Physics Subfields
The University of Washington, Seattle is ranked No. 18 in the world and No. 3 in UW public universities. We are a top-tier research institution and have one of the largest physics programs in the country with roughly 380 undergraduate majors, 67 master's students, and 164 PhD students. Current research spans from understanding the early universe and the collective behavior of large numbers of particles to the fundamental nature of space, time and gravity.
Astrophysics & Cosmology
Astrophysics is a captivating branch of science that explores the vast expanse of the universe and its celestial objects through the lens of physics. It delves into the fundamental principles governing the behavior, formation, and evolution of celestial bodies such as stars, planets, galaxies, and even the cosmos itself. Astrophysicists seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe by applying theories and methodologies from physics to phenomena occurring on astronomical scales. This interdisciplinary field encompasses a broad range of topics, including cosmology, stellar physics, planetary science, and the study of exotic phenomena like black holes, neutron stars, and dark matter. By employing advanced observational techniques, computational models, and theoretical frameworks, astrophysicists strive to comprehend the underlying mechanisms shaping the universe.
Interested in this kind of research? Join a UW Physics Research Group!
Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics (AMO)
Atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO) is a field that explores the behavior and interactions of atoms, molecules, and light. At its core, AMO physics seeks to understand the fundamental principles governing the microscopic world, from the intricacies of atomic structure to the dynamics of chemical reactions and the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. Researchers in AMO physics investigate phenomena such as atomic and molecular spectroscopy, laser physics, quantum optics, and ultrafast phenomena. By employing sophisticated experimental techniques and theoretical models rooted in quantum mechanics, AMO physicists uncover the principles governing matter and light interactions at the most fundamental level. This interdisciplinary field not only provides insights into fundamental physics but also finds applications in diverse areas ranging from quantum computing and precision measurements to materials science and quantum information science.
Interested in this kind of research? Join a UW Physics Research Group!
Biophysics
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that merges the principles of physics with the complexities of biological systems. It focuses on understanding the physical processes underlying biological phenomena, ranging from the molecular scale to the cellular and organismal levels. Biophysicists employ a wide array of theoretical and experimental tools from physics, chemistry, and biology to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing biological processes such as protein folding, enzyme kinetics, membrane dynamics, and cellular signaling. By applying concepts from thermodynamics, mechanics, and electromagnetism, biophysicists strive to unravel the intricacies of biological systems, ultimately aiming to decipher the principles governing life itself. This field not only sheds light on fundamental biological processes but also contributes to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and beyond, making it a vital area of research with profound implications for human health and well-being.
Interested in this kind of research? Join a UW Physics Research Group!
Condensed Matter
Condensed matter physics is a dynamic and multifaceted field that investigates the properties and behavior of solid and liquid materials in various states and conditions. It encompasses the study of the structure, dynamics, and interactions of atoms, molecules, and particles within condensed phases, including solids, liquids, and complex materials such as polymers and soft matter. Condensed matter physicists explore a diverse range of phenomena, from the microscopic organization of atoms in crystals to the emergent behavior of complex systems like superconductors and quantum materials. By employing theoretical frameworks, computational simulations, and advanced experimental techniques such as spectroscopy and microscopy, researchers in this field aim to unravel the underlying principles governing the physical properties and behavior of condensed matter. Condensed matter physics not only provides insights into fundamental aspects of matter but also drives technological innovations in areas such as electronics, materials science, nanotechnology, and quantum computing, making it a cornerstone of modern physics with wide-ranging applications and implications.
Nuclear Physics
Nuclear physics is a fundamental branch of physics that explores the structure, behavior, and interactions of atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. This physics subfield seeks to understand the forces that bind protons and neutrons within the nucleus, as well as the processes of nuclear decay, fission, and fusion. Researchers in this field investigate a wide array of phenomena, from the properties of stable and unstable isotopes to the behavior of matter under extreme conditions found in nuclear reactors, astrophysical environments, and high-energy collisions. Nuclear physicists utilize both theoretical models and experimental techniques such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactors to probe the mysteries of the atomic nucleus and uncover the fundamental laws governing the behavior of matter at the subatomic level. This field not only provides insights into the origins and evolution of the universe but also finds applications in diverse areas ranging from energy production and medical imaging to nuclear security and environmental monitoring, making it a crucial area of scientific inquiry with profound implications for society.
Particle Physics
Particle physics delves into the study of the smallest constituents of matter and the fundamental forces that govern their interactions. At its core, particle physics seeks to understand the nature of elementary particles, their properties, and the fundamental forces that govern their behavior. Researchers in this field investigate a wide array of phenomena, from the properties of fundamental particles such as quarks, leptons, and bosons to the exploration of the fundamental forces such as electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, strong nuclear force, and gravity. Particle physicists utilize advanced experimental techniques, such as particle accelerators and detectors, as well as theoretical models grounded in quantum mechanics and relativity, to probe the fundamental nature of matter and energy. This field not only provides insights into the fundamental building blocks of the universe but also seeks to answer profound questions about the nature of space, time, and the origins of the cosmos, making it a cornerstone of modern physics with wide-ranging implications for our understanding of the universe.
Quantum Information Science
Quantum information science is a cutting-edge and interdisciplinary field at the intersection of physics, computer science, and information theory, which leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process, store, and transmit information in fundamentally new ways. Quantum information science explores how quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement can be harnessed to revolutionize information processing tasks. Researchers in this field investigate quantum algorithms, quantum cryptography, quantum communication, and quantum computation, seeking to unlock the potential for exponentially faster computation and unbreakable encryption compared to classical methods. They utilize quantum bits, or qubits, as the fundamental units of information, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition, enabling parallel computation and enhanced data storage capacity. Through theoretical advancements and experimental breakthroughs in areas such as quantum computing architectures and quantum error correction, quantum information science holds the promise of revolutionizing fields ranging from cryptography and cybersecurity to materials science, paving the way towards a future of unprecedented computational power and technological innovation.
Interested in this kind of research? Join a UW Physics Research Group!