Who Is Louis Slotin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Louis Slotin was born on December 1, 1910, which makes him a very influential figure in the scientific community. Though he passed away in 1946, his legacy as a physicist and chemist continues to inspire many. During his brief life, Slotin made significant contributions to the field of nuclear science, particularly known for his work on the Manhattan Project. In 2025, he is still remembered for his critical role in advancing our understanding of nuclear fission and its implications for both science and warfare.
| Occupation | Scientists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1910 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 30 May, 1946 |
| Died Place | Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, U.S. |
Popularity
Louis Slotin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight records for Louis Slotin are not available, it is notable that physical appearance details are often less documented for historical figures focused significantly on their work. Slotin's contributions to science overshadow physical attributes. However, he is often described in documentation from the time as a man of average build.
A "tentative" estimate of the doses involved was made in 1948, based on dozens of assumptions, some of which are now known to be incorrect. In the absence of personal dosimetry badges, the study authors relied on measurements of sodium activation in the victims' blood and urine samples as their primary source of data.
This activation would have been caused by neutron radiation, but they converted all doses to equivalent doses of gamma or X-ray radiation. They concluded that Daghlian and Slotin had probably received doses equivalent to 290 rem and 880 rem, respectively, of gamma rays. Minimum and maximum estimates varied from about 50% to 200% of these values.
The authors also calculated doses equivalent to a mix of soft 80 keV X-rays and gamma rays, which they believed gave a more realistic picture of the exposure than the gamma equivalent.
In this model, the equivalent X-ray doses were much higher, but would be concentrated in the tissues facing the source, whereas the gamma component penetrated the whole body.
Slotin's equivalent dose was estimated to be 1930 R (roentgen) of X-ray with 114 R of gamma, while Daghlian's equivalent dose was estimated to be 480 R of X-ray with 110 R of gamma. Five hundred roentgen equivalent man (rem) is usually a fatal exposure for humans.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details regarding Louis Slotin's family are primarily focused on his scientific achievements rather than his personal life. He was married to a woman named Lillian, and they had children together. However, there is little information available regarding his personal relationships, as most of the attention directed towards him has been related to his work in physics and his significant, though tragic, career.
In 1937, after he unsuccessfully applied for a job with Canada's National Research Council, the University of Chicago accepted Slotin as a research associate. There, he gained his first experience with nuclear chemistry, helping to build the first cyclotron in the midwestern United States.
The job paid poorly and Slotin's father had to support him for two years. From 1939 to 1940, Slotin collaborated with Earl Evans, the head of the university's biochemistry department, to produce radiocarbon (carbon-14 and carbon-11) from the cyclotron.
While working together, the two men also used carbon11 to demonstrate that plant cells had the capacity to use carbon dioxide for carbohydrate synthesis, through carbon fixation.
Net Worth and Salary
As a key figure in the Manhattan Project, it is difficult to establish an exact figure for Louis Slotin's net worth during his lifetime, especially considering the historical context of the 1940s. Today, the value of his contributions to science is incalculable, and while financial estimates of his salary are obsolete, his intellectual legacy is priceless.
Graves, Kline and Young remained hospitalized after Slotin's death. Graves, who was standing the closest to Slotin, also developed acute radiation sickness and was hospitalized for several weeks. He survived, although he lived with chronic neurological and vision problems. Young also suffered from acute radiation syndrome, but recovered.
By 28 January 1948 Graves, Kline and Perlman sought compensation for damages suffered during the incident. Graves settled his claim for $3,500 (or about $ today, adjusted for inflation).
Career, Business and Investments
Louis Slotin's career was primarily centered around his contributions to the Manhattan Project, where he played a pivotal role in the development of atomic bombs during World War II. His expertise in nuclear chemistry and physics allowed him to collaborate with some of the leading scientists of the time. Despite the risks associated with such groundbreaking work, Slotin remained dedicated to his research until a fatal accident in 1946. His career continues to serve as a study reference for physicists and chemists alike.
Social Network
Given that Louis Slotin lived in the early to mid-20th century, the concept of social networking as we understand it today did not exist. However, Slotin was part of a network of esteemed scientists and colleagues, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the scientific community. In contemporary times, his legacy is celebrated in academic circles and among science historians who recognize the impact of his work.
The radiation doses received in these two accidents are not known with any accuracy. A large part of the dose was due to neutron radiation, which could not be measured by dosimetry equipment of the day.
The available film badges were not worn by personnel during the accident, and badges that were supposed to be planted under tables in case of disasters like these were not found. Disaster badges hung on the walls provided some useful data about gamma radiation.
Education
Louis Slotin attended the University of Manitoba, where he completed his undergraduate studies before moving on to study at the University of Chicago for his graduate work. His educational background laid the foundation for his future contributions to nuclear physics and chemistry, providing him with the necessary skills to work on one of the most significant scientific projects in history.
Louis Alexander Slotin (1 December 1910 – 30 May 1946) was a Canadian physicist and chemist who took part in the Manhattan Project.
Born and raised in the North End of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Slotin earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Manitoba, before obtaining his doctorate in physical chemistry at King's College London in 1936. Afterwards, he joined the University of Chicago as a research associate to help design a cyclotron.
