# Max von Laue

> German physicist, Nobel laureate and anti-Nazi (1879–1960)

**Wikidata**: [Q57067](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57067)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_von_Laue)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-von-laue

## Summary
Max von Laue was a German physicist and Nobel laureate known for his pioneering work in crystallography and X-ray diffraction. He was also a prominent anti-Nazi figure during World War II, advocating for scientific integrity and human rights.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 9, 1879, in Pfaffendorf, Germany
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: Studied physics at the University of Strasbourg, University of Göttingen, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- **Known for**: Discovering the diffraction of X-rays by crystals, which laid the foundation for crystallography
- **Employer(s)**: University of Zurich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
- **Field(s)**: Physics, crystallography

## Contributions
Max von Laue made significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in crystallography. His most notable discovery was the diffraction of X-rays by crystals, which he demonstrated in 1912. This discovery revolutionized the study of crystal structures and led to the development of X-ray crystallography, a technique that has been instrumental in determining the atomic and molecular structure of materials. Von Laue's work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914.

In addition to his scientific contributions, von Laue was a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime. He used his influence to protect Jewish scientists and advocate for scientific freedom. His anti-Nazi stance and commitment to human rights have made him a respected figure in both scientific and ethical contexts.

## FAQs
**What is Max von Laue known for?**
Max von Laue is best known for his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals, which laid the foundation for the field of crystallography. This work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914.

**Where did Max von Laue study?**
Max von Laue studied physics at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Strasbourg, University of Göttingen, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

**What awards did Max von Laue receive?**
Max von Laue received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914, the Max Planck Medal, and the Helmholtz Medal.

**What was Max von Laue's stance on the Nazi regime?**
Max von Laue was a prominent anti-Nazi figure. He used his influence to protect Jewish scientists and advocate for scientific integrity and human rights during World War II.

**What institutions was Max von Laue affiliated with?**
Max von Laue was affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including the University of Zurich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt.

## Why They Matter
Max von Laue's work in crystallography and X-ray diffraction has had a profound impact on the field of physics and materials science. His discoveries have enabled scientists to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials, leading to advancements in various scientific and industrial applications. Additionally, his anti-Nazi stance and commitment to human rights have made him a respected figure in both scientific and ethical contexts. Von Laue's legacy continues to inspire scientists and advocates for scientific integrity and human rights.

## Notable For
- Discovering the diffraction of X-rays by crystals
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914
- Being a prominent anti-Nazi figure
- Affiliations with prestigious institutions such as the University of Zurich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Receiving numerous awards and honors, including the Max Planck Medal and the Helmholtz Medal

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Max von Laue was born on October 9, 1879, in Pfaffendorf, Germany. He studied physics at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Strasbourg, University of Göttingen, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. His education laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in crystallography and X-ray diffraction.

### Career and Contributions
Max von Laue's most significant contribution to science was his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals in 1912. This discovery revolutionized the study of crystal structures and led to the development of X-ray crystallography, a technique that has been instrumental in determining the atomic and molecular structure of materials. Von Laue's work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914.

Throughout his career, von Laue was affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including the University of Zurich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. His work at these institutions furthered the field of physics and crystallography.

### Anti-Nazi Stance
In addition to his scientific contributions, Max von Laue was a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime. He used his influence to protect Jewish scientists and advocate for scientific freedom. His anti-Nazi stance and commitment to human rights have made him a respected figure in both scientific and ethical contexts.

### Awards and Honors
Max von Laue received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914, he was awarded the Max Planck Medal and the Helmholtz Medal. These awards recognize his significant contributions to the field of physics and his commitment to scientific integrity.

### Legacy
Max von Laue's legacy continues to inspire scientists and advocates for scientific integrity and human rights. His discoveries in crystallography and X-ray diffraction have had a profound impact on the field of physics and materials science, enabling scientists to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials. His anti-Nazi stance and commitment to human rights have made him a respected figure in both scientific and ethical contexts.

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