NEVILL FRANCIS MOTT Meaning and
Definition
-
Nevill Francis Mott was a British physicist and Nobel laureate, born on September 30, 1905, in Leeds, England, and passed away on August 8, 1996. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the field of condensed matter physics, particularly in the understanding and interpretation of the electronic properties of amorphous and disordered materials.
Mott excelled in his research on the behavior of electrons within solids, specifically conducting materials and their transition into insulators. He proposed a theory, known as Mott transition or Mott insulator, which describes the abrupt changes in electrical conductivity that certain materials undergo at extremely low temperatures. His work not only clarified the underlying principles of these transitions but also enabled the comprehension of various phenomena that occur in disordered systems.
Moreover, Mott's experiments and theoretical investigations led to the discovery of the basic principles governing amorphous semiconductors, which proved pivotal for the development of electronic devices, such as thin-film transistors and solar cells. Due to his profound impact on the discipline, Mott was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977, jointly with Philip W. Anderson and Sir John van Vleck.
Nevill Francis Mott's legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements. He ardently advocated for the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and expressed his concerns about potential proliferation issues arising from the atomic bomb. Mott's steadfast commitment to promoting global peace and his scientific prowess firmly establish him as a renowned figure in the field of condensed matter physics and an influential voice for peaceful collaboration among nations.
