The publication of the monograph Theorie der Riemannschen Flächen in 1957 cemented Albert Pfluger’s contributions to complex function theory. Born in Oensingen in 1907, the Swiss mathematician spent his career bridging the gap between theoretical exploration and university education. His influence spanned several decades of academic service, culminating in his status as professor emeritus at ETH Zürich.
Academic Formation and Early Career
Pfluger attended secondary school in Stans before pursuing higher education at ETH Zürich. In 1935, he completed his doctoral promotion under the supervision of George Pólya, presenting a thesis on the convergence and continuation properties of Dirichlet series. His early professional path included teaching positions at the canton schools in Zug and Solothurn. By 1938, he earned his habilitation, which facilitated his transition into higher education faculty roles.
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In 1939, Pfluger accepted a role as professor extraordinarius for applied mathematics and mathematical physics at the University of Fribourg. He moved to ETH Zürich shortly thereafter, holding the position of professor extraordinarius in 1940. By 1943, he advanced to professor ordinarius, assuming the chair previously occupied by George Pólya. He maintained this tenure until his retirement in 1978.
Research Contributions
Pfluger focused his research on potential theory, conformal maps, and Riemann surfaces, drawing significantly from the value distribution theory developed by Rolf Nevanlinna. In 1952, he collaborated with Joseph Hersch to introduce the Hersch-Pfluger distortion function, a tool used to estimate distortions in quasiconformal mappings. Additionally, his joint work with Boris Levin identified specific entire functions, now known as functions of completely regular growth, which possess distinct regularity properties.
Professional Engagement
Beyond his institutional research, Pfluger participated in the broader mathematical community. He served a two-year term as president of the Swiss Mathematical Society starting in 1950. His international standing was recognized in 1973 when he was elected a foreign member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. Throughout his career, he supervised doctoral students including Peter Henrici and Heinz Rutishauser.
Fast facts
- Born: 1907, Oensingen
- Died: 1993, Zurich
- Citizenship: Switzerland
- Education: ETH Zurich
- Marriage: Maria Jeger, 1938
- Membership: Finnish Academy of Science and Letters
- Religion: Catholicism
- Language: German
Questions readers ask
What is the Hersch-Pfluger distortion function?
It is a mathematical function introduced by Joseph Hersch and Albert Pfluger in 1952, designed to estimate the distortion of quasiconformal mappings.
Did Pfluger have notable doctoral students?
Yes, his doctoral students included mathematicians Peter Henrici and Heinz Rutishauser.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Fribourg
- Fields: mathematics and function theory
