Fowler, William Alfred (Physicist, Nobel Laureate)

Dates

• Existence: 1911 - 1995

Biographical/Historical

Background: Professor of Physics, 1939-1982; Nobel Laureate in Physics, 1983; Caltech alumnus (PhD, 1936).

Biographical/Historical

Description: William A. Fowler was born in Lima, Ohio, and educated at Ohio State University and at Caltech. For much of his career, Fowler was the acknowledged leader in the research area of astrophysics. Fowler's work in nuclear physics began in the 1930s while working with Charles C. Lauritsen and, slightly later, with Fred Hoyle. In 1983, Fowler received the Nobel prize in physics, with Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, for his theoretical and experimental studies of nuclear reactions in the formation of the chemical elements in the universe. During World War II Fowler worked closely with C. C. Lauritsen on Caltech's rocket project for the US navy. In the postwar era, he was head of Project Vista, a study of strategic weapons.

Biographical/Historical

Collection Notes: Oral history, 1983-84; 1986. This 154 page interview covers a broad range of Fowler's professional activities and professional life. A 15-page supplemental oral history completed in 1986 provides further discussion of the climate at Caltech during World War II and the rocket project undertaken for the US navy.

Papers: 213 boxes, 94 linear feet. Papers cover personal and professional life during years 1917-1994. Extensive material from World War II and some coverage of Project Vista.

Photo of William A. Fowler at the Nobel banquet (PhotoNet)

Found in 36 Collections and/or Records: