Lev Bulat, Ukrainian-Russian physicist and academic (d. 2016)

Lev Petrovich Bulat (Лев Петрович Булат), a distinguished Russian physicist whose profound contributions illuminated the intricate world of semiconductor physics and thermoelectric phenomena, was born on April 11, 1947, in Chernovtsy, then part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. This city, with its rich history and cultural heritage, provided the initial backdrop for a life dedicated to scientific inquiry. His life, marked by significant academic achievements and pioneering research, concluded suddenly on June 12, 2016, at the age of 69, a mere fortnight after actively participating in an international scientific conference, underscoring his lifelong dedication and engagement with the global scientific community.

Bulat's academic journey culminated in 1988 when he was awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree in Physics and Mathematics from the prestigious Leningrad Polytechnical Institute, now known as Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. This advanced degree, often regarded as a higher doctoral qualification in the Russian academic system, recognized his substantial and original contributions to his field. His seminal thesis, titled "Transport Phenomena in Semiconductors under Large Temperature Gradients," laid the groundwork for much of his subsequent research. This work delved into the complex mechanisms by which charge carriers (like electrons and holes) and energy move within semiconductor materials when subjected to significant temperature differences—a critical area for understanding and developing innovative energy conversion technologies.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Bulat established himself as a preeminent expert across several interconnected domains, bridging fundamental physics with practical applications. His core areas of expertise included the fundamental transport properties of semiconductors, which govern how these materials conduct electricity and heat—a cornerstone of modern electronics and device design. He also made significant strides in the physics of nanostructures, exploring how materials behave and can be engineered at extremely small scales, often revealing unique properties vital for next-generation technological advancements. A major focus of his research was thermoelectric phenomena, which explores the direct interconversion between thermal energy and electrical energy, encompassing effects like the Seebeck and Peltier effects. This field directly fed into his work on direct energy conversion—the creation of electricity from heat or vice versa without mechanical moving parts—and its practical application in thermoelectric cooling, a method of refrigeration particularly useful in specialized electronic and industrial contexts due to its compact nature, precise temperature control, and lack of refrigerants.

At the time of his passing, Lev Petrovich Bulat held the esteemed position of Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Saint Petersburg State University of Low Temperatures and Food Engineering in Russia. This seemingly unique institutional affiliation—combining "low temperatures" and "food engineering"—underscores the inherently multidisciplinary nature of his scientific pursuits, where the principles of physics and materials science are applied to a diverse range of practical challenges, from advanced electronics and cryogenic systems to specialized industrial processes like food preservation. His sudden passing marked the profound loss of a vibrant intellect and a dedicated researcher who remained actively engaged in the global scientific dialogue and contributed significantly to the advancement of physics until his final days.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lev Petrovich Bulat

Where and when was Lev Petrovich Bulat born?

He was born on April 11, 1947, in Chernovtsy, which was then part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (now Ukraine).

What was his primary field of scientific expertise?

Professor Bulat was a leading expert in the transport properties of semiconductors, the physics of nanostructures, thermoelectric phenomena, direct energy conversion, and thermoelectric cooling. His work fundamentally explored the interaction of heat and electricity within materials.

What type of doctoral degree did he hold?

He received a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) in Physics and Mathematics in 1988. In the Russian academic system, a D.Sc is often considered a higher doctoral degree, signifying significant contributions to a field.

What was the title of his doctoral thesis?

His D.Sc thesis was titled "Transport Phenomena in Semiconductors under Large Temperature Gradients."

Which academic institution was he affiliated with at the time of his death?

He was a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Saint Petersburg State University of Low Temperatures and Food Engineering in Russia.

How old was Lev Petrovich Bulat when he died, and when did this occur?

He passed away suddenly on June 12, 2016, at the age of 69.