Hermann Haken
Encyclopedia
Hermann Haken is physicist
and professor emeritus in theoretical physics
at the University of Stuttgart
. He is known as the founder of synergetics.
After his studies in mathematics and physics in Halle (Saale) and Erlangen
, receiving his Ph. D. in mathematics
at the University of Erlangen and being guest lecturer at universities in the UK and U.S.
, he was appointed lecturer in theoretical physics at the university of Stuttgart. His research has been in non linear optics (his specialities are laser physics
, particle physics
, statistical physics
and group theory
).
Haken developed his institute in a relatively short time to be an international center for laser theory, after which Theodore Maiman in May 1960 built the first experimental laser. The interpretation of the laser principles as self organization of non equilibrium systems
paved the way at the end of the 1960s to the development of synergetics
, of which Haken is recognized as the founder.
Haken is the author of some 23 textbooks and monographs that cover an impressive number of topics from laser physics to synergetics. Although Haken's books tend to be rather mathematical, at least one of his books Light is nicely written, for the more general reader, and loaded with physical insights.
For his work he received the Max Planck medal
in 1990. He is the author of several books, including a book with an introduction in synergetics, as well as the author of a series of books in this field.
He received the Albert A. Michelson Medal from the Franklin Institute
in 1981.
Physicist
A physicist is a scientist who studies or practices physics. Physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena in many branches of physics spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic particles of which all ordinary matter is made to the behavior of the material Universe as a whole...
and professor emeritus in theoretical physics
Theoretical physics
Theoretical physics is a branch of physics which employs mathematical models and abstractions of physics to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena...
at the University of Stuttgart
University of Stuttgart
The University of Stuttgart is a university located in Stuttgart, Germany. It was founded in 1829 and is organized in 10 faculties....
. He is known as the founder of synergetics.
After his studies in mathematics and physics in Halle (Saale) and Erlangen
Erlangen
Erlangen is a Middle Franconian city in Bavaria, Germany. It is located at the confluence of the river Regnitz and its large tributary, the Untere Schwabach.Erlangen has more than 100,000 inhabitants....
, receiving his Ph. D. in mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
at the University of Erlangen and being guest lecturer at universities in the UK and U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, he was appointed lecturer in theoretical physics at the university of Stuttgart. His research has been in non linear optics (his specialities are laser physics
Laser Physics
Laser Physics is an international scientific journal published by Nauka/Interperiodica. It is distributed through the Springer.-Topics covered:The journal specializes in laser physics, but also publishes papers about:...
, particle physics
Particle physics
Particle physics is a branch of physics that studies the existence and interactions of particles that are the constituents of what is usually referred to as matter or radiation. In current understanding, particles are excitations of quantum fields and interact following their dynamics...
, statistical physics
Statistical physics
Statistical physics is the branch of physics that uses methods of probability theory and statistics, and particularly the mathematical tools for dealing with large populations and approximations, in solving physical problems. It can describe a wide variety of fields with an inherently stochastic...
and group theory
Group theory
In mathematics and abstract algebra, group theory studies the algebraic structures known as groups.The concept of a group is central to abstract algebra: other well-known algebraic structures, such as rings, fields, and vector spaces can all be seen as groups endowed with additional operations and...
).
Haken developed his institute in a relatively short time to be an international center for laser theory, after which Theodore Maiman in May 1960 built the first experimental laser. The interpretation of the laser principles as self organization of non equilibrium systems
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics is a branch of thermodynamics that deals with systems that are not in thermodynamic equilibrium. Most systems found in nature are not in thermodynamic equilibrium; for they are changing or can be triggered to change over time, and are continuously and discontinuously...
paved the way at the end of the 1960s to the development of synergetics
Synergetics
Synergetics is an interdisciplinary science explaining the formation and self-organization of patterns and structures in open systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium. It is founded by Hermann Haken, inspired by the laser theory....
, of which Haken is recognized as the founder.
Haken is the author of some 23 textbooks and monographs that cover an impressive number of topics from laser physics to synergetics. Although Haken's books tend to be rather mathematical, at least one of his books Light is nicely written, for the more general reader, and loaded with physical insights.
For his work he received the Max Planck medal
Max Planck medal
The Max Planck medal is an award for extraordinary achievements in theoretical physics. It is awarded annually by the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft , the world's largest organization of physicists.-List of recipients:...
in 1990. He is the author of several books, including a book with an introduction in synergetics, as well as the author of a series of books in this field.
He received the Albert A. Michelson Medal from the Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States, dating to 1824. The Institute also houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.-History:On February 5, 1824, Samuel Vaughn Merrick and...
in 1981.