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Revisiting the Frisch–Peierls Memorandum

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Abstract

This paper analyzes the physics of the famous 1940 Frisch–Peierls memorandum, which examined the possibility of creating a nuclear weapon utilizing a fast-neutron chain reaction with uranium-235. While Frisch and Peierls’ estimate of the critical mass was far too low, their analysis was fundamentally sound. I also survey the role of the memorandum in the overall history of wartime nuclear developments, and its prescient predictions of aspects of the Cold War.

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Acknowledgements

Over several years I have had the pleasure of discussing the Frisch–Peierls memorandum and its nuances with Jeremy Bernstein, Mark Chadwick, Miriam Hiebert, John Lestone, Mike Pearson, Carey Sublette, and Pete Zimmerman (deceased), and thank them all for their insights, input, and encouragement. I am also grateful to an anonymous reviewer whose suggestions helped to improve this paper.

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  1. Department of Physics (Emeritus), Alma College, Alma, MI, 48801, USA

    B. Cameron Reed

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  1. B. Cameron Reed
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Correspondence to B. Cameron Reed.

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Reed, B.C. Revisiting the Frisch–Peierls Memorandum. EPJ H 49, 6 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/s13129-024-00070-x

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