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Peter J. W. Debye – a whole life devoted to science
Author(s) -
Dalba Giuseppe
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
acta crystallographica section a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.742
H-Index - 83
ISSN - 2053-2733
DOI - 10.1107/s2053273316013619
Subject(s) - debye , debye model , scattering , field (mathematics) , physics , debye–hückel equation , theoretical physics , debye length , engineering physics , condensed matter physics , quantum mechanics , mathematics , plasma , pure mathematics , electrode , electrolyte
In 1915 P. Debye, one of the most prominent scientists in the field of condensed‐matter physics and physical chemistry, published an X‐ray scattering equation for randomly oriented scattering sites. This formula, since then used for describing the structure of powders, liquids and gases, has become a model for material analysis at the nanoscale. This paper re‐examines briefly Debye's works on the origin and evolution of the scattering equation and its first uses. The career of the great scientist and some of his other numerous and diverse contributions to science are also reviewed. Additionally the paper addresses aspects of his life as a teacher, as a science manager and as a man, including the recent controversy about his conduct during the Third Reich regime.