Harold Hopkins (physicist)
| Harold Hopkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 December 1918 Leicester UK |
| Died |
22 October 1994 (aged 75) Reading UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Fields | Physics, Optics, Mathematics |
| Institutions |
University of Reading Imperial College |
| Known for |
Zoom lens Fiberscopes Rod lens endoscopes for keyhole surgery Optics for laserdisc/CD Borescopes Wave Theory of Aberrations |
| Notable awards |
SPIE Gold Medal (1982) Rumford Medal (1984) Fellow of the Royal Society |
Harold Horace Hopkins FRS (6 December 1918 – 22 October 1994) was a British physicist. His Wave Theory of Aberrations, (published by Oxford University Press 1950), is central to all modern optical design and provides the mathematical analysis which enables the use of computers to create the wealth of high quality lenses available today. In addition to his theoretical work, his many inventions are in daily use throughout the world. These include zoom lenses, coherent fibre-optics and more recently the rod-lens endoscopes which 'opened the door' to modern key-hole surgery. He was the recipient of many of the world's most prestigious awards and was twice nominated for a Nobel Prize. His citation on receiving the Rumford Medal from the Royal Society in 1984 stated: "In recognition of his many contributions to the theory and design of optical instruments, especially of a wide variety of important new medical instruments which have made a major contribution to clinical diagnosis and surgery."
He was born into a poor family in the slums of Leicester in 1918 and his remarkable mind was recognised early on. Due to his own genius and the good fortune of having the support of both his family and teachers, he obtained one of only two scholarships, in the whole of Leicestershire, enabling him to attend The Gateway Grammar School. There he excelled, especially in the arts, English, History and other languages. However, the Headmaster, recognising his exceptional gift for mathematics, directed him into science.
So he read physics and maths at University College, Leicester, graduated in 1939 with a first and then began a PhD in Nuclear Physics. However this was cancelled on the outbreak of war, and he went to work instead for Taylor, Taylor & Hobson where he was introduced to optical design.
For some reason he was not given reserved-occupation status, which led to his being called up and being trained briefly in blowing up bridges. (He was obviously a natural, quickly rising to the rank of 'acting unpaid lance corporal' and winning a prize for his speed at dismantling and reassembling his rifle.) The error of this placement soon became apparent and he was set to work on designing optical systems for the rest of the war and was able at the same time to work on a thesis for his PhD, which was obtained in 1945.
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