MSc/PgDip Advanced Physics

You'll gain necessary skills in IT, working with literature, data analysis, and written and oral communication to support a great learning experience in your programme.

You'll gain experience of research techniques by performing an open-ended cutting-edge research project that runs over summer after the taught component of the MSc. The topic may be from a programme relevant field in physics or its interdisciplinary applications. Students with the corresponding ambition and relevant qualification will be supported to find an alternative placement in chemistry or an industrial placement but this depends on availability. The work is normally carried out in the research laboratories under the individual supervision of an experienced researcher.

You'll gain core skills needed to obtain research funding and successfully manage the resulting research in both an academic and a commercial environment.

You'll learn basic concepts relating to nanoscale physics and techniques associated with production and characterisation of nanomaterials/nanostructures, as well as their potential impact in engineering, energy and healthcare.

You'll study semiconductor physics, semiconductor electronics and semiconductor photonics with an outlook on micro and nano-structures and current hot topics.

You'll study laser physics, laser optics and nonlinear optics as required for the work in many photonic labs.

You'll learn advanced quantum physics concepts: Mixed states and density matrix, perturbation and scattering theory, quantization of the electromagnetic field, many particle systems and the Dirac equation.

You'll study spectroscopy, imaging and microscopy techniques associated with modern nanoscience such as:

• fluorescence methods
• single molecule imaging and microscopic techniques
• atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• electron microscopy

You'll learn advanced key concepts in modern nano-scale condensed matter physics and optics, as well as modern computational methods to investigate these systems. The module will illustrate methods of applying these concepts to realistic nanosystems.

You'll study laser-plasma interaction, in particular with very high power and ultrashort pulses, and the resulting applications in radiation sources from the terahertz to the X-ray region, laser fusion and laser-based particle acceleration.

You'll study advanced photonics devices including their principles and applications (quantum confinement, waveguide optics, photonic and electronic bandgaps, photonic crystals).

You'll study modern concepts of quantum optics and quantum information:

• photon correlation
• EPR paradox
• entanglement and resulting applications in quantum cryptography
• communication and quantum simulation

Plus, we'll look at:

• quantization of the electromagnetic field
• behaviour on beam splitters and Hong-Ou Mandel experiment
• quantized light-matter interaction and Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian
• quantum q-bits
• quantum gates and basics of quantum algorithms

You'll also have an introduction to realizations of quantum computing with trapped ions and with ultracold atoms in optical lattices.

You'll study primary methods for transmitting, storing and manipulating electromagnetic waves and the interaction of these waves with plasmas and plasma physics. The module will look at both theoretical and practical considerations for a range of applications. 

You'll carry out open-ended practical work in the laboratory conveying the basic skills of instrument handling, data management, record keeping, and develop report-writing and oral presentation skills. You're required to complete two experiments selected from a range of topics.

You'll study modern developments in the field of quantum optics and light-matter interactions:

• interaction of light with two-level systems (Bloch equations, Mollow spectra) and three-level systems (electromagnetically induced transparency, sub-natural linewidth)
• complex susceptibility and the quantum origin of optical nonlinearities
• quantum interference effects electromagnetically induced transparency
• nonlinear Schroedinger equation and solitons
• open quantum systems and quantum optics in cavities
• collective atom-light interactions