Vladimir Fok Theoretical physicist in the field of quantum mechanics, academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences Date of Birth: 22.12.1898

1. Physicist, Academician, and Professor
2. Military Service and Return to Education
3. University Graduation and Research
4. Theoretical Contributions
5. Wartime Research and Postwar Contributions
6. Academic Accolades and Honors

Physicist, Academician, and Professor

Vladimir Alexandrovich Fok was a prominent physicist and academician who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics. He graduated high school in 1916 and enrolled in the Physics and Mathematics Faculty at Petrograd University.

Military Service and Return to Education

In early 1917, Fok joined the artillery school and served on the front after graduating. Upon demobilization in 1918, he resumed his studies at the university. D.S. Rozhdestvensky, a physicist, brought Fok into the State Optical Institute as a laboratory assistant while he was rebuilding it.

University Graduation and Research

Fok graduated from the university in October 1922 and continued to work there as a professorial assistant. He conducted research at various institutions, including the Main Geophysical Observatory, Leningrad Physico-Technical Institute, and Physical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

Theoretical Contributions

Fok's initial research focused on mathematics and mathematical physics. However, he was drawn to atomic structure theory and quantum mechanics. In 1926, he independently derived the Klein-Gordon-Fok equation, a relativistic generalization of the Schrödinger equation. Fok's contributions to quantum field theory include research on quantum electrodynamics, the method of functionals, and the development of approximate equations for Einstein's theory of gravitation.

Wartime Research and Postwar Contributions

During World War II, Fok conducted research on radio wave propagation theory. Postwar, he made contributions to electrical exploration and electromagnetic logging. His research on the thermal breakdown of dielectrics and the motion of gases in gun barrels during firing are notable.

Academic Accolades and Honors

Fok became a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1932 and a full member in 1939. He was a foreign member of several academies and received honorary doctorates from universities worldwide, including the University of Delhi, the University of Michigan, and the University of Leipzig.