Three British scientists, David Thouless, Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz, have won the Nobel prize in physics for their work on exotic states of matter that may pave the way for quantum computers and other revolutionary technologies.
The researchers were credited for their theoretical work on “topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter”. Together, their discoveries transformed how scientists think about materials.
The scientists used abstract mathematics known as topology to overturn conventional thinking and explain these startling shifts in behaviour.
David Thouless, Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz will share the 8m Swedish kronor (£718,000) prize announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm today.
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