Thomas Arthur Wiggins
Fellow Emeritus

OSA Fellow Emeritus, Thomas Arthur Wiggins, Ph.D., died at Foxdale Village in State College, PA, on Saturday, June 14, 2003.

A 52-year member of OSA, Dr. Wiggins served with distinction in the advancement of optics. His research focused on high-resolution atomic and molecular spectroscopy, spontaneous and stimulated scattering and laser beam propagation. Also a senior fellow of the American Physical Society, Dr. Wiggins published more than 130 refereed articles in scientific journals, including numerous contributions to JOSA A, B and Applied Optics.

Born February 24, 1921, in Indiana, PA, Dr. Wiggins grew up in the area, attending Newton High School near Clarks Summit, PA, and later, Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Wiggins graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in science education in 1942.

Immediately following graduation, he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, teaching in private schools for three years.

After an 18-month tour of service in the U.S. Army, Dr. Wiggins returned to D.C., joining staff at George Washington University in an assistant capacity, from which he earned a Master of Science in 1949. He then returned to Penn State to pursue his Ph.D., receiving that distinction in 1953.

He was a professor at Penn State from 1953 through his retirement as emeritus professor in 1987. A mentor to more than 15 doctoral students and numerous master’s degree students, Dr. Wiggins taught optics as well as modern physics and was awarded the Clarence Noll Award for superior undergraduate teaching.

Dr. Wiggins’ personal interests included listening to classical music, taking walks for exercise and gardening. An avid reader of mystery novels and a photographer, he enjoyed being outdoors. Dr. Wiggins also was an active member of the University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College.

Dr. Wiggins is survived by: his wife, Dorothy Ruth Blanchard Wiggins; two sons, Bruce A. and his wife, Jane R. Wiggins, of Harrisonburg, VA, and James B. and his wife, Sally J. Wiggins, of Okemos, MI; and four grandchildren, Emily A. Wiggins and Timothy J. Wiggins, both of Harrisonburg, VA, and Claire J. Wiggins and Julia J. Wiggins, both of Okemos, MI.

Memorial contributions can be made to the University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes St., State College, PA 16801, or to Foxdale Community Fund, Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Ave., State College, PA 16801.