John Pendry is a theoretical physicist who has made significant contributions to our understanding of the way in which light interacts with matter. By modelling substances with unusual optical properties often known as metamaterials, he has developed an ‘invisibility cloak’ able to hide objects from electromagnetic radiation.
John’s pioneering work in optics has also led to the experimental realisation of the world’s first perfect lens, capable of overcoming traditional limitations on image resolution. Recognised for his ability to represent complex physical situations via realistic mathematical models, the impact of his contribution can today be seen in a variety of fields where wave propagation is of interest — ranging from seismology to nanoscale engineering.
The breadth and impact of John’s work has won him many of the most important awards in his field, including the Dirac Medal and the Royal Medal of the Royal Society. In 2004 he was made a Knight Bachelor for his services to science.
Subject groups
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Astronomy and Physics
Condensed matter incl softmatter, liquids, nano-materials
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Mathematics
Applied mathematics and theoretical physics
Awards
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Royal Medal
For his seminal contributions in surface sciences, disordered systems, photonics and most recently in metamaterials and the concept of the perfect lens.
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Bakerian Medal and Lecture
On 'Negative refraction, the perfect lens and metamaterials'.
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Kavli Prize
In the field of nanoscience for transformative contributions to the field of nano-optics that have broken long-held beliefs about the limitations of the resolution limits of optical microscopy and imaging.
