Elmer Samuel Imes

Elmer Samuel Imes (October 12, 1883 – September 11, 1941) was an American physicist who demonstrated for the first time that quantum theory could be applied to the rotational energy states of molecules, as well as the vibration and electronic levels. His work provided an early verification of quantum theory,

Upon graduating from Fisk, Imes taught mathematics and physics at Georgia Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Albany State University), a historically black college in Albany, Georgia. He also taught at the Emerson Institute, founded in Mobile, Alabama by the American Missionary Association. Imes returned to Fisk in 1913 as an instructor of science and mathematics. During his tenure there, Imes also earned a master's degree in science from Fisk University.

He went to the University of Michigan for graduate study in physics, earning a Ph.D. in physics in 1918. He studied under Harrison McAllister Randall. His work as a graduate student to measure the rotational-vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules gained recognition from the scientific community. Imes was the second African American to receive a Ph.D. in physics since Edward Bouchet did so from Yale University in 1876; Imes was the first African American in the 20th century to gain this degree.

Due to strains in their marriage and his infidelity, they divorced in 1933. Imes had returned to Fisk University in 1929 for an academic career, developing and leading its physics department.

International recognition Imes's research and doctoral thesis led to his publication of Measurements on the Near-Infrared Absorption of Some Diatomic Gases in November 1919 in the Astrophysical Journal. This work was followed by a paper co-authored and presented in November 1919 jointly with Harrison M. Randall, "The Fine Structure of the Near Infra-Red Absorption Bands of HCI, HBr, and HF" at the American Physical Society; it was published in the Physical Review in February 1920. This work demonstrated for the first time that quantum theory could be applied to the rotational energy states of molecules, as well as to the vibration and electronic levels. Imes's work provided an early verification of quantum theory. It became known in Europe as well as in the United States. Imes's work was one of the earliest applications of high resolution infrared spectroscopy and provided the first detailed spectra of molecules. This led to development of the field of study of molecular structure through infrared spectroscopy.

Memberships and honors Imes was part of Sigma Xi National Honor Society; The American Physical Society; The American Society for Testing Materials; and The American Institute of Electrical Engineers.

In 2006, the Elmer S. Imes Scholarship was established in his name by the National Society of Black Physicists. Apparatus For Testing Magnetizable Objects. US 1800676 A, April 14, 1931. Electrical Resistance Composition. US 1818184 A, Aug. 11, 1931. Method Of And Apparatus For Testing Magnetizable Objects. US 1807411 A, May 26, 1931.