Background
OVERHAUSER, Albert was born on August 17, 1925 in San Diego, California, United States. Son of Clarence Albert Overhauser and Gertrude Irene (Pehrson) Overhauser.
physicist university professor nuclear scientist
OVERHAUSER, Albert was born on August 17, 1925 in San Diego, California, United States. Son of Clarence Albert Overhauser and Gertrude Irene (Pehrson) Overhauser.
AB, University of California, Berkeley, 1948; Doctor of Philosophy, University of California, Berkeley, 1951; Doctor of Science (honorary), University Chicago, 1979; Doctor of Laws (honorary), Simon Fraser U., 1998.
He is best known for his theory of dynamic nuclear polarization, also known as the Overhauser Effect. He interrupted his studies during World World War II for a two year stint in the United States. Navy Reserve, then returned to Berkeley to complete his education. In 1948 he received undergraduate degrees in physics and mathematics, and in 1951 he received a Doctor of Philosophy in physics.
From 1951 to 1953, he was a post-doctoral student at the University of Illinois, where he developed an important theory on the transfer of spin polarization.
Once the theory had been confirmed and demonstrated by other scientists, it became known as the Overhauser Effect. He was on the faculty at Cornell University from 1953 to 1958, and then left to join the research staff at Ford Motor Company.
Overhauser remained at Ford until 1973, when he joined the faculty at Purdue University. He remained at Purdue as the Stuart Distinguished Professor of Physics for the rest of his career.
Overhauser died in 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana.
He was 86.
With United States Naval Reserve, 1944-1946. Fellow American Physical Society (Oliver E. Buckley Solid State Physics prize 1975), American Academy Arts and Sciences. Member NAS.
Married Margaret Mary Casey, August 25, 1951. Children— Teresa, Catherine, Joan, Paul, John, David, Susan, Steven.