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“CONGRATULATING DR. JOHN HALL FOR WINNING THE 2005 NOBEL PRIZE FOR PHYSICS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2027 on Oct. 6, 2005.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CONGRATULATING DR. JOHN HALL FOR WINNING THE 2005 NOBEL PRIZE FOR
PHYSICS
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HON. MARK UDALL
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the tremendous accomplishment of one of my constituents. The Royal Swedish Academy of Science awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics to Dr. John Hall of Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Hall and Dr. Theodor Haensch of Munich, Germany won the Nobel Prize for the development of a laser-based precision spectroscopy.
Dr. Hall is a JILA fellow at the University of Colorado and a senior scientist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's
(NIST) Quantum Physics Division. Dr. Hall has received a series of awards in his distinguished career, including the Department of Commerce Gold Medal on three separate occasions in 1969, 1974, and 2002. He also became a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 1984.
In 1999, Dr. Haensch made a discovery that lasers with short pulses could be used to measure optical frequencies in cesium clocks. Through this the optical frequency comb technique that is based on the evenly distributed frequencies that appear like the teeth of a comb was developed. While the distance between frequencies can be defined through this technique, it did not determine the absolute value of the frequency. In 2000, Dr. Hall developed a simple formula to determine frequency displacement, thus stabilizing the frequency. Haensch and Hall worked together to develop an instrument that currently has wide commercial use.
This instrument can measure frequencies with an accuracy of fifteen digits. Their work has wide ranging application that can improve communication and animation technology, and potentially benefit navigation for spacecraft. Their work also can enable the study of stability of constants of nature over time, improve Global Positioning System, and develop more accurate clocks.
It is clear that their discoveries have opened doors into many sectors of research and industries. The potential for new knowledge is vast and wide ranging. NIST, JILA, and the University of Colorado can now boast three Nobel Laureates, which is testament to the groundbreaking and vital research being performed at these institutions. I am honored that these facilities are located within the Second Congressional District, and particularly honored that Dr. Hall has chosen to perform this research in Colorado. He is an asset to our scientific community, and is an inspiration for many young people who may want to pursue their interests in science.
I, again, congratulate Dr. Hall on his remarkable achievement and the honor that has been bestowed upon him.
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