Research Theme: Theoretical Physics
Our Theoretical Physics theme underpins much of the School's research. Our work encompasses diverse problems, from understanding fundamental features of quantum mechanics to unravelling many-body, topological and statistical effects in both quantum and classical regimes within solids, complex liquids and optics. We have considerable expertise in devising applications of emerging quantum technologies, using high-performance computing and modelling quantum materials and soft matter.
Within the Theoretical Physics theme, our research is focussed on the following topic areas:
- High-performance scientific computingDeveloping algorithms and efficient codes for solving complex physics problems in diverse areas exploiting state-of-the-art scientific computing resources.
- Quantum information and foundationsResearching fundamental aspects of quantum physics by uncovering seemingly paradoxical new quantum effects that together point to a deeper understanding of its foundations.
- Quantum matterWe are investigating how systems of many interacting particles correlate and entangle themselves quantum mechanically, both in and out of equilibrium. A major focus of this research is how electrons behave in novel quantum materials crucial for future technologies, but our work also crosscuts with atomic, molecular and optical physics; high energy physics; and quantum information science.
- Statistical, active, and soft matter physicsWe are developing theories and powerful Monte Carlo methods for studying the behaviour of active matter and the interfacial structure of complex such as colloids and knotted macromolecules.
- Wave geometry and optical field theoryFocusing on the phenomena lurking between the domains of classical and quantum physics to expose the beautiful unifying mathematical ideas of asymptotics governing the behaviour of light, fluids and atoms.