Lev Davidovich Landau (1908-1968) was a prominent Soviet physicist who made significant contributions to various fields of theoretical physics, and was considered one of the last scientists with a universal understanding of physics. He received the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on superfluidity.

Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, on January 22, 1908, to Jewish parents, Landau displayed exceptional mathematical abilities early in life.

• His father, David Lvovich Landau, was an engineer in the oil industry.
• His mother, Lyubov Veniaminovna Garkavi-Landau, was a doctor. He mastered differential calculus at age 12 and enrolled at Baku University at 14, studying in both the Physics and Mathematics, and Chemistry departments. In 1924, he moved to Leningrad State University, graduating in 1927.

After graduating, Landau continued his studies at the Leningrad Physico-Technical Institute. His early work included:

• Introducing the density matrix method in quantum mechanics in 1927.
• Developing the quantum mechanical theory of diamagnetism (Landau diamagnetism) in 1930.

From 1929 to 1931, Landau traveled to Europe, visiting various scientific centers, including:

• Göttingen
• Leipzig
• Cambridge, where he met Peter Kapitza.
• Copenhagen, where he worked with Niels Bohr and considered himself a pupil of Bohr.

In 1932, Landau became the head of the Theoretical Department at the Ukrainian Physico-Technical Institute (UPTI) in Kharkov. He also held positions at the Kharkov Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Kharkov State University. During this period, he:

• Established a school of theoretical physics, known as the "Landau school".
• Developed the "Theoretical Minimum" exam.
• Made contributions to the theory of phase transitions and the theory of superconductivity.
• Began working with Evgeny Lifshitz on the Course of Theoretical Physics.

In 1937, Landau moved to Moscow to head the Theoretical Division of the Institute for Physical Problems.

• Arrest and Imprisonment: In 1938, Landau was arrested and imprisoned for a year due to his anti-Stalinist views. He was released following the intervention of Pyotr Kapitsa and Niels Bohr.
• Superfluidity: After his release, Landau developed his theory of superfluidity, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1962.
• Atomic Project: During and after World War II, Landau contributed to the Soviet atomic bomb project.
• Later Achievements: Continued research in diverse areas, including plasma physics and quantum field theory.

Landau's most significant contributions include:

• Condensed Matter Physics: Theories of superfluidity, superconductivity, and phase transitions.
• Quantum Mechanics: Development of the density matrix method.
• Plasma Physics: Explanation of Landau damping.
• Theoretical Frameworks: Fermi-liquid theory and Ginzburg-Landau theory.

In 1937, Landau married Kora T. Drobanzeva. They had a son, Igor, who became an experimental physicist. Landau had unconventional views on marriage and relationships, advocating for "free love".

In 1962, Landau was severely injured in a car accident, which effectively ended his scientific career. He received the Nobel Prize that same year but was unable to fully recover. Landau died on April 1, 1968, from complications of his injuries.

Landau's contributions have had a lasting impact on physics. His "Course of Theoretical Physics" remains a valuable resource for students and researchers. The Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics in Moscow is named in his honor.

He also devised a scale for ranking physicists. Newton was ranked 0, Einstein 0.5, with Landau later ranking himself as a 2.

His work continues to be cited in contemporary research, and his legacy as a brilliant and influential physicist endures.