RIP David Pines: Physics Giant Who Could Have Won Nobel Prize

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In summary, David Pines was an influential and insightful physicist in the field of condensed matter physics, known for his work on superconductivity and spin-fluctuation in high-Tc superconductors. He co-authored a popular book on Fermi Liquid theory and was considered a "hero" in the field for his contributions to the understanding of emergent phenomena. Despite not winning a Nobel Prize, his work has had a major impact on the field of physics and materials science. He has also been recognized for his excellence in graduate physics education.
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This is someone you may never have heard of, but in the field of condensed matter physics, he is a GIANT.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/11/...nsightful-and-influential-physicist-dies.html

He could have won the Nobel Prize for the theory of superconductivity, but timing worked against him in the history of physics. He and Bardeen laid the ground work for the BCS theory.

The book on Fermi Liquid theory that he co-authored with Nozieres was practically my "bible" during my graduate school years. And then this two PRL papers on spin-fluctuation in high-Tc superconductors in the early 1990's were ground-breaking and had major impact on my own research work.

And of course, he became one of my "heroes" when he (along with other prominent condensed matter physicists such as Laughlin and Anderson) brought up the significance of emergent phenomena (mentioned in the NY Times article).

His work has already impacted many of the things we know of today, especially in the physics of materials. He truly is a giant in the field of physics.

Zz.
 
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Thanks Zz. I had never heard of him before but he certainly kept company with the major players Bardeen, and Bohm.

Too bad about the Nobel too. He should have been nominated.
 
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jedishrfu said:
Too bad about the Nobel too. He should have been nominated.
Maybe he was, we won't know for another decade or so...
 
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“Emergent Behavior in Quantum Matter” (14 Nov 2016)
http://physics.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/_/colq-pines_poster.pdf
audio improves when David Pines begins @ #t=3m23s


"Gateways to Emergent Behavior in Science and Society"
http://ias.ust.hk/web/ias/eng/event_detail.php?p=&tid=0&id=991
HKUST Jockey Club IAS Distinguished Lecture: Prof David Pines (12 Dec 2016)
starts @ #t=3m10s


David Pines, John David Jackson Award for Excellence in Graduate Physics Education (AAPT Meeting 2013)
skip to @ #t=7m00s (first of 4 parts)


https://www.santafe.edu/news-center/news/memoriam-david-pines
 
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FAQ: RIP David Pines: Physics Giant Who Could Have Won Nobel Prize

Who was David Pines and why is he being recognized as a physics giant?

David Pines was a theoretical physicist and condensed matter physicist who made significant contributions to the field of superconductivity and many-body theory. He is being recognized as a physics giant because of his prolific research career, which spanned over six decades, and his influential work that has had a lasting impact on the field of physics.

What were some of David Pines' most notable achievements?

David Pines made many notable achievements in the field of physics. Some of his most significant contributions include the development of the BCS theory of superconductivity, the discovery of plasmons and polarons, and his work on the quantum theory of solids. He also co-founded the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and was a founding member of the Santa Fe Institute.

Why was David Pines considered a potential Nobel Prize winner?

David Pines was considered a potential Nobel Prize winner for his groundbreaking work on superconductivity. His BCS theory, which he developed with John Bardeen and Leon Cooper, is considered one of the most important theories in modern physics. Additionally, his work on many-body theory and quantum theory of solids have also been highly influential in the field of condensed matter physics.

Did David Pines ever win a Nobel Prize?

No, David Pines never won a Nobel Prize. Despite being considered a potential candidate for the prize, he never received the award during his lifetime. However, his contributions to the field of physics are widely recognized and he has received numerous other prestigious awards and honors throughout his career.

How did David Pines' work impact the field of physics?

David Pines' work has had a profound impact on the field of physics, particularly in the areas of superconductivity and many-body theory. His BCS theory of superconductivity revolutionized our understanding of this phenomenon and opened up new avenues for research. His work on quantum theory of solids also provided important insights into the behavior of materials at the atomic level. Overall, his contributions have helped advance our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature and have inspired generations of physicists.

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