Frank W. B. Van der Meer

Frank W. B. Van der Meer was a Dutch physicist renowned for developing the technique of stochastic cooling, which significantly advanced the field of particle physics. His method involves reducing the random motion of particle beams in accelerators, allowing scientists to increase their density and make precise experiments possible. This innovation was crucial for discoveries such as the discovery of the W and Z bosons, fundamental particles that help explain the universe's fundamental forces. Van der Meer’s contributions have had a lasting impact on how high-energy particle experiments are conducted globally.