To answer this question, you need to have knowledge about the history of quantum mechanics and the scientists involved in its development.
Option A) Philip Lenard - This option is incorrect because Philip Lenard, a German physicist, was known for his work on cathode rays and the photoelectric effect, but he was not an idol to Einstein.
Option B) Max Planck - This option is correct. Max Planck was a German physicist who is considered the father of quantum theory. He introduced the concept of quantization of energy, which was a fundamental step towards understanding the photoelectric effect and the development of quantum mechanics. Einstein greatly admired Planck and his work.
Option C) Marie Curie - This option is incorrect. Marie Curie was a Polish-born physicist and chemist who made significant contributions to the field of radioactivity. While her work was groundbreaking, she did not have a direct influence on Einstein's development of quantum mechanics.
Option D) Max von Laue - This option is incorrect. Max von Laue was a German physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals. While his work was important, he did not directly influence Einstein's development of quantum mechanics.
The correct answer is B) Max Planck. This option is correct because Max Planck's quantum theory of light, which involved the idea of energy quantization, greatly influenced Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect and the establishment of quantum mechanics.