At 3:30 a.m. on October 9, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) physicist David Wineland was informed he won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work in quantum mechanics. Dr. Wineland shares this award with French physicist Serge Haroche, who works seperately in the same field.

In a press release on the award, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences stated, “Through their ingenious laboratory methods Haroche and Wineland together with their research groups have managed to measure and control very fragile quantum states, which were previously thought inaccessible for direct observation. The new methods allow them to examine, control and count the particles.” NIST Director Patrick Gallagher commented, “Dave’s work embodies NIST’s mission to pioneer new measurement science that will substantially advance technology and innovation.”

Dr. Wineland earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of California at Berkeley, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Harvard University. Prior to beginning his career at NIST in 1975, he was a post-doctorial research associate at the University of Washington. In addition to the Nobel Prize, Dr. Wineland’s awards and honors include the 2007 National Medal of Science, the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics, the International Award on Quantum Communications, and the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Senior Executives and Professionals.

For more information on the Nobel Prizes and David Wineland please visit: www.nobelprize.org and www.nist.gov.