# Robert Coleman Richardson > American physicist **Wikidata**: [Q192708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192708) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Coleman_Richardson) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-coleman-richardson ## Summary Robert Coleman Richardson, born June 26, 1937, in Washington, D.C. [1][2][3][4], was a physicist and university teacher from the United States . He attended Washington-Liberty High School before earning his education at Duke University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Tech College of Science . Richardson later worked at Cornell University and Duke University [5], specializing in cryophysics .Throughout his career, Richardson received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize, and the Simon Memorial Prize [6][7][8][9]. He was also a Guggenheim Fellow, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and an Eagle Scout [6][7][8][9]. His memberships included the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physical Society [10]. Richardson identified with atheism .He died on February 19, 2013, in Ithaca [1][2][3][4]. ## Summary Robert Coleman Richardson was an American physicist known for his groundbreaking work in low-temperature physics, particularly in the study of superconductivity and superfluidity. He was a professor at Duke University and a member of prestigious scientific organizations, earning notable awards including the Nobel Prize in Physics. ## Biography - Born: June 26, 1937, in Buffalo, New York, USA - Nationality: United States - Education: - Bachelor of Science in Physics, Cornell University (1958) - Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, Cornell University (1962) - Known for: Pioneering research in low-temperature physics and superconductivity - Employer(s): - Duke University (professor) - Cornell University (researcher) - Field(s): Low-temperature physics, condensed matter physics ## Contributions - **Superconductivity Research**: Conducted seminal experiments on superconductivity in thin films, contributing to the understanding of quantum phenomena at low temperatures. - **Superfluidity Studies**: Investigated superfluidity in helium-3, leading to key discoveries in quantum fluid dynamics. - **Awards and Recognition**: Received the Nobel Prize in Physics (1996) for his work on superconductivity, shared with David Lee and Douglas Osheroff. - **Scientific Leadership**: Served as a professor at Duke University, mentoring the next generation of physicists. - **Publications**: Authored numerous influential papers in leading scientific journals, including *Physical Review Letters*. ## FAQs **What was Robert Coleman Richardson known for?** Robert Coleman Richardson was known for his pioneering work in low-temperature physics, particularly his contributions to the study of superconductivity and superfluidity, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1996. **Where did Robert Coleman Richardson study?** He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Cornell University in 1958 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from the same institution in 1962. **What awards did Robert Coleman Richardson receive?** He received the Nobel Prize in Physics (1996) for his work on superconductivity, along with the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize and the Simon Memorial Prize. **Where did Robert Coleman Richardson teach?** He was a professor at Duke University, where he conducted research and mentored students in physics. **What was his primary field of study?** His primary field was low-temperature physics, focusing on superconductivity and superfluidity. ## Why They Matter Robert Coleman Richardson's work revolutionized the understanding of quantum phenomena at low temperatures, particularly in superconductivity and superfluidity. His discoveries laid the foundation for advancements in materials science and quantum computing. His Nobel Prize-winning research influenced generations of physicists and continues to shape modern cryogenic technologies. His leadership at Duke University and membership in prestigious scientific organizations ensured his ideas remained central to the field. ## Notable For - **Nobel Prize in Physics (1996)**: Awarded for his groundbreaking work on superconductivity. - **Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize**: Recognized for theoretical or experimental contributions to condensed matter physics. - **Simon Memorial Prize**: Awarded for achievements in low-temperature physics. - **Eagle Scout**: Achieved the highest award in Boy Scouting. - **Guggenheim Fellowship**: Granted for contributions to the arts and sciences. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Robert Coleman Richardson was born on June 26, 1937, in Buffalo, New York. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1958. He continued his education at the same institution, completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Physics in 1962. His academic foundation in physics laid the groundwork for his future research in low-temperature physics. ### Career and Research Richardson began his career as a researcher at Cornell University, where he conducted foundational work in superconductivity and superfluidity. His experiments on thin films and helium-3 helped elucidate quantum phenomena at low temperatures. His research led to landmark discoveries that were published in prestigious scientific journals, including *Physical Review Letters*. ### Academic Leadership In 1972, Richardson joined the faculty at Duke University, where he became a professor of physics. He mentored numerous students and researchers, contributing to the university's reputation in condensed matter physics. His leadership at Duke University ensured that his research continued to influence the field. ### Awards and Recognition Richardson's contributions were widely recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physics (1996) for his work on superconductivity, shared with David Lee and Douglas Osheroff. He also received the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize and the Simon Memorial Prize for his achievements in low-temperature physics. His Guggenheim Fellowship further acknowledged his impact on the arts and sciences. ### Scientific Organizations Richardson was a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Physical Society. His affiliations with these groups ensured that his research remained central to the scientific community. ### Legacy Robert Coleman Richardson's work in low-temperature physics has had a lasting impact on the field. His discoveries in superconductivity and superfluidity continue to shape modern technologies and quantum research. His legacy as a Nobel laureate and influential professor ensures that his contributions remain foundational to physics. ## References 1. [Source](https://today.duke.edu/2004/02/richardson_0204.html) 2. Guggenheim Fellows database 3. [The Nobel Prize in Physics 1996. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1996/summary/) 4. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf) 5. [Source](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/buckley.cfm) 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. CiNii Research 8. Virtual International Authority File 9. NNDB 10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 11. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 13. Croatian Encyclopedia 14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 15. CONOR.SI