Physicist Sae Woo Nam, known for his pioneering work in single-photon detectors, passed away at 53. During his career at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Nam developed the world’s most efficient single-photon detector, which is now used globally in quantum computing, quantum physics, and dark matter research. His work has had a significant impact on the field and his detectors are used in various applications, including neuromorphic computing and secure communications. Nam was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Department of Commerce’s highest honor, the Gold Medal, in 2011.
The Legacy of Sae Woo Nam: A Luminary in Photon Detection
Sae Woo Nam, a physicist renowned for his pioneering work in single-photon detectors, passed away on January 21, 2024, after a 14-month battle with brain cancer. Nam’s 25-year career at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was marked by significant contributions to the field of photon detection, with his work having far-reaching implications for quantum physics, quantum computing, and the search for dark matter.
Nam’s work focused on the detection, manipulation, and measurement of photons, the smallest units of light. Traditional photon detectors made with semiconductors often fail to sense all the photons that strike them. However, Nam and his NIST colleagues developed a superconducting detector that operated at ultracold temperatures, which was capable of detecting 99% of all photons that struck it in 2010. This detector is now used globally in a variety of scientific and technological applications.
Sae Woo Nam: A Life Dedicated to Physics
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Nam was encouraged to pursue physics by his father and uncles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1991. He then completed his Ph.D. at Stanford University under Professor Blas Cabrera, where he developed superconducting detectors for dark matter searches.
Nam joined NIST as a National Research Council postdoc in 1999, where he continued his work on superconducting transition-edge sensors. He later became a permanent staff member at NIST, leading numerous scientific projects and serving in various roles, including as a program analyst in the NIST director’s office and as the leader of the Faint Photonics Group in the Applied Physics Division. In 2013, he was recognized as a NIST Fellow, an honor bestowed upon federal employees who have demonstrated leadership in science and technology.
The Impact of Nam’s Work on Quantum Physics and Computing
Nam’s work on single-photon detectors has had a significant impact on various fields. These detectors are integral to the development of photon-based quantum computers and are used in neuromorphic computing, where computers mimic the human brain. They are also used in various techniques for detecting dark matter, handling quantum keys for secure communications, and measuring optical power.
Nam’s detectors have enabled the most stringent tests of Bell’s Inequality Theorem, which showed definitively that the outcomes of quantum mechanics experiments were not governed by the “hidden variables” that Albert Einstein predicted. This work has paved the way for the development of quantum networks, which allow quantum computers to connect, communicate, and combine their computing power over large distances.
Honoring Nam’s Contributions and Character
Throughout his career, Nam received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. He was awarded the Gold Medal in 2011, the highest honor from the Department of Commerce. He also received the NIST Jacob Rabinow Applied Research Award in 2008 for his efficient photon detectors, the Arthur S. Flemming Award for Applied Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, and the Presidential Rank Award in 2017 for his advances in quantum information. In 2020, Nam became an APS Fellow, and his work in testing Bell’s Inequality Theorem was cited in the 2022 Nobel Prize for Physics.
Nam was known for his humility, determination, and strong scientific and moral compass. He was passionate about improving the world around him and NIST, valuing the principles of diversity and inclusion. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he was always quick to credit his team for any successes.
Remembering Sae Woo Nam: Beyond the Lab
Outside of his scientific pursuits, Nam was an avid athlete and food enthusiast. He enjoyed rock climbing, mountain biking, ice hockey, and snowboarding. He also loved to experiment with new recipes and share meals with friends and co-workers.
Nam’s passing has left a significant void at NIST and in the broader scientific community. His dedication to his principles, his work, and the people he worked with will be remembered. His gratitude to his family and friends, which he expressed during a plenary talk at the 2023 Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference, is a testament to his character and will be deeply missed.
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