Albert L. Latter

Albert Louis Latter (October 17, 1921, Kokomo, Indiana – June 8, 1997, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles) was an American nuclear physicist and leading expert on nuclear weapons.

Biography Latter graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics in 1941 and with a Ph.D. in physics in 1951.

In the 1950s Albert Latter and Edward Teller worked together on the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Teller and Latter were the co-authors of the controversial book Our Nuclear Future: Facts, Dangers, and Opportunities, published in 1958 by Criterion Books.

In 1960, Dr. Latter became head of the physics department at Rand, where the aspects of nuclear weapons he dealt with ranged from their design and efficiency to defensive steps against them. He also played a significant role in developing certain advanced missile warheads and in devising ways to detect underground nuclear tests.

In 1971 Albert Latter resigned from RAND Albert Latter was the president and CEO of R&D Associates until his retirement in 1985.

Upon his death Albert Latter was survived by his wife, two daughter, and three grandchildren.

Selected publications