Langmuir refers to Irving Langmuir, an American chemist and physicist known for his work in surface chemistry. He developed the Langmuir isotherm, a model that describes how molecules adsorb onto surfaces, helping to understand processes like catalysis and gas adsorption. His research laid the groundwork for advancements in various fields, including materials science and environmental science. Langmuir's contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1932. He also invented the Langmuir-Blodgett film technique, which allows for the creation of thin films with specific properties. His work continues to influence modern scientific research and industrial applications.