Gil Refael
Gil Refael
Taylor W. Lawrence Professor of Theoretical Physics
B.S.,Tel Aviv University, 1997; M.S., 1998; Ph.D., Harvard University, 2003. Assistant Professor, Caltech, 2005-2008; Associate Professor, 2008-11; Professor, 2011-17; Lawrence Professor, 2017-; Executive Officer, 2014-20.
Research Interests: Quantum Condensed Matter (theory); Quantum Information (theory)
Overview
My current research themes include:
- Topological quantum computation with Majorana Fermions.
- Practical applications of topological insulators
- Universal aspects of driven quantum systems.
- Steady states of many-body Floquet systems
- Using a periodic drive for realizing exotic phases.
- Emergent topological states in coupled light-matter systems.
- The many-body localization transition in disordered quantum chains.
Selected Awards
- ASCIT teaching prize (awarded by the Caltech student community), 2021
- Simons Investigator, 2019
- ASCIT teaching prize (awarded by the Caltech student community), 2013
- Bessel Prize of the Humboldt Society, Germany, 2012
- Sloan Fellow, 2009
- Packard Fellow, 2008
- Cottrell Scholar, Research Corporation, 2008
Selected Awards
- ASCIT teaching prize (awarded by the Caltech student community), 2021
- Simons Investigator, 2019
- ASCIT teaching prize (awarded by the Caltech student community), 2013
- Bessel Prize of the Humboldt Society, Germany, 2012
- Sloan Fellow, 2009
- Packard Fellow, 2008
- Cottrell Scholar, Research Corporation, 2008
Leadership
- Executive board, IQIM, Caltech
Leadership
- Executive board, IQIM, Caltech
Industry Affiliations
- Scholar, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing, 2020-present
Industry Affiliations
- Scholar, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing, 2020-present
PhD Thesis: Randomness, Dissipation And Quantum Fluctuations in Spin Chains and Mesoscopic Superconductor Arrays
Related Courses
IC/Ph 1 abc. Integrated Core: Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism.
9 units (3-1-5); first, second, and third terms, 2025-26.
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in other integrated core classes and instructor permission.
An introduction to classical and modern physics. Topics included will be Newtonian physics, electromagnetism and light, special relativity, topics in statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. The material will be introduced from the perspective of their application to space travel and sustainable energy production.
Instructors: Refael, George
Instructors: Refael, George