Albert Einstein is renowned for his revolutionary contributions to physics, particularly his theory of relativity. However, one of his significant achievements was discovering the law of the photoelectric effect, which involves the emission of electrons from a material when exposed to light. This breakthrough was critical in the field of quantum mechanics and helped to establish the foundation for understanding the interaction between light and matter.

Interestingly, this discovery earned Einstein his only Nobel Prize, highlighting its importance in the scientific community. The recognition underscores how his work transcended traditional physics and opened new avenues for research in quantum theory, ultimately shaping modern physics as we know it today.