Compton, Arthur Holly

Arthur Holly Compton was born on September 10, 1892, in Wooster, Ohio, USA. His family was connected with science. His father was a dean at the University of Wooster (later The College of Wooster) where Arthur studied together with his brothers.

Initially Compton was interested in astronomy. In 1913 he graduated from the University of Wooster with a bachelor of science degree and entered Princeton. In 1914 he received a master of arts degree. In 1916 he defended his dissertation on topic "The Intensity of X-Ray Reflection, and the Distribution of the Electrons in Atoms".

Since 1918 he had been studying X-rays and developed low-pressure sodium lamps.

In 1920-1923 Arthur Holly Compton was a professor of physics at Washington University in St. Louis. Since 1923 - professor of physics at the University of Chicago.

In 1921 he suggested that an electron can rotate around its axis (has a spin) and, in fact, is an electromagnet.

In 1922 Compton discovered and gave a theoretical basis for the effect of changing the wavelength of X-ray radiation due to its scattering by electrons of matter, thereby proving the existence of the photon. For this discovery Arthur Holly Compton was awarded the Nobel Prize.

In 1941-1942 he participated in the project to create the American atomic bomb.

Arthur Holly Compton died on March 15, 1962.

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