MPhil/PhD Physics

Research overview

All research students join one of the following research groups, and those associated with the two materials themes may be allocated a studentship as part Exeter’s Centre of Doctoral Training in Metamaterials (XM2).

Astrophysics

One of the largest star formation groups in the UK with a wide variety of observational and theoretical programmes. Our main research themes cover:

• Star and planet formation
• Exoplanets
• Stellar physics
• Galaxies and the interstellar medium

Biomedical Physics

Actively involved in the complementary fields of Biophysics and Medical Physics. Our research falls under a number of headings: Biophysics, Human Perception, Biophotonics, Biomedical Imaging, and Biomedical Electrochemistry.

Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials

We explore the interaction of electromagnetic and sound waves with matter, and how this can be manipulated using “metamaterials”. Our work involves material synthesis and nanofabrication, imaging and characterisation using microwave, ultrafast laser and synchrotron sources, which are combined with numerical and analytic theory in quantum optics and quantum information science.

Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials

We probe the quantum properties of matter, with an emphasis on nanomaterials. We investigate both experimentally and theoretically the properties of electrons, phonons and photons in nanomaterials (graphene and carbon nanotubes), and in nanostructures (quantum wells, wires, and dots). We also study the extraordinary properties of anisotropic phonon systems in liquid 4He.

Our academic team are enthusiastic about sharing their expertise and knowledge with the next generation of physicists, and are on hand to assist you in your innovative research projects. As well as dedicated contact hours with your supervisor and tutor, our team operate an open door policy which allows you to raise questions and issues as they arise. This collaborative approach allows you to flourish by creating a supportive, cooperative environment in which to excel in your research.