Physics
The Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, is one of the world’s most influential science laboratories
In the 150 years since its founding, scientists from the Cavendish have fundamentally changed our understanding of the physical world. It is where the electron, the neutron and the structure of DNA were discovered, and where new frontiers in physics research—such as unlocking the secrets of dark matter and origins of life in the universe, as well as addressing the energy crisis for a sustainable society and translating quantum science to the technologies of tomorrow—are being explored today.
Through our world-class teaching and interdisciplinary research, we are equipping the next generation of leading scientists and addressing some of society’s greatest challenges.
Research at the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, is organised into ten core themes. These fields encompass a variety of research groups, each with its scientific aims and ambitions, but united by two common goals:
- A relentless search for a fundamental understanding of the Universe and the laws which govern it
- To seek new ways to apply the laws of nature
The themes are:
Astrophysics
Studying the unexplored Universe—from its earliest moments through stellar, galactic, and exoplanet evolution
Physics of Life
Investigating physical biology, precision health, and the physics of medicine
Energy Materials
Developing sustainable, zero-carbon solutions to reshape the world energy economy
Physics of Soft Matter and NanoSystems
Exploring how nanoscale assemblies of atoms, polymers, and semiconductors affect light, magnetism, thermal, and mechanical properties
High Energy Physics
Participating in major experiments at CERN, Fermilab, and R&D toward future Linear Colliders
Quantum Information and Control
Probing fundamental quantum systems and their manipulation for transformative technologies
Applied Quantum Physics and Devices
Designing and testing devices and systems built around quantum states—covering photonics, spin devices, sensors, and more
Theory of Condensed Matter
Applying core theoretical tools to advance understanding of complex physical systems
Fundamental Physics of Quantum Matter
Exploring collective phenomena emerging in interacting quantum systems
Synthetic Quantum Systems
Building large-scale, tunable quantum platforms for investigating many-body quantum physics
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