Heinrich Rohrer was born on June 6, 1933, in Switzerland. He grew up in Zurich, where he was born just half an hour after his twin sister. From a young age, Rohrer showed a keen interest in science and technology.
He pursued his higher education at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, where he studied physics. After completing his undergraduate degree, Rohrer continued his studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, where he earned his Ph.D. in physics.
After completing his Ph.D., Rohrer joined IBM as a research scientist. It was during his time at IBM that he met his partner, Gerd Binning. Together, they worked on designing the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), a groundbreaking invention that would revolutionize the field of microscopy.
Rohrer and Binning's work on the STM earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986. The scanning tunneling microscope allowed scientists to observe individual atoms on surfaces with unprecedented clarity. This achievement catapulted Rohrer and Binning to international fame and solidified their places in the scientific community.
Rohrer went on to become an IBM Fellow and led the physics department at the company's research lab. His contributions to the field of physics went beyond the STM, as he continued to explore new technologies and methodologies for scientific research.
Heinrich Rohrer was not only a brilliant scientist but also a dedicated family man. Throughout his career, he remained close to his twin sister and valued the support of his loved ones. His humble beginnings in Zurich shaped his values and work ethic, guiding him to success in the world of science.
While Rohrer and Binning shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on the scanning tunneling microscope, Ernst Ruska also received half of the prize for his electron microscope. This recognition solidified Rohrer's place in history as one of the pioneers of modern microscopy.
Heinrich Rohrer's legacy lives on in the scientific community, where his contributions continue to inspire future generations of physicists and researchers. His work on the scanning tunneling microscope paved the way for advancements in nanotechnology and materials science, leaving an indelible mark on the field of physics.