Born: 1894 (Vienna, Austria)
Died: 1970
Biography:
Marietta Blau (29 April 1894 – 27 January 1970) was an Austrian physicist known for her groundbreaking work in the field of particle physics. She developed photographic nuclear emulsions that revolutionized the way high-energy nuclear particles and events were imaged and measured. Blau’s contributions to the field significantly advanced scientific understanding in her time.
Blau was born on 29 April 1894 in Vienna, Austria, into a middle-class Jewish family. Her father, Mayer Blau, was a court lawyer and music publisher, while her mother, Florentine Goldzweig, ran the household. From an early age, Blau displayed an aptitude for mathematics and the natural sciences. She attended the girls’ high school run by the Association for the Extended Education of Women, where she obtained a general certificate of education.
In 1914, Blau enrolled at the University of Vienna, where she studied physics and mathematics. She pursued her research under the guidance of prominent physicists of the time, including Friedrich Hasenöhrl and Franz-Serafin Exner. Her doctoral thesis, on the absorption of gamma rays, was awarded in March 1919. It marked the beginning of a prolific career in scientific research.
Blau’s groundbreaking work came in the form of her development of photographic nuclear emulsions. These emulsions were able to accurately image and measure high-energy nuclear particles and events, providing invaluable insights into the field of particle physics. This innovative technique enabled the identification of particles, such as alpha-particles and protons, and the determination of their energy based on the tracks they left in the emulsions. Blau’s nuclear emulsions opened the door to new possibilities for studying cosmic rays and other high-energy phenomena.
Blau’s contributions to the field did not go unnoticed. She was nominated several times for the Nobel Prize in Physics between 1950 and 1957, as well as once for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry by Erwin Schrödinger and Hans Thirring. While she did not win the Nobel Prize, her impact on the field of particle physics was undeniable.
In 1938, Blau’s life took a drastic turn when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. As a Jew, she was forced to flee her homeland for safety. She made her way to the United States, where she continued her research and collaborated with other scientists. Blau’s ingenuity and determination remained unwavering despite the challenges she faced as a displaced scientist.
After the end of World War II, Blau returned to Austria, where she resumed her scientific work. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was awarded the prestigious Erwin Schrödinger Prize by the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Blau’s legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she defied societal expectations and paved the way for future generations of female scientists. Her pioneering work in particle physics continues to inspire and influence scientists today.
Awards:
– Lieben Prize (date unknown) by the Austrian Academy of Sciences
– Erwin Schrödinger Prize (date unknown) by the Austrian Academy of Sciences