Albert Crewe one of the world’s most influential physicists (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Albert Crewe one of the world’s most influential physicists

10:39am Wednesday 29th June 2011 in Science Heroes

The Bradford-born American Albert Crewe was one of the world’s most influential physicists, whose electron microscope led to it being possible to photograph atoms.

Born in 1927, Mr Crewe was originally considered an average student from a poor family, but managed to win a scholarship to the University of Liverpool and graduated with a PhD in physics in 1951.

He invented the scanning transmission in electron microscopes which could take photographs and moving footage of individual atoms, which had wide-reaching implications for the biomedical, semiconductor and computing industries.

This led to improvements in the development of computers, aeroplanes, cars and medical equipment.

His distinguised scientific career was recognised with several awards including the Duddell medal from the Institute of Physics and honorary degrees from the Universities of Liverpool, Columbia and Missouri.

Mr Crewe died in November 2009.