http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/05/science/nobel-prize-physics-topology.html 2016-10-04 12:53:59 3 Who Studied Unusual States of Matter Win Nobel Prize in Physics David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz were recognized for transforming the understanding of matter that assumes strange shapes. === David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz were Using advanced mathematical models, the three scientists studied unusual phases, or states, of matter, such as superconductors, superfluids or thin magnetic films. Their findings have relevance for materials science and electronics. Dr. Thouless of the University of Washington, Dr. Haldane of Princeton University and Dr. Kosterlitz of Brown University were honored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm for “theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.” Topology is a branch of mathematics that describes properties that change only in increments. In the early 1970s, Dr. Kosterlitz and Dr. Thouless “demonstrated that superconductivity could occur at low temperatures and also explained the mechanism, phase transition, that makes superconductivity disappear at higher temperatures,” the academy found. In the 1980s, Dr. Thouless showed that the integers by which the conductivity of electricity could be measured were topological in their nature. Around that time, Dr. Haldane discovered how topological concepts could be used to understand the properties of chains of small magnets found in some materials. “We now know of many topological phases, not only in thin layers and threads, but also in ordinary three-dimensional materials,” the academy said. “Over the last decade, this area has boosted front-line research in condensed matter physics, not least because of the hope that topological materials could be used in new generations of electronics and superconductors, or in future quantum computers.” Dr. Thouless was awarded half of the prize of 8 million Swedish kronor, or about $930,000, while Dr. Haldane and Dr. Kosterlitz will share the other half. Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald Four more will be awarded in the days to come: ■ The ■ The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday in Norway. Read about ■ The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science will be announced on Monday, Oct. 10, in Sweden. Read about ■ The Nobel Prize in Literature will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 13, in Sweden. Read about