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Physical sciences

Physics is the science of how nature works at the most fundamental level, from the smallest blocks of matter and the fundamental forces, to the largest structures in the universe. Physics uses mathematics to describe experimental results, which in turn confirm or refute the theories presented. Theories can be used to make new predictions, e.g., the properties of newly developed materials. Physics is often the basis for new inventions, such as the refrigerator, the transistor, and the tv.

Features

Václava Hazuková, cellting water samples from an Arctic lake.
Peering through the ice to uncover the secrets of Arctic lakes

Václava Hazuková, KBC-Kempe postdoc, researches carbon storage in Arctic lakes.

Nicolò Maccaferri
Physics meets magic as Nicolò Maccaferri tames the light

His research lays the foundation for the light-operated and energy-efficient computers of the future.

Latest news

En kvinna i labbrock och handskar arbetar på en maskin.
How to produce hydrogen more efficiently

Researchers have found a way to improve catalysts that make emission-free hydrogen.

En flock elefanter som går över ett grönskande fält.
One single rule helps explain life on Earth

The discovery will help to understand why species are spread the way they are across the planet.

En rad solpaneler som sitter bredvid varandra.
Advanced coatings boost the competitiveness of solar thermal energy

Solar thermal collectors are taking on fossil energy sources – thanks to a new type of coating.

Ben JohnsAnknuten som postdoktor till Institutionen för fysikEnhet: Ultrafast Nanoscience
Physicist awarded EU fellowship to explore the role of light in future computing

Ben John's research could lead to faster and more energy-efficient computing.

En kvinna med långt hår och svart polotröja.
Solar wind shapes the planet Mars

Qi Zhang's research shows how the atmosphere on Mars has evolved over time and may look like in the future.

Ett barn fyller på ett glas mjölk i en skolmatsal.
Super-sensitive method finds bacteria spores in food and hospitals

Resistant spores can cause food poisoning and infections via, for example, dairy products.

Professor vid Institutionen för fysikEnhet: Comb spectroscopy lab
Aleksandra Foltynowicz elected Optica Fellow

Honored for serving with distinction in the advancement of optics and photonics

UCMR Day
Conference boosts the international microbial research network

UCMR Day is an opportunity to increase international visibility by inviting talented keynote speakers.

En grupp människor som står vid en monter på KBC-dagarna 2024
KBC DAYS strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration

Researchers and staff from infrastructures and industry shared ideas and results under the theme sensing.

Delad bild med porträtt på en kvinna och en satellit
Complex interaction between comet and the solar wind

Doctoral thesis explains what happens when the solar wind meets other objects with atmospheres.

Porträttbild på leende man med skjorta och runda glasögon.
Rasmus' research can be an important tool for authorities

Develop methods for detecting harmful chemical agents in the field.

Hjullastare som gräver utan förare. Digital bild.
Self-driving machines to be safer for people and the environment

Researchers combine AI with computational physics in a new project with industry.

Research projects

Ultrafast control of magnetism with twisted plasmons (MagneticTWIST)
Duration 1 January 2025 until 31 December 2029
Type of project Research project
Digital Twin for AI-controlled Lunar Robotics (AILUR)
Duration 1 January 2025 until 30 September 2026
Type of project Research project
Explainable, Safe, Contact-Aware Planning and Control for Heavy Machinery Manipulation and Navigation (XSCAVE)
Duration 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2028
Type of project Research project
Ultrafast optical metamaterials for energy-efficient logic operations and information processing

Towards light-based computing technologies

Duration 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2029
Type of project Research project
Stress Response Modeling at IceLab

A multidisciplinary complexity center formed to unveil universal principles and adaptive mechanisms in living systems under stress.

Duration 1 January 2024
Type of project Research project

Research groups

Nano for energy
Synthesis and characterization of various types of nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials and energy storage
Synthesis of new materials, study of their fundamental properties and energy storage applications.
Research area: Physical sciences
Nanostructured Functional Materials
We make the best out of the heterogeneity in nanomaterials.
New materials under extreme conditions
Changes in the the thermodynamic stability of materials and the kinetics of phase transitions and reactions.
Research area: Physical sciences
Optical frequency comb spectroscopy group
The group works with research on optical frequency comb spectroscopy.
Research area: Physical sciences
Plasma Theory
We focus on plasma regimes where collective dynamics meet quantum mechanical and QED theory.
Research area: Physical sciences
Quantum field theory in strong background fields
Our research group studies quantum field theory in strong electromagnetic or gravitational background fields
Research area: Physical sciences
RElativistic Attosecond Physics Laboratory (REAL)
This research is pushing the limits in various fields such as much faster (light-driven) electronics.
Research area: Physical sciences
Solar System Physics
Our research comprise plasma physics and the interaction between the solar wind and solar system objects.
Research area: Physical sciences
Solar-terrestrial physics and space weather
We study aspects of solar-terrestrial interactions between the solar plasma wind and Earth's magnetosphere.
Research area: Physical sciences
The Laser Physics Group
Our group works with development and applications of various types of laser-based measurement techniques.
Research area: Physical sciences
The Organic Electronics and Photonics Group
Developing optoelectronics based on organic semiconductors, with focus on functionality and sustainability.
Ultrafast Nanoscience
Studying light-matter interactions and ultrafast phenomena in materials and molecules at the nanoscale
Umeå Science Education Research (UmSER)
UMSER is a research environment with an open and collegial atmosphere, providing rich opportunities for collaboration and to give and receive...