In memoriam of Vladilen Letokhov (1939–2009)

摘要: On 21 March 2009 Professor Vladilen Letokhov passed away in Troitsk near Moscow. was an outstanding scientist laser physics and spectroscopy. He born on 10 November 1939 the small Siberian town of Taishet, not far from Lake Baikal. After graduating Moscow Institute Physics Technology (MIPT) 1963, he attended Physical USSR Academy Sciences. did his postgraduate studies under supervision Nobel laureate Nicolay Basov. In 1969 defended PhD thesis theory pulse generation amplification, a year later received second doctor science degree quantum radiophysics. 1970 went to new Spectroscopy at Sciences Troitsk. became deputy director for research organized department spectroscopy, which headed until last days. also faculty member MIPT, where served as professor 1972 death head chair optics 1986 1998. Letokhov's scientific interests included various areas physics, chemistry, biomedicine. His most important contributions, however, were field first realize selective detection atoms molecules by multiphoton resonant ionization, made it possible develop methods ultrasensitive analysis. To him belonged discovery nonresonance feedback random lasers. among achieve spectroscopy with sub-wavelength spatial resolution. With collaborators, suggested developed control atomic motion, resulting creation atom traps based gradient forces. group carried out experiments cooling, collimation, reflection beams radiation. decisive contributions development including isotope-selective dissociation IR radiation vibrationally mediated photochemistry. several effective schemes isotope separation commercial plant created coworkers performed groundbreaking mass organic molecules, they picosecond femtosecond nonlinear investigation ultrafast processes condensed media. recent years engaged effects stellar atmospheres, predicted beginning career. The results obtained widely recognized. For efforts, awarded 1978 Lenin Prize, 1998 Quantum Electronics Prize European Society, 2001 Rozhdestvensky Russian Sciences, 2002 State Federation. many involved publishing international journals. Among publications edited Laser Science Journal Nonlinear Optics. editorial boards Experimental Theoretical Physics, Chemical Letters, Applied B, others. author more than 850 papers, 15 monographs. self-made man who, school years, persistently used every possibility broaden educational cultural knowledge. Although devoted gave considerable time, deeply interested literature, music, art, history. exceptionally interesting conversationalist great erudition. is sadly missed colleagues friends.