Theodore Holstein
Theodore Holstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 18, 1915 |
| Died | May 8, 1985 (aged 69) |
| Alma mater | New York University |
| Known for | Holstein equation Holstein–Herring method Holstein–Primakoff transformation Fröhlich-Holstein Hamiltonian |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Condensed matter physics |
| Institutions | New York University University of California, Los Angeles University of Pittsburgh Westinghouse Electric Corporation |
| Thesis | Passage of Neutrons through Ferromagnetic Materials (1943) |
| Doctoral advisor | Otto Halpern |
Theodore Holstein (18 September 1915– 8. May 1985) was an American theoretical physicist, specialized in solid-state physics and atomic physics.
With Henry Primakoff in 1940 he introduced the Holstein-Primakoff transformation, of importantance for the theory of spin waves. Other significant papers included the polaron (introduction of the small polaron), infrared absorption of metals, a microscopic theory of the collision drag phenomenon by Brian Pippard, Bloch electrons in magnetic fields (Hall effect) and his review on the transport properties in an electron-phonon gas. He corrected the Förster-Dexter theory of photoinduced energy transfer between molecules and found new mechanisms for energy transfer in disordered systems. He is also known for introducing the Holstein–Herring method.