Theoretical and Computational Physics
Optical microcavity (micropillar) is excited and probed by an external light field through the top facet. The light trapped in the microcavity is strongly coupled to an exciton in a quantum dot which is placed inside the micropillar.
Course Information: BSc, 3 years
Theory provides the mathematical structure that underlies our physical view of the universe. Many complex mathematical models of physical systems are now studied using super-computers. This course concentrates on the skills specifically required by those who want to develop their mathematical and computational interests.
The course combines core physics material with specialist theoretical and computational modules. Theoretical physicists often work in close collaboration with experimental physicists. They may spend much of their time developing and experimenting with computer models of systems that are too complicated to model in any other way. Good examples range from modelling the structure of liquids on the atomic scale to the modelling of the earth's weather systems.
The School has a large and varied group of physicists undertaking theoretical and computational research. This ranges from the modelling of solid-state structures to the numerical simulation of binary black hole systems. Researchers regularly use super-computers or the School's state-of-the-art parallel processor.