neutrons interacting with liquid helium.
1958-08-08
FBI Interview with Richard Feynman's Ex-Wife
In August 1958, Richard Feynman's ex-wife, possibly Bell, sent a written statement to J. Edgar Hoover expressing concerns that Feynman might be a Communist or pro-Communist, posing a security risk. She described him as a complex and dangerous individual.
1959
Lecture on miniaturized machines and nanotechnology
Feynman delivered a famous lecture at the California Institute of Technology titled 'There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom' where he theorized about designing miniaturized machines and the future of nanotechnology.
1960-01-01
Feynman Remarries Gweneth Howarth
Richard Feynman remarries to Gweneth Howarth around 1960.
1960-09-24
Marriage to Gweneth Howarth
On September 24, 1960, Richard Feynman married Gweneth Howarth at the Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. They later had a son named Carl in 1962 and adopted a daughter named Michelle in 1968.
1961
Theory of Fundamental Processes
Richard Feynman published the book 'Theory of Fundamental Processes' in 1961.
1962-02
Mapping Experiments with r Mutants of Bacteriophage T4D
Richard Feynman, along with Edgar, Klein, Lielausis, and Steinberg, conducted mapping experiments with r mutants of bacteriophage T4D in 1962. This research contributed to the understanding of genetic mapping and viral genetics.
1964
Feynman serves on the California State Curriculum Commission
In 1964, Richard Feynman served on the California State Curriculum Commission, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the mathematics textbooks that were being used in schools. He criticized the focus on topics like sets, which he believed were not practical for fields like theoretical physics, engineering, or business arithmetic.
1965-12-10
Feynman Wins Nobel Prize in Physics
Richard Feynman wins the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 and delivers a speech.
1966
The Development of the Space-Time View of Quantum Electrodynamics
Richard Feynman published a paper titled 'The Development of the Space-Time View of Quantum Electrodynamics' in the journal Science in August 1966. The paper discussed significant advancements in the understanding of quantum electrodynamics.
1967
The Character of Physical Law: The 1964 Messenger Lectures
In 1967, Richard Feynman delivered 'The Character of Physical Law: The 1964 Messenger Lectures'.
1968
Feynman invents theory of partons
In 1968, while collaborating with experimenters at the Stanford Linear Accelerator, Richard Feynman proposed a theory of 'partons,' hypothetical hard particles inside the nucleus of an atom, contributing to the modern understanding of quarks.
1972
Statistical Mechanics: A Set of Lectures
Richard Feynman presented 'Statistical Mechanics: A Set of Lectures' in 1972.
1974
Feynman delivers Caltech commencement address on cargo cult science
In 1974, Richard Feynman delivered the Caltech commencement address, where he talked about cargo cult science. He warned against pseudoscience and emphasized the importance of scientific integrity and honesty in research.
1975
Richard Feynman buys Dodge Tradesman Maxivan
In 1975, Richard Feynman purchased a Dodge Tradesman Maxivan in Long Beach, CA, with a unique bronze-khaki exterior and yellow-green interior, featuring custom Feynman diagram exterior murals. The van later changed owners and ended up in storage, eventually being bought by video game designer Seamus Blackley in 2012.
1977
Feynman supports Jenijoy La Belle
In 1977, Feynman supported his colleague Jenijoy La Belle in her fight for tenure at Caltech after being refused in 1974. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled against Caltech, highlighting unequal pay for La Belle compared to male colleagues.
1985
Publication of Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
In 1985, Feynman's autobiography 'Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!' was published, co-authored with Ralph Leighton. The book became a best-seller, showcasing Feynman's anecdotes and experiences.
1986-01-01
Feynman Joins Rogers Commission
Richard Feynman becomes a member of the Rogers Commission and identifies a problem around 1986.
1987
The Quest for Tannu Tuva
A documentary featuring Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton, exploring the journey titled 'Last Journey of a Genius' aired on BBC Horizon and PBS Nova.
1988-02-15
Death of Richard Feynman
Richard Feynman passed away on February 15, 1988, after battling cancer. He chose not to undergo dialysis that could have prolonged his life, and he was surrounded by his wife, sister, and cousin during his final days.
1989-02
Physics Today Feynman Memorial Issue
Special Feynman memorial issue of Physics Today magazine from February 1989, containing non-technical articles about Richard Feynman's life and work in physics.
1991
Publication of 'Tuva or Bust!'
Ralph Leighton chronicled Feynman's attempted visit to the Tuvan ASSR in the book 'Tuva or Bust!', which was published in 1991.
1993
No Ordinary Genius
A two-part documentary showcasing the life and work of Richard Feynman, with insights from his colleagues, friends, and family. It was aired on BBC Horizon and PBS Nova, also known as 'The Best Mind Since Einstein'.
1994
Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained
A book written by Richard Feynman, providing an accessible explanation of essential physics concepts. It was recognized as one of the 100 best nonfiction books by the Modern Library board of directors.
1995
Lectures on Gravitation
Richard Feynman's 'Lectures on Gravitation' was edited by Brian Hatfield and published in 1995.
1996
Portrayal of Feynman in 'Infinity'
Matthew Broderick portrayed Richard Feynman in the 1996 biopic 'Infinity', depicting aspects of Feynman's life.
1997
Six Not So Easy Pieces: Einstein's Relativity, Symmetry and Space-Time
A book by Richard Feynman delving into the complex topics of Einstein's relativity, symmetry, and space-time.
1998
The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist
Richard Feynman's book exploring the thoughts of a citizen-scientist, reflecting on various aspects of life and science.
1999
Physics World Poll
In a 1999 poll of leading physicists worldwide, Richard Feynman was ranked the seventh-greatest physicist of all time.
2000
Selected Papers of Richard Feynman: With Commentary
In 2000, a collection of selected papers by Richard Feynman, with commentary by Laurie M. Brown, was published under the title 'Selected Papers of Richard Feynman: With Commentary'. The compilation provides insights into Feynman's contributions to 20th-century physics.
2001
Premiere of the play 'QED'
In 2001, the play 'QED' by Peter Parnell, which was commissioned by and starred Alan Alda, celebrated the life of Richard Feynman.
2003
Feynman's Rainbow: A Search For Beauty In Physics And In Life
Leonard Mlodinow's book from 2003, published as 'Some Time With Feynman' in the UK, delving into the beauty of physics and life through the lens of Richard Feynman.
2005-05-04
Issuance of 'American Scientists' Stamps
On May 4, 2005, the United States Postal Service issued commemorative stamps featuring American scientists, including Richard Feynman.
2009
The Great Explainer: The Story of Richard Feynman
A book by Harry LeVine in 2009, aimed at high school readers, narrating the story of Richard Feynman.
2011
Publication of the graphic novel 'Feynman'
In 2011, the graphic novel 'Feynman' by Jim Ottaviani and Leland Myrick was released, portraying the story of Richard Feynman in a visual format.
2013
The Challenger
A BBC Two factual drama starring William Hurt, depicting Richard Feynman's efforts to uncover the truth behind the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
2015
How We Built The Bomb
A docudrama portraying The Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, with actor/playwright Michael Raver playing the role of Richard Feynman.
2016
Portrayal in 'The Big Bang Theory'
Sheldon Cooper, a character in 'The Big Bang Theory', is a fan of Richard Feynman and has emulated him on various occasions.
2023
Portrayal of Feynman in 'Oppenheimer'
In the upcoming 2023 American film 'Oppenheimer', directed by Christopher Nolan, Feynman will be portrayed by actor Jack Quaid.
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Richard Feynman

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Richard Feynman

American theoretical physicist
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