Walter Kohn

Walter Kohn was born on March 9, 1923, in Vienna, Austria. He was a renowned physicist who made seminal contributions to the field of quantum chemistry and solid-state physics. His development of density functional theory (DFT) significantly advanced the ability of scientists to calculate the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, and solid materials. Kohn's work has had a profound impact on physics and chemistry, changing how theoretical calculations are performed in these fields.

In December 1939, Walter Kohn managed to escape the dangers in Nazi-occupied Austria as part of a Kindertransport, a rescue mission that brought many refugee Jewish children to safety in the United Kingdom. This escape was a significant event in Kohn's life, as it saved him from the Holocaust that claimed the lives of many of his family members. Kohn would later move to Canada, where he continued his education and eventually became a prominent figure in physics and chemistry.

In 1957, Walter Kohn became a naturalized citizen of the United States. This event marked a significant step in Kohn's career, as it was in the United States that he developed much of his groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry. Becoming a U.S. citizen allowed him to establish a long and productive academic career, which included positions at several prestigious American universities. Kohn's contributions to theoretical physics and chemistry continue to influence contemporary research in these fields.

In 1964, Walter Kohn co-developed the density functional theory (DFT), a major advancement in quantum chemistry and solid-state physics. This theory allowed for a more practical approach to understanding the electronic structure of complex many-body systems, such as atoms and molecules. DFT has since become a crucial tool in theoretical and computational chemistry, influencing a wide range of applications from materials science to pharmacology. Kohn's work earned him international acclaim.

In 1979, Walter Kohn joined the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) as a professor of physics. His tenure at UCSB marked a period of continued influence in the field of theoretical physics. At UCSB, Kohn continued his research and mentored students, contributing to the university's reputation as a leading institution for research in physics. Kohn's association with UCSB lasted for over three decades, during which time he further developed his theories and engaged in interdisciplinary research.

In 1983, Walter Kohn was awarded the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize by the American Physical Society. This prestigious award recognized his fundamental contributions to the understanding of the electronic structures of condensed matter, including his work on density functional theory. This recognition further cemented Kohn's status as a leading figure in the field of condensed matter physics and highlighted the wide-reaching impact of his research on both theoretical and applied physics.

In 1998, Walter Kohn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his development of density functional theory. This prestigious award acknowledged the revolutionary nature of his work, which has become a cornerstone of theoretical chemistry and physics. The Nobel Prize recognized Kohn's significant contributions to the understanding of the quantum mechanics of many-body systems, which has impacted a wide range of scientific disciplines and technological advances, including materials science and nanotechnology.

Walter Kohn passed away on April 19, 2016, at the age of 93 in Santa Barbara, California. His death marked the end of a distinguished career that left a lasting legacy in the fields of chemistry and physics. Kohn's groundbreaking work, particularly in density functional theory, has had a profound impact on scientific research and applications. He was remembered not only for his remarkable scientific contributions but also for his role as an educator and mentor to many young scientists around the world.