Yakir Aharonov is an internationally renowned theoretical physicist recognized for having discovered more than 30 fundamental physics effects (many concerning quantum phases). The topological nature of quantum phases (which are independent of the space-time paths of the encircling particles) makes them robust and useful tools for many fields of physics. For example, the impact of the Aharonov-Bohm effect has been significant as indicated by the number of times the AB effect is cited in journal titles/abstracts, summing to more than 4,000 (and growing exponentially). The principal Government Quantum Information roadmap states: "At least two important precursors to this [quantum computing] paradigm shift had critical influence," citing Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen/Bohm-Aharonov/Bell effect and the Aharonov-Bohm effect. When Thomson-Reuters conducted a worldwide poll of scientists, Professor Aharonov was voted most likely to win a Nobel Prize in Physics in coming years.
Professor Aharonov's sole, full-time affiliation is with Chapman University as Director of the Institute for Quantum Studies, Professor of Theoretical Physics, and the James J. Farley Professor of Natural Philosophy. View his CV.
