Van der Meer (Frank van der Meer)

Frank van der Meer is a Dutch physicist known for his work in particle accelerator technology. He contributed to developing precise beam-beam interaction measurements, which are essential for controlling and maximizing the performance of particle colliders. His techniques, such as van der Meer scans, involve systematically varying the overlap of particle beams to accurately determine their sizes and luminosity—the rate of particle collisions. This allows scientists to better understand fundamental particles and forces. Van der Meer’s innovations significantly advanced experimental physics, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2002.