Materials Theory
Materials Theory is a research field where the focus lies on a quantum mechanical description of materials. The research is aimed at understanding materials properties, e.g. superconductivity and topological phases. There is a strong emphasis on making predictions of new functional materials, with desired properties, and to develop the theoretical tools with which we describe materials.
Ongoing research
Technologies that we take for granted, such as wind turbines for green electricity, mobile phones and hospital devices for diagnostic investigations, are made possible thanks to intelligent choices of materials. To create new and hopefully greener technologies, we need materials better suited for the challenges humanity faces. The work at the division of Materials Theory is divided into two research programmes, Materials Theory and Quantum Matter Theory. The research is theoretical, but there is also a large component of cooperation with experimental activities at laboratories all over the world. The research is based on quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and many body theory, where both mathematical and numerical methods are used. The aim with our research is to understand the properties of the materials at a microscopic level and to be able to predict properties of new functional materials.
Often our research projects can be characterized as both ground research (curiosity) and cross-over research. Since we study the properties of real bodies, the application is very high, but in general it is not the application that motivates us. Our greatest aim is to construct materials with properties unthought-of that will help the future life on Earth.
Delve into materials theory
The Master program in physics with specialization towards materials theory provides you with a first-class education within the field of materials theory. We offer you a stimulating environment from day one.
Many of your teachers are an active member of one of the world's largest research groups within materials theory, the division of materials theory at the department of astronomy and physics at Uppsala university.
The possibilities for you to specialize within materials theory range from many particle physics via density functional theory to macroscopic modelling with applications ranging from basic research to industry relevant research.
If you wish to do your bachelor- or master thesis at the Division for Materials Theory you should visit our education pages and have a look what projects we propose.