U. Physics prof lands 2002 Nobel Prize

Penn Research Professor Raymond Davis Jr. has been awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics, the Nobel Foundation announced yesterday in Stockholm, Sweden.

This is the second time in three years that a Penn professor has been honored with a Nobel. Chemistry Professor Alan MacDiarmid won the award in 2000.

Davis is being recognized for his work with neutrinos -- particles produced at the center of the sun. He was the first to create a machine able to detect these solar particles from Earth. His research has helped develop scientists' understanding of solar energy and led to the development of neutrino astrophysics.

The University held a press conference yesterday to explain the details and significance of the professor's research.

Provost Robert Barchi tried to encapsulate the emotional reaction the award elicited throughout the University.

"I can tell you that you can almost feel the buzz of excitement and the buzz of energy on campus with this most prestigious of scientific awards," Barchi said.

He also explained the possible ramifications of the research itself.

"It's not an overstatement to say that the work of these investigators may ultimately help us to better understand the very origin of the universe itself," Barchi said.

School of Arts and Sciences Dean Samuel Preston joined Barchi in lauding Davis' efforts.

"Ray Davis epitomizes the spirit of scientific observation and discovery," Preston said.

Physics Professor Kenneth Lande, who worked with Davis on the project, spoke about the details of the research itself.

He explained that in order to detect neutrinos, Davis built a machine in Lead, S.D., 4,850 feet below the surface of the earth. There, the earth acted as a filter, shielding the machine from the interference of cosmic ray particles.

Davis' research was conducted over the last 37 years. By studying neutrinos, Davis has been able to explain the source of solar energy.

In addition to his detailed explanation, Lande thanked many of the collaborators who worked on the project with Davis. He recognized Masatoshi Koshiba of the University of Tokyo and Riccardo Giacconi of Associated Universities, Inc., in Washington. Both scientists worked intimately with Davis and share his Nobel distinction.

Lande also thanked contributing companies and the people of Lead, S.D.

"We have an enormous debt of gratitude... to the citizens of Lead, South Dakota who normally are not engaged in neutrino astrophysics," Lande said.

He also expressed his personal enjoyment of the occasion.

"This is exciting science -- we're having a great time," Lande said.

When asked about the practical applications of Davis' work, Lande hesitated.

"Well, of course -- if it gets to be practical, it will end up in the Engineering School," Lande said.

He then went on to outline the new understanding of solar energy that scientists have as a result of the research. He said that perhaps this understanding could lead to new developments in the field of energy.

Finally, Lande said that he hoped the Nobel recognition would inspire young students to pursue physics in their careers.

"I hope this becomes a stimulus for the next generation of scientists to say, 'Hey, there's great physics going on,'" he said.

After the press conference, however, Lande admitted that there are still many obstacles currently standing in the way of Davis' research.

Davis was unavailable for comment yesterday. He reportedly suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

Due to financial constraints, the mine where Davis' neutrino detector is located has been closed. Workers are now disassembling the machine, and the researchers are searching for a place to put it.

Lande said he hopes that the mine will be turned into a national laboratory and that the research will be able to resume shortly. However, the future of the project remains in jeopardy.

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