Renowned materials science academic and indie filmmaker, Professor Emeritus Keith Johnson, passes away at 89 years old.
Keith H. Johnson, a quantum physicist and MIT Professor Emeritus, passed away in June 2023 at the age of 89 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson made groundbreaking contributions to materials science, particularly in understanding the role of defects and electronic behavior in materials such as zinc oxide and superconductors.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1936, Johnson earned his undergraduate degree in physics at Princeton University and his doctorate from Temple University in 1965. He joined the MIT faculty in 1967 and worked there for nearly 30 years.
Johnson was a pioneer in the use of theoretical methods in materials science. His early use of theory led to the development of cluster molecular orbital calculations, a quantum mechanical technique that focuses on how electrons behave in tightly grouped atomic structures. This approach helped lay the groundwork for today's computer-driven methods of materials discovery.
One of Johnson's key contributions was his work on defects and interfaces in metal oxides. He applied fundamental quantum mechanical calculations to analyse how bulk defects, interface, and surface energy states at grain boundaries and surfaces in metal oxides affect their performance in devices. His collaborations combining theoretical modeling with experimental testing, such as on zinc oxide devices, advanced the understanding of how defect states at interfaces influence material behaviour long before this interdisciplinary approach became standard.
Johnson was also instrumental in adapting the scattered wave method (Xα multiple scattering) from quantum chemistry and condensed matter physics to study materials. This method enabled detailed electronic structure calculations that predicted material properties from first principles.
In the field of superconductors, Johnson explored complex systems that exhibit zero electrical resistance. His theoretical calculations critically assessed the feasibility of using certain superconducting materials for advanced technology. For instance, his work for the Department of Defense showed that the zero-resistance conditions needed for a proposed next-generation supercomputer were not achievable with currently available superconducting materials, saving millions of dollars by preventing unproductive investments.
Johnson's contributions extended to modern methods as well. His foundational approach of understanding materials based on electronic structure and localized chemical principles underpins current advances such as machine learning models that predict material properties with high accuracy by capturing quantum interactions.
Throughout his career, Johnson's work provided critical guidance in both academic research and practical applications. His approach, characterised by groundbreaking theoretical insights into the electronic structure and defects of materials, notably zinc oxide and superconductors, combined with pioneering methods that bridged theory and experiment, demonstrated enduring influence on the field.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Johnson proposed visual, water-based models for dark matter and dark energy, which he called "quintessential water." His methods advanced the understanding of materials used in devices like gas sensors and water-splitting systems for hydrogen fuel. He also gained deeper insight into complex systems such as superconductors and molecular materials like "buckyballs."
Johnson's departure from conventional thinking, proposing that vibrations of small molecular units were responsible for superconductivity, will continue to inspire researchers in the field. His legacy as a trailblazer in materials science will undoubtedly live on.
- Johnson's receipt of his undergraduate degree in physics at Princeton University, and his doctorate from Temple University in 1965, laid the foundation for his future career.
- As a professor at MIT, Johnson's theoretical methods revolutionized the field of materials science.
- Johnson's work on defects and interfaces in metal oxides was instrumental in understanding their performance in devices.
- The development of cluster molecular orbital calculations, a technique that focuses on how electrons behave in tightly grouped atomic structures, was pioneered by Johnson.
- Johnson's adaptations of quantum mechanical methods, such as the scattered wave method, have enabled detailed electronic structure calculations.
- Johnson's theoretical calculations on superconductors have critically assessed the feasibility of using certain superconducting materials for advanced technology.
- Modern methods, such as machine learning models that predict material properties with high accuracy, are underpinned by Johnson's approach of understanding materials based on electronic structure and localized chemical principles.
- Johnson's research findings have provided critical guidance in both academic research and practical applications.
- Beyond materials science, Johnson proposed innovative models for dark matter and dark energy.
- Johnson's models advanced the understanding of materials used in devices like gas sensors and water-splitting systems for hydrogen fuel.
- Johnson gained deeper insight into complex systems such as superconductors and molecular materials like "buckyballs."
- Johnson's departure from conventional thinking, proposing that vibrations of small molecular units were responsible for superconductivity, continues to inspire researchers.
- Johnson's research articles and reports have been published in several reputed journals of science and engineering.
- Johnson's influence extends to the fields of science education-and-self-development, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, space-and-astronomy, and technology, inspiring generations of students and researchers alike.
