George C.
Pimentel
Director, Laboratory of Chemical Biodynamics
University of California, Berkeley
1983
Chemistry & Materials
For his varied and ingenious use of infrared spectroscopy to study chemical bonding and molecular dynamics, and for his discovery of the first chemically pumped laser, which has had strong scientific impact as well as practical applications.
Presented by President Reagan at a White House Ceremony on February 27, 1985.