Linnik, Vladimir Pavlovich

Bom June 24 (July 6), 1889, in Kharkov. Soviet physicist. Academician of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1939).

Linnik graduated from the University of Kiev in 1914. In 1926 he began working at the State Optical Institute; he was appointed a professor at Leningrad State University in 1934. His first studies were on the optics of X rays; he proposed a method of studying crystals using X rays—the method of the rotating crystal (Linnik method). Linnik’s principal studies have been in applied optics. He developed several methods of studying image quality in optical systems and designed quality-control devices for the opticomechanics industry (an interferometer with a semi-transparent plate, among others). Linnik developed the interference method and other optical methods of precisely checking the surface quality of machine parts and for this purpose designed a number of devices (a microinterferometer, a double microscope, a microprofilometer, and others). He also constructed a stellar interferometer and other astronomical instruments. In addition, he proposed a method of studying stellar spectrograms using a stereocomparator. A recipient of the State Prize of the USSR (1946, 1950), Linnik has been awarded four Orders of Lenin, two other orders, and various medals.