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.
