Wilhelm Laue

Wilhelm Laue was a German physicist best known for discovering X-ray diffraction in 1912, a groundbreaking finding that revealed the internal structure of crystalline materials. His work demonstrated that X-rays could be used to examine the atomic arrangement within crystals, leading to the development of X-ray crystallography. This technique has been fundamental in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science, aiding in understanding the molecular structures of complex compounds, including DNA. Laue's contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1914, highlighting his impact on modern science and our understanding of atomic and molecular arrangements.