Walter Kohn

Walter Kohn was a prominent physicist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of solid state physics, particularly in computational methods for understanding materials at the atomic level. He is most famous for developing density functional theory (DFT), a powerful mathematical approach that models how electrons interact in a system, enabling the prediction of a material's properties. His contributions have greatly influenced fields like chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, allowing scientists to simulate and analyze complex materials without the need for extensive experimental work. Kohn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for these significant advancements.