The 2016 Nobel
Prize in Physics has been awarded to scientists who discovered secrets
of exotic matter. David J Thouless, F Duncan M Haldane and J Michael
Kosterlitz were awarded the prize for their theoretical discoveries
relating to "topological phase transitions and topological phases of
matter".
A statement from Nobel said: "This year's Laureates
opened the door on an unknown world where matter can assume strange
states. They have used advanced mathematical methods to study unusual
phases, or states, of matter, such as superconductors, superfluids or
thin magnetic films.
"Thanks to their pioneering work, the hunt is now on for new and exotic phases of matter. Many people are hopeful of future applications in both materials science and electronics."
"Thanks to their pioneering work, the hunt is now on for new and exotic phases of matter. Many people are hopeful of future applications in both materials science and electronics."
The three physicists, all of
them born in the United Kingdom, came up with the mathematical framework
to explain properties of unusual phases of matter such as
superconductors, superfluids and thin magnetic films.
Thouless now
works at the University of Washington, Haldane at Princeton University
and Kosterlitz is from Brown University in Rhode Island.
Over the
1970s and 80s, the scientists made breakthroughs in showing theories
regarding superconductivity and suprafluidity were wrong.
Member of the Nobel committee for physics explains topology using a cinnamon bun, a bagel and a pretzel https://t.co/gORO04UYam— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 4, 2016
Over
the last 10 years, their research has been used to boost frontline
research into exotic matter. Furthermore, their research should pave the
way for next generation electronics, quantum computers and
superconductors.
To read more about their research, visit the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences here.
This
year's prize surprised many, with experts predicting the scientists
that discovered gravitational waves would be awarded.
Reacting to the news he has won, Haldane said: "I was, as everyone else is, very surprised. And very gratified ... A lot of tremendous new discoveries that are based on this original work are now happening."
Reacting to the news he has won, Haldane said: "I was, as everyone else is, very surprised. And very gratified ... A lot of tremendous new discoveries that are based on this original work are now happening."
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/scientist-who-discovered-secrets-exotic-matter-awarded-2016-nobel-prize-physics-1584725
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