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Research area

Physics and astronomy

The East and West observatories atop the Southampton physics and astronomy building at Highfield Campus.

Our work is centred around astronomy, quantum light and matter, and theoretical particle physics. We're ranked in the top 5 physics and astronomy departments in the Russell Group.

Research highlights

Image of graphene

Disorder is Good – Taming disorder in self-assembled materials with topology

AI, big data and analytics
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Instead of fighting disorder, we should identify structures that are ordered enough to perform the required function. We have combined cutting edge experiments with breakthrough methods from topological data analysis to quantify emerging structure in apparently disordered nano-assemblies and classify their response to light. We aim to design a new generation of controllable nanosystems at a fraction of the cost of the current methods.

Putting quantum computing in the palm of your hand

Space
Future societies and communities
Physicists from the University of Southampton have secured investment for their ground-breaking, miniature quantum device.
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Measuring the impact of the aurora borealis on climate change

Space
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
A Southampton researcher is developing new techniques to measure the temperature of the upper atmosphere and model the impact of the aurora on climate systems.
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Research institutes, centres and groups

Quantum, Light and Matter Group

Our research group examines the connections between physics, chemistry and engineering.

Multiwavelength Accretion and Astronomical Transients

Our group carries out frontline research on observational astrophyics. We study black holes across the electromagnetic spectrum, the formation and growth.

Quantum Theory and Technology

We explore the ultimate limits of light-matter interaction in nanophotonic devices, aiming to unlock the potential for advancements in quantum material engineering and high-precision sensing.

Mathematical Modelling

The modelling group focuses on mathematical modelling across science and engineering, including physics (from the physics of quanta and strings to that of liquid crystals), chemistry (modelling lithium-ion batteries and solar cells), engineering (controlling sound direction), biology, medicine and healthcare (from stem cell population dynamics to medical imaging and healthcare models).

Hybrid Quantum Networks Lab

We research quantum light-matter interactions between atomic ensembles and single photons.

Centre for Defence and Security Research

Our multi-disciplinary research responds to the breadth of defence and security requirements, delivering leading edge capability to both government and to our industrial partners.

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Facilities

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