I studied Physics at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, obtaining my BSc in 1972. For fun, I
spent a significant part of my time playing in a rock band. This did not help in achieving high grades, but ultimately they were good enough to get into graduate school.
My MSc project was in theoretical Astrophysics, done under the supervision of the late Jacob Shaham. During this period, I had a rare opportunity to take a course taught by Felix Bloch, then a visiting professor at the Hebrew University. The subject of the course was Superfluidity . I became fascinated by this subject and decided to switch to Low Temperature Physics. 3 years later, I obtained my PhD from Tel Aviv University, having done Low Temperature experimental research on solid Helium under the supervision of Ralph Rosenbaum.
Starting in 1979, I spent an exciting 2 years in the Low Temperature Laboratory at Cornell University, as a postdoc of David Lee and Robert Richardson (both Nobel prize laureates on the discovery of superfluid 3He). I was working on the properties of superfluid 3He at ultralow temperatures. At the time, this was the best place in the world to learn how to do Low Temperature Physics.
In 1981, I returned to Israel and joined the Technion as an Alon fellow.
My approach in the lab is to focus on a physical problem, and to change experimental techniques as needed. This approach gave each student an opportunity to construct his/hers own experimental apparatus.
Following the discovery of High Temperature Superconductivity in 1986, I branched into this area as well, while continuing to pursue the physics of Liquid and Solid Helium.
In parallel, I collaborated with Joan Adler and Steve Lipson doing research on the melting of solids. This work consisted of simulations of melting. In the last several years, I started an experimental program in this area which is ongoing.
Besides Physics, I love music. The picture shown here is taken from my days as a student at the Hebrew University. While pursuing a career in Physics, I did not give up music.
At the Technion, I established Physband, a group of students and faculty who meet on a regular basis to play music. This band, with its everchanging personnel and repertoire, has been active for almost 20 years now. A selection of songs played by the band at various “end of the year” faculty parties can be viewed on Youtube.