Renowned quantum physicist Yakir Aharonov recently joined the George Mason University College of Science this fall. Aharonov, who has won numerous awards and has been nominated for the Nobel Prize, is developing a lecture series and will teach at the university.
What brings you to George Mason?
In making my decision to transfer to George Mason, an important consideration was the unique innovative environment fostered by President Alan Merten and the administration. They also brought Dr. Jeff Tollaksen to the faculty, who formed the Center for Quantum Studies. I rely heavily on my interactions with Dr. Tollaksen to make new discoveries and to communicate past results. He also attracted a world-class group of physicists to Mason (e.g. Nobel laureates and famous science writers).
What are you hoping to accomplish at George Mason?
I believe Mason now has a strong base in quantum information science and foundations of quantum theory and therefore has an excellent opportunity to expand and become one of the leading institutions in the world. Due to the rapid expansion of these fields, such a development could also help Mason reach its goal of becoming one of the top 100 research institutions in the country.
In as simple terms as possible, tell us about quantum physics and your work in the field.
Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman once declared, “Nobody understands quantum mechanics.” Throughout my career, I have been trying to reverse this situation and believe that I have made a great deal of progress in improving our understanding and intuition regarding quantum physics. For example, one of the last big surprises in the field is the Aharonov-Bohm Effect, which I discovered along with the late physicist David Bohm. It is one of a small number of cornerstones for optimizing quantum coherence in principle and in applications, a field for which the Washington, D.C. area may shortly become the principal center in the world with the formation last month of the Joint Quantum Institute. Some of the practical ramifications for the Aharonov-Bohm Effect include improving the technology in electron microscope holography (which is used in modern medical scanners) and quantum computing.
