Alvin
Van Valkenburg
Year
1986
Subject
Physics
Award
Wetherill
Affiliation
Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution
Citation
For inventing high pressure optic devices.
In 1958, Alvin Van Valkenburg co-invented the diamond anvil pressure cell. This device has revolutionized high pressure research, by allowing static pressures equivalent to that in the earth's core to be produced in the laboratory.
Dr. Van Valkenburg obtained a degree in geology at Union College in 1936. He retired from his position at the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution in 1980.
Information as of 1986