- #31
Joel94
isnt topology just pure maths?
News How Is Thouless Pronounced in the Context of the Nobel Prize Announcement?
- Thread starter Orodruin
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- 2016 Nobel prize Physics
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The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane, and J. Michael Kosterlitz for their theoretical discoveries related to topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter. This recognition highlights the contributions of these three British physicists working in the U.S. to understanding exotic matter. The discussion noted that the Nobel Committee's choice was somewhat unexpected, as many anticipated that gravitational waves would be a strong contender for future awards. The significance of topological insulators and recent advancements in the field were cited as reasons for this year's focus on the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. Participants expressed challenges in explaining the complex concepts of topological phases to a general audience, emphasizing the need for accessible explanations. The conversation also touched on the pronunciation of "Thouless" and the broader implications of the awarded research in physics.