Jean-Paul Poirier

Poirier has transferred his expertise in the physics of materials into the field of geophysics. His major contributions include the use of laser-heated diamond-anvil cell to measure the electrical conductivity of mineral phases of the lower mantle. Based on the theory of dislocations, he calculated the melting temperature of iron at the pressure of the interface between the inner and outer core. He theoretically determined the slip system of the hexagonal iron phase of the inner core. His book Introduction to the Physics of the Earth's Interior is the textbook for advanced graduate courses on earth materials in geosciences.