Discover
/
Article

Solid

JUN 01, 1949
Physicists often leave the new ground they break for others to till and to cultivate. Solid state physics, the author finds, is unique because physicists are continuing its exploitation. This, he thinks, may be a new pattern for other fields from which the frontier has withdrawn. This article is taken from a speech given at the dinner meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Solid State Physics in Cleveland on March 11, 1949.
Frederick Seitz

Solid state physics is a field which has been in a somewhat unique position for about fifteen years. Although it probably will not continue to be unique very much longer, it may set a somewhat new pattern which other fields will follow. That pattern is the secondary exploitation by physicists of a field which physicists themselves have opened.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the Authors

Frederick Seitz. Carnegie Institute of Technology.

Related content
/
Article
Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.
/
Article
Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.
/
Article
Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.
/
Article
As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1949_06.jpeg

Volume 2, Number 6

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.