Examples of outstanding achievements in several fields of experimental physics over the past fifty years are presented. It is argued that a considerable sensitivity margin exists for experiments involving the measurement of small displacements, forces (accelerations), and frequency shifts. Achievements expected in a number of experimental programs over the next twenty years are listed.

PACS: 03.65.Ta, 04.30.−w, 04.80.Nn, 06.20.−f, 06.30.−k, 95.55.Ym (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2003v046n01ABEH001316 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2003/1/e/ 000183153400005 Citation: Braginskii V B "Adolescent years of experimental physics" Phys. Usp. 46 81–87 (2003) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Брагинский В Б «Отрочество экспериментальной физики» УФН 173 89–96 (2003); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0173.200301f.0089