Arthur Ashkin
A physicist who figured out how to use light to hold and manipulate microscopic particles, creating a tool that revolutionized biology.
1922–2020 (age 98)·American physicist·Birthday: September 2·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Arthur Ashkin's genius was in seeing the invisible force of light radiation pressure and asking a simple, profound question: could you use it as a pair of hands? At Bell Labs, he demonstrated that focused laser beams could trap tiny particles, dubbing the device 'optical tweezers.' For years, the physics world considered it a neat trick. But Ashkin proved its world-changing potential by using it to trap living bacteria and viruses without harm, opening a door for biology. His stubborn dedication to the idea, often working alone, eventually provided science with a fundamental tool for studying the mechanics of life at the molecular level, from the unfolding of proteins to the operation of molecular motors, making him a Nobel laureate at 96.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Arthur was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Arthur Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Arthur's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2020Died at 98
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
Key Achievements
- Awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of optical tweezers and their application to biological systems.
- Demonstrated the first optical trapping of neutral particles using lasers in 1970.
- Pioneered the non-destructive trapping and manipulation of living bacteria and viruses with laser light.
- Held the record for the oldest Nobel Prize laureate at the time of his award at age 96.
Did You Know?
He kept working in a home laboratory in his basement well into his 90s.
His Nobel Prize was shared with Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland, who worked on a different laser technique.
He held over 47 patents related to his work on optics and lasers.
Early in his career, he worked on microwave technology and contributed to the development of the microwave amplifier (maser).
“You know, I’m 96. I’ve had a good life. I’m not worried about it. I’m just going to continue working.”
