Lev Naumovich Bulaevskii

Lev Bulaevskii, a renowned condensed-matter theorist whose pioneering work profoundly influenced the fields of superconductivity, vortex matter, and quantum magnetism, passed away on 8 January 2025 in Walnut Creek, California. Over a distinguished career spanning more than six decades, he made seminal contributions to the understanding of the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, layered superconductors, Josephson junctions, vortex matter, conducting properties of materials in a restricted geometry, and other topics of quantum electronic physics. His theoretical insights not only deepened our fundamental understanding of condensed matter physics but also guided numerous experimental discoveries.

Born on 18 November 1935 in Gor’kiy, Soviet Union (now Nizhny Novgorod, Russia), Bulaevskii exhibited an early passion for physics. He pursued his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Gor’kiy University before moving to the P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow to undertake his PhD under the supervision of Vitaly Ginzburg. His doctoral work on exchange interactions in crystals and molecules laid the foundation for his successful future research into condensed-matter systems.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Bulaevskii was a part of an intensely dynamic research community at the Lebedev Physical Institute, where he worked alongside some of the most brilliant minds of theoretical physics in the Soviet Union. The condensed-matter group in the theoretical department was intellectually vast. Bulaevskii, Eugene Maximov, Daniil Khomskii, Oleg Dolgov, and Alexandre Sobianin shared a small office in the institute. Workdays at the institute revolved around the regular superconductivity seminar on Tuesdays and the Moscow physics seminar on Wednesdays, led by Ginzburg. These gatherings fostered lively debates and kept researchers updated on the latest developments. Bulaevskii typically discussed science with his students after 7 p.m., when most people had left the department. When the work progressed rapidly, he sometimes invited students to his home in the Dolgoprudny, a Moscow satellite, which was about a two-hour journey from the institute.

Bulaevskii’s approach to physics was meticulous—he combined a deep understanding of experimental data with precise theoretical predictions, always seeking phenomena that could be observed and tested. Bulaevskii’s research made lasting contributions to multiple areas of condensed-matter physics. His work in the 1970s on superconducting ferromagnetic Josephson junctions predicted the existence of the π-junction, which later found applications in spintronics and quantum information science. With the discovery of high-temperature superconductors in the late 1980s, Bulaevskii’s earlier predictions about layered superconductors and Josephson vortices became especially relevant. His 1992 papers with Ledvij and Kogan describing vortex lattices in tilted magnetic fields quickly became standard references, shaping the modern understanding of vortex matter in high-T_c materials. His work on Josephson plasma resonance demonstrated its utility as a powerful probe for investigating vortex states, influencing numerous experimental studies.

In 1991, Bulaevskii moved to the US, first to Iowa State University and then Los Alamos National Laboratory. His time at Los Alamos was highly productive, and he thrived in its collaborative, research-driven environment. He was a constant source of inspiration for many young colleagues, who learned from his inquisitive approach to physics, his active engagement in seminars, and his keen ability to distinguish between important and less relevant problems. His contagious passion for physics sparked countless memorable discussions that continue to resonate with those who had the privilege of collaborating with him.

Bulaevskii developed a deep appreciation for the landscapes of the American Southwest, often exploring the deserts, mesas, and canyons surrounding Los Alamos. Colleagues remember him as a quiet, wise man yet also a humorous and kind individual, whose passion for physics and outdoor exploration was truly remarkable. After formally retiring from Los Alamos in 2013, Bulaevskii remained deeply engaged in scientific research. He held affiliation at the University of Oregon and the International Institute of Physics in Natal, Brazil, continuing to publish and participate in international conferences well into his 80s.

Bulaevskii’s research earned him many accolades, including the 2015 Abrikosov Prize, which he shared with Masashi Tachiki and Alexei Koshelev for their pioneering work on Josephson vortex dynamics and plasma oscillations in high-T_c superconductors. He was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2000. He also was a Lab Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Bulaevskii’s impact extended far beyond his research. For his students and postdocs, he was a mentor who combined scientific rigor with kindness and genuine care. As his former students, postdocs, and younger colleagues, we feel deeply privileged to have had Bulaevskii not only as a teacher but also as a friend. Bulaevskii was highly regarded by fellow researchers in the field, and his work continues to inspire new research efforts in superconductivity, magnetism, and quantum materials broadly. His papers are frequently read, and his influence can be seen in the careers of the many young scientists he mentored. A scientist, a mentor, and an explorer—both of nature and the physics world—Lev Bulaevskii will be deeply missed.

Bulaevskii is survived by his wife Faina, daughters Katya and Vera, sons-in-law Andrey and Gardar, and grandchildren Polina, Misha, Dasha, and Mila.

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