Richard Garwin, Pioneer Behind First Hydrogen Bomb, Passes Away at 97

Quick Summary

• Richard L. Garwin (1928-2023), designer of the first hydrogen bomb, passed away at age 97 on May 13.

– He earned his Ph.D. in physics under Enrico Fermi at the University of Chicago and contributed to nuclear science through his role in the development of the thermonuclear device “Ivy Mike” in 1952.
– His work extended beyond nuclear physics, with innovations in computing, MRI technology, laser printing, and touchscreen monitoring while working for IBM for over four decades.
– He advised U.S. presidents on defense and nuclear policy for more then five decades and was awarded scientific honors including the National Medal of Science (2002) and Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).

• Donald Twieg (1943-2023), MRI pioneer, died at age 80 on April 28.

– Developed key imaging methodologies that improved resolution, speed, signal-to-noise ratio in MRI systems.

• Other notable researchers who passed:

– Joseph Watson, professor emeritus focusing on electrical engineering applications such as gas detection.
– Anthony C. Davies, former IEEE director with contributions to digital signal processing.

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Indian Opinion analysis

Richard Garwin’s passing marks a significant loss to global science as well as technological history. His involvement with projects like thermonuclear weapons underscores pivotal moments shaping international security landscapes during Cold War years-events that indirectly influenced India’s own strategic policies regarding defense capabilities later initiated by prominent scientists such A.P.J Abdul Kalam contextually connected era gaps.*