John Slater

John C. Slater was an influential American physicist known for his work in quantum mechanics and the development of mathematical models to understand atomic and solid materials. He contributed significantly to the atomic theory of electrons and pioneered methods to calculate properties of metals and crystals. His approach, called the Slater determinant, helps describe how electrons behave in atoms, respecting the rules of quantum mechanics. Slater's work has been fundamental in advancing materials science and condensed matter physics, shaping our understanding of the microscopic world and enabling the development of new technologies.