Davisson-Germer Award in Atomic or Surface Physics
This Award recognizes outstanding work in atomic physics or surface physics. The Award consists of $5,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient or recipients.
Rules and eligibility
This honor will normally be awarded in odd years to a candidate who presents work for surface physics and in even years to a candidate who presents work in atomic physics. This honor shall ordinarily be awarded to one person, but may be shared when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishments. Nominations are open to scientists of all nationalities regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. Nominations will be considered for two review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.
Process and selection
The nomination package must include:
A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s). In addition, the nomination should include:
- A biographical sketch.
- A list of the most important publications.
- At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints or preprints.
Selection Committee
- Cui-Zu Chang
- Gwo-Ching Wang
- Long Ju
- Peter Wahl
- Karin Rabe
Establishment and support
This Award was established in 1965 by AT&T Bell Laboratories (now Bell Laboratories, Alcatel-Lucent Technologies) and with additional support from the Chope Family Trust.
Responsibility for this Award alternates each year between DCMP (surface physics) and DAMOP (atomic physics).
Recent recipients
Herman Batelaan
2026 recipient
For pioneering work in the development of the field of free electron quantum optics, particularly with regard to the Stern-Gerlach Effect for electron beams, the first demonstration of the Kapitza-Dirac effect, and the elucidation of the quantum physics of the Aharonov-Bohm effect.
Gwo-Ching Wang
2025 recipient
For pioneering contributions to the development and use of electron diffraction techniques to study surfaces, growth-front ordering, and two dimensional materials.
Anne L'Huillier
2024 recipient
For pioneering experimental and theoretical work leading to the discovery of high harmonic generation in gases and the micro- and macroscopic physics responsible for it, and for controlling the phenomenon to create and analyze attosecond pulse trains to probe ultrafast electron dynamics in matter.
Feng Liu
2023 recipient
For elucidating the influence of strain on epitaxy and nanostructure growth, and using these concepts to predict surface-based topological-insulator materials.
David S. Weiss
2022 recipient
For pioneering contributions to the experimental realization of strongly interacting one-dimensional Bose gases and groundbreaking studies of their quantum dynamics, and for contributions to quantum computing with neutral atoms in optical lattices.
APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.
Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.
Davisson-Germer Award in Atomic or Surface Physics
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As approved by the Council of Representatives on April 10, 2025.
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