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Pyotr Kapitsa (1894–1984)

Pioneer of Low-Temperature Physics and Nobel Laureate

Pyotr Leonidovich Kapitsa was a Soviet physicist whose work in low-temperature physics unlocked phenomena like superfluidity. Born in Kronstadt, he studied under Rutherford in Cambridge before returning to the USSR where he established research in cryogenics. Kapitsa co-discovered superfluid helium (^4He) and explained its frictionless flow with two-fluid models.

Contributions

• Superfluidity: defined normal and superfluid components, viscosity \( \to 0 \) in the superfluid fraction.
• Magnetic field generation: innovated high-pressure physics and strong magnetic field apparatus.
• Technique: advanced methods of liquid helium cooling and cryogenic engineering.

Legacy

Kapitsa received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978. He helped build an entire institute (Kapitza Institute) for physical research and mentored many Soviet physicists. His practical genius and leadership fostered innovation in experimental physics.