Researchers in the fields of light, new materials, and cosmic exploration are speculated to be possible contenders for this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics. The winner of the prize will be announced in Stockholm on Tuesday at 11:45 am (09:45 GMT). The award follows the previous day’s recognition of Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking work in mRNA technology.

One of the possible laureates is atomic physicist Anne L’Huillier from France and Sweden, for her contributions to the study of “ultrafast laser pulses that enable the tracking of electrons’ super-fast motion within molecules.” L’Huillier was also awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize last year, often seen as a precursor to the Nobel Prize.

Another strong contender could be Danish scientist Olga Botner, known for her work on cosmic neutrinos. Her research focuses on the use of neutrino technology at the IceCube Observatory in Antarctica to explore the universe.

Although recent Physics prizes have focused on astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology, the James Webb Space Telescope is unlikely to be recognized this year. However, it is considered a potential candidate in the future.

The field of quantum mechanics, despite having received recognition in the past, still has many deserving scientists. Possible candidates include Ignacio Cirac from Spain, David Deutsch from the United Kingdom, Peter Shor from the United States, and Peter Zoller from Austria. Other prominent figures in the field are Yakir Aharonov from Israel and Michael Berry from Great Britain, both of whom have made significant discoveries in quantum mechanics.

There is also the possibility that the prize will be awarded for practical achievements, such as the work of Stuart P. Parkin from Great Britain in the field of spintronics materials, which has had a significant impact on data storage capabilities.

Research in the field of light may also be recognized, with names like John B. Pendry from Great Britain, known for his work on “invisibility cloaks,” and researchers in the field of photovoltaics and the conducting properties of twisted graphene mentioned.

The Nobel Prize in Physics will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, followed by the Literature and Peace Prizes on Thursday and Friday, respectively. The Economics Prize will conclude the 2023 Nobel season on Monday.

Sources:
– AFP
– Physics World