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- Key Information
Key Information
Physics research spans both fundamental and applied topics, with theoretical and experimental programmes. We typically have ~36 students studying for physics PhD degrees, and a similar number of postdoctoral researchers. In addition there is an MSc course in Optoelectronics and Laser Devices, taught in conjunction with the University of St Andrews, and we are the co-ordinating centre for a new (2001-06) EPSRC Engineering Doctorate programme in Photonics Engineering, with St Andrews and Strathclyde Universities.Employers value the analytical and problem-solving skills of physics graduates, as well as their specialist, mathematical, and IT knowledge. Our physicists are employed not only throughout electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering companies, but also as patent experts, and in financial, environmental, and governmental roles. In 1997 and 1998, two companies, now employing over 80 people, spun out from Physics.
We have a consistently high level of successful research activity supported by the UK Research Councils and Industry. Some of these physics projects involve other researchers from within EPS and elsewhere in Heriot-Watt, which demonstrates the wide variety of activities accessed from a physics education. The major themes, described in more detail later, include:
- applied optics and photonics
- cold atoms and molecules
- lasers
- lasers in manufacturing (Scottish Manufacturing Institute)
- materials and plasmas
- non-linear optics, dynamics and complexity
- optically interconnected computing
- semiconductor physics
- fast optics
- theoretical physics
- bio-photonics.
All these activities help us to maintain a vibrant environment in which to conduct research in Physics. Our major research interests are described in the sections that follow.
