RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Theoretical physics is an essential ingredient in research in physics, and in this School the research in theoretical physics includes numerous areas including several that complement the research interests of both observational and experimental Departments.

An objective of the Department is to maintain international recognition for excellence in several areas of research, and to continue to have this research adequately funded through competitive grants. Work in Theoretical Physics spans all branches of Physics, with particular interests in two areas: wave physics and plasma physics.

Interests in optics include:

• Optical fibres and photonic devices
• Photonic crystals and other microstructured media
• Solitons
• Frequency Generation
• General Wave Theory including elastic and acoustic wave propagation

Work on plasma theory includes:

• Plasma simulations
• Linear and Nonlinear wave theory
• Space physics
• Astrophysics, including the Research Centre for Theoretical Astrophysics.

Other areas of interests are:

• Quantum electrodynamics
• Quantum optics
• The theory of random processes.
• Neurophysics and Brain Dynamics
• Self Organized Criticality

Individuals within the Department have ongoing collaborations with others in the School, and with other local research groups, notably the Australian Photonics Cooperative Research Centre, the Australian Telescope National Facility and Westmead Hospital. Individuals are also involved in a large number of Collaborations with Australian and international colleagues.