# David J. Thouless

> British physicist (1934–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q726394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q726394)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Thouless)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-j-thouless

## Summary
David J. Thouless was a British physicist (1934–2019) known for his groundbreaking contributions to condensed matter physics, particularly in topological phases of matter and the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition. He shared the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics for his theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter, which have revolutionized the understanding of exotic states of matter.

## Biography
- Born: September 21, 1934, in Bearsden, Scotland
- Nationality: British
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Natural Philosophy (Physics) from the University of Cambridge (1955)
  - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theoretical Physics from the University of Birmingham (1958)
- Known for: Pioneering work on topological phases of matter and the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition
- Employer(s):
  - University of Birmingham (1958–1961)
  - University of Washington (1961–1966)
  - University of Birmingham (1966–1970)
  - University of Birmingham (1970–1990)
  - University of Washington (1990–2009)
- Field(s): Condensed matter physics, theoretical physics

## Contributions
- **Kosterlitz–Thouless Transition (1973)**: Co-discovered the topological phase transition in two-dimensional systems, explaining the existence of topological defects in superfluids and superconductors.
- **Topological Phases of Matter**: Developed theoretical frameworks for understanding exotic states of matter, including topological insulators and quantum Hall systems.
- **Nobel Prize in Physics (2016)**: Shared the award with F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz for their work on topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society (1972)**: Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to theoretical physics.
- **Wolf Prize in Physics (1990)**: Awarded for his groundbreaking work in condensed matter physics.
- **Holweck Prize (1984)**: Recognized for his contributions to low-temperature physics.

## FAQs
**What was David J. Thouless known for?**
David J. Thouless was known for his pioneering work in condensed matter physics, particularly for discovering the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition and advancing the understanding of topological phases of matter.

**Where did David J. Thouless study?**
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Natural Philosophy from the University of Cambridge (1955) and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Birmingham (1958).

**Where has David J. Thouless worked?**
He held positions at the University of Birmingham (1958–1961, 1966–1970, 1970–1990) and the University of Washington (1961–1966, 1990–2009).

**What awards did David J. Thouless receive?**
He received the Nobel Prize in Physics (2016), the Wolf Prize in Physics (1990), the Holweck Prize (1984), and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (1972).

**What was the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition?**
The Kosterlitz–Thouless transition is a topological phase transition in two-dimensional systems, explaining the behavior of topological defects in superfluids and superconductors.

## Why They Matter
David J. Thouless's work on topological phases of matter and the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition fundamentally changed the understanding of exotic states of matter. His discoveries laid the groundwork for advancements in quantum computing, materials science, and condensed matter physics. His Nobel Prize-winning research continues to influence theoretical physics and has applications in fields ranging from superconductivity to quantum information science. Thouless's contributions have inspired generations of physicists and remain foundational to modern condensed matter theory.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physics (2016)**: Shared with F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz for topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.
- **Kosterlitz–Thouless Transition (1973)**: Pioneering discovery explaining topological defects in two-dimensional systems.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society (1972)**: Recognized for his contributions to theoretical physics.
- **Wolf Prize in Physics (1990)**: Awarded for his groundbreaking work in condensed matter physics.
- **Holweck Prize (1984)**: Recognized for his contributions to low-temperature physics.
- **University of Washington Faculty**: Longtime professor at the University of Washington, shaping the next generation of physicists.
- **University of Birmingham Faculty**: Early career at the University of Birmingham, contributing to theoretical physics research.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
David James Thouless was born on September 21, 1934, in Bearsden, Scotland. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Philosophy (Physics) in 1955. He then completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theoretical Physics at the University of Birmingham in 1958.

### Career and Research
Thouless began his academic career at the University of Birmingham, where he held positions from 1958 to 1961 and again from 1966 to 1970. He later moved to the University of Washington, where he served from 1961 to 1966 and again from 1990 to 2009. His tenure at the University of Washington was particularly influential, where he made significant contributions to condensed matter physics.

### Scientific Contributions
Thouless's most notable contribution is the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition, which he co-discovered in 1973. This work explained the behavior of topological defects in two-dimensional systems, such as superfluids and superconductors. His research on topological phases of matter further advanced the understanding of exotic states of matter, including topological insulators and quantum Hall systems.

### Awards and Recognition
Thouless received numerous prestigious awards for his groundbreaking work. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016, shared with F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz, for their work on topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter. He also received the Wolf Prize in Physics (1990) and the Holweck Prize (1984). In 1972, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, recognizing his contributions to theoretical physics.

### Legacy and Influence
Thouless's work has had a profound impact on condensed matter physics and theoretical physics. His discoveries have influenced research in quantum computing, materials science, and the study of exotic states of matter. His contributions continue to inspire new generations of physicists and remain foundational to modern condensed matter theory. Thouless's legacy is marked by his pioneering research and his dedication to advancing the understanding of topological phases of matter.

## References

1. [David J. Thouless. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2016/thouless/facts/)
2. [Source](https://www.iop.org/about/awards/international-bilateral-awards/fernand-holweck-medal-and-prize-recipients)
3. [Source](https://iupap.org/who-we-are/internal-organization/commissions/low-temperature-physics/c5-awards/#commission)
4. [Source](https://wolffund.org.il/david-j-thouless/)
5. [The Nobel Prize in Physics 2016. nobelprize.org](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/2016/)
6. [The Nobel Prize amounts. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
7. [Le Nobel de physique attribué à trois Britanniques pour leurs recherches sur la matière. 2016](https://www.lemonde.fr/prix-nobel/article/2016/10/04/le-prix-nobel-de-physique-attribue-a-david-thouless-duncan-haldane-et-michael-kosterlitz_5007939_1772031.html)
8. [Source](https://www.iop.org/about/awards/gold-medals/paul-dirac-medal-and-prize-recipients#gref)
9. [Lars Onsager Prize. American Physical Society](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/onsager.cfm)
10. [Source](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/onsager.cfm)
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