SNOLAB congratulates David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane, and J. Michael Kosterlitz on being awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics ”for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter”.
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.