Pieter Zeeman (Zeeman Pieter)

(1865-1943)
Born May 25, 1865 in Zonnemayre (Province of Zealand). He graduated from the University of Leiden (1890), worked as a teacher. From 1897 - Associate Professor, University of Amsterdam. In 1900 he became a professor, and in 1908 - the director of the Physical Institute in Amsterdam.
In 1896 Zeeman investigated the emission spectrum of sodium vapor in a field of powerful electromagnet. Like Faraday, recently brought a similar experience in 1862, he watched the yellow D-line with the spectroscope, but used the device with higher resolution. Found that in a strong magnetic field, spectral lines are split (Zeeman effect). Repeating the experiment with a spectroscope more high-resolution, Zeeman in 1897, according to their measurements accurately determined the ratio of the electron charge to its mass. The theory of the Zeeman effect suggested in 1897 J. Lorenz. Zeeman effect was the indisputable proof of the electromagnetic nature of light.

In 1902, Zeeman and Lorenz won the Nobel Prize in physics for investigation of the influence of magnetic field on the processes of radiation. Among other honorary awards Zeeman - medals H. Draper and B. Rumford. Zeeman was elected a member of the Royal Society and the French Academy of Sciences. Died Zeeman in Amsterdam on Oct. 9, 1943.