Wander Johannes de Haas
Wander Johannes de Haas was born on the 2nd of March 1878 in Lisse. This small town sits near Leiden in the Netherlands. He began his academic journey with paralegal studies in 1895. Two years later he worked inside a lawyer's office. The path to physics seemed distant from legal work. De Haas completed two parts of three required examinations before changing direction. He passed qualification exams for university admission in 1900. He started studying physics at the University of Leiden that same year. He studied under Heike Kamerlingh Onnes and Johannes Petrus Kuenen. His doctoral thesis appeared in 1912 titled Measurements on the Compressibility of Hydrogen.
De Haas is best known for three specific scientific effects discovered during his career. The Shubnikov, de Haas effect describes changes in electrical resistance at low temperatures. The De Haas, Van Alphen effect relates to magnetic properties in metals. The Einstein, de Haas effect demonstrates the connection between magnetism and mechanical rotation. These discoveries form the core of his scientific reputation. They remain central topics in modern low-temperature physics research. Scientists continue to cite these findings when exploring quantum phenomena. The names attached to these effects ensure his legacy endures across generations.
In 1925 de Haos became a professor in Leiden. He took over one of two heads of the Laboratory of physics. This role followed the tenure of Kamerlingh Onnes directly. He succeeded the renowned physicist who had pioneered liquid helium research. De Haas held this position until he retired in 1948. During his time there he managed significant experimental work. An electromagnet from around 1930 used for his low-temperature research still exists today. That piece of equipment can be seen in the Boerhaave Museum. It stands as physical proof of his experimental methods and dedication.
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Common questions
When and where was Wander Johannes de Haas born?
Wander Johannes de Haas was born on the 2nd of March 1878 in Lisse. This small town sits near Leiden in the Netherlands.
What university did Wander Johannes de Haas attend for his physics studies?
He started studying physics at the University of Leiden that same year after passing qualification exams for university admission in 1900. He studied under Heike Kamerlingh Onnes and Johannes Petrus Kuenen during this period.
Which three scientific effects are named after Wander Johannes de Haas?
The Shubnikov, de Haas effect describes changes in electrical resistance at low temperatures. The De Haas, Van Alphen effect relates to magnetic properties in metals. The Einstein, de Haas effect demonstrates the connection between magnetism and mechanical rotation.
When did Wander Johannes de Haas become a professor in Leiden?
In 1925 de Haos became a professor in Leiden. He took over one of two heads of the Laboratory of physics following the tenure of Kamerlingh Onnes directly.
Until what year did Wander Johannes de Haas hold his position as professor?
De Haas held this position until he retired in 1948. During his time there he managed significant experimental work including an electromagnet from around 1930 used for his low-temperature research.