Light received an expanded definition, Compton received a Nobel Prize

Arthur H. Compton discovered that light cannot be explained simply as a wave phenomenon, but also must be considered as a stream of particles.  His confirmation of the dual nature of electromagnetic radiation earned Compton a share of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927. Read more about Compton and get resources with additional information at the OSTI DOE R&D Accomplishments website. DOE R&D Accomplishments is a central forum for information about significant outcomes of past DOE R&D widely recognized as remarkable advancements in science.