Program Overview

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Overview

We have five main research themes for MPhil or PhD students.

Condensed matter and NAoscale physics

Research focus:

Electronic, optical, structural and magnetic properties of novel solid-state materials. In particular, novel semi-conductor structures and NAostructured materials such as NAocrystals and NAowires. Theoretical studies use quantum mechanical approaches and involve massively parallel supercomputing.

Our development of new approaches to quantum modelling is changing the size and complexity of systems that can be modelled. Experimental work takes place at synchrotron facilities in Europe and America. Related work takes place with colleagues in the Emerging Technology and Materials (ETM) Group in the School of Engineering.

Biophysics

Research focus:

We explore the structure and function of cells. The aim is to create artificial life and build machines based on biological parts.

You'll need an understanding of biological physics.

Projects include protocell development and the construction of a cyborg robot.

We'll use techniques including:

single molecule manipulation

atomic force microscopy

scanning tunnelling microscopy

Astrophysics

Research focus:

galaxies and the interstellar medium

the source of the galactic magnetic field and its influence on the structure of the galaxy

cosmology - particularly the early universe and its origin in the big bang

Ultrafast optics

Research focus:

Coherent optical control of atomic collisions in ultracold gases by femtosecond laser light for the study of problems in fundamental physics. This includes the measurement of time dependence of the fundamental constants of nature.

We also research metrological protocols for characterisation of broadband light. This is specifically related to the application and foundational aspects of quantum mechanics.

Quantum matter and quantum optics

Research focus:

The theoretical study and modelling of the quantum properties of matter and light.

This includes the fundamental aspect of:

the nature of superfluids

the principles of quantum mechanics

state-of-the-art technological applications of quantum transport

quantum sensing

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Important information

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View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.

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