Physics

The development of physical theory always uses mathematical methods, whether it be simple proportional relationships such as Ohm's Law or the solutions to a multidimensional complex differential equation such as that describing the wave function of a hydrogen atom. Thus, the treatment of these topics requires an immense degree of abstraction and mathematical thinking ability.

The course of study at RWTH encompasses all the different subareas of physics. The bachelor thesis offers a first glance into the uniquely varied focus of the research in physics:

In elementary particle physics the building blocks of matter and any interactions between them are examined. A renowned success in this area of research, for instance, is the discovery of the Higgs Bosons at the European Organization for Nuclear Research facility, known as CERN, in collaboration with several RWTH physics departments.

Astroparticle physics and physical cosmology illuminate the origination and development of the universe. Dark matter is one of the topics of research, for instance, on the International Space Station, where, again in collaboration with RWTH, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiments help examine questions regarding the existence or essence of dark matter.

Condensed matter physics deals with the the complete range of physical properties from solid bodies down to atomic particles in order to reveal new perspectives for the application of research findings. As part of an EU-flagship program, RWTH physicists examine with other European partners, how the properties of graphs can be of use.

New materials and concepts for information processing are the topic of nanoelectronics. Here, quickly reacting, non-elusive storage media for energy efficient computer architectures are developed.

In the field of quantum information, research focuses on a new way of information processing, which pointedly uses the lack of definition found in quantum mechanics.

Quantum technology investigates the properties of quantum systems and explores how to utilize them, for example in novel quantum information processing applications.

The physics of active soft matter investigates self-propelled microparticles such as microrobots and microorganisms as well as materials and applications based on them, for example in medicine and mechanical engineering.

Biophysics examines physical properties of biological systems or establishes physical methods to be used in the life sciences.

In the field of medical physics researchers attempt to optimize methods of medical diagnosis and therapy, for instance with regard to imaging techniques or radiation and laser therapy.

The focus of optics and laser physics lies in the development of new optical technologies, such as nano-optics.