Dr. William D. Phillips stands as a preeminent figure in modern atomic physics whose pioneering work has transformed our ability to manipulate and study matter at the quantum level. He currently holds the distinguished position of Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland while maintaining his long-standing affiliation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology where he has been a research physicist since 1978. Phillips earned his undergraduate degree from Juniata College in 1970 before pursuing doctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he completed his Ph.D. in physics in 1976. His early research focused on precision measurements of the proton's magnetic moment, establishing the foundation for his lifelong commitment to experimental precision in atomic physics.
Dr. Phillips's most significant contribution came through his innovative development of laser cooling and trapping techniques for neutral atoms, work that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997 which he shared with Steven Chu and Claude Cohen-Tannoudji. His groundbreaking research demonstrated methods to chill atoms to temperatures merely millionths of a degree above absolute zero, far below the previously accepted theoretical limits as evidenced by his 1988 discovery of sub-Doppler cooling. Phillips invented the Zeeman slower, the first device to successfully decelerate and cool an atomic beam using laser light combined with a magnetic field, which became a cornerstone technology in ultracold atom research. This work enabled the creation of Bose-Einstein condensates and opened entirely new avenues for studying quantum phenomena, fundamentally transforming atomic physics and enabling unprecedented precision in timekeeping and measurement science.
Beyond his Nobel-winning achievements, Dr. Phillips has profoundly influenced the trajectory of atomic physics through his leadership in establishing the field of laser-cooled and trapped atoms as a vibrant research community. His group at NIST has developed numerous advanced techniques that continue to push the boundaries of ultracold atom research, including applications in quantum information with single-atom qubits and atomic-gas Bose-Einstein condensates. Phillips has generously shared his expertise through teaching, mentoring generations of physicists at the University of Maryland where he has served as a dedicated educator since 1992. His ongoing research continues to explore the frontiers of atomic physics, seeking new insights into quantum behavior at ultralow temperatures while maintaining his commitment to the philosophical pursuit of understanding nature's fundamental principles that has guided his remarkable career.
