Third-cycle (doctoral) programme in physics

Condensed matter physics is aimed at, on the basis of the most fundamental laws of physics, the understanding of the structure and the physical properties of atoms condensed into solids or liquids. Since it touches all aspects of the matter around us, this is one of the major areas of research in physics, and includes, among other areas, superconductivity, semiconductor physics, materials science, electronics, magnetism and liquids.

The research focuses on theoretical studies of magnetism on the nano- and atomic level in new quantum materials (e.g. semiconducting nanowire, graphene and topological insulators), as well as electronic and spin quantum transport in molecular systems. The basic theoretical tools which are used are quantum mechanical modelling and powerful computer-based techniques. The theoretical activities will be both supported and complemented by a planned experimental activity, which is investigating nanostructures of semiconductors and topological insulators. These studies have relevance for future applications in spin electronics and quantum computing.

The research is conducted in collaboration with leading national and international research groups.

Astroparticle physics is a branch of particle physics that studies the elementary particles from astronomical sources and the relationship with astrophysics and cosmology. The area of research overlaps with particle physics, astronomy, astrophysics, detector physics, theory of relativity and cosmology. The astroparticle group at Linnaeus University is interested in, among other things, the origination of cosmic radiation, which is still one of the most debated issues within modern science ever since it presence was first established by Victor Hess more
than 100 years ago.

Our research is based on the study of the phenomenon that accelerates particles of the extra-galactic sources via observing the ultra-high energy cosmic gamma radiation. Our research team is working with both experimental and phenomenological problems, with a strong focus on hardware development, data analysis and interpretation of extragalactic observations. The research is conducted in collaboration with major international collaborations, but also develops new technology on its own, for example, to be able to observe energetic gamma rays with wide field of view, i.e., from numerous directions simultaneously. Graduate students in astroparticle physics have the potential to be part of a research environment where one can develop their doctoral studies with his/her academic supervisor in international research collaborations.

Physics research within the field of waves and signals deals with basic as well as applied issues surrounding the direct and/or so-called Inverse problems within acoustic, mechanical, electromagnetic wave propagation. The research focuses on the application of macroscopic electromagnetism, its constitutive relationship and numerical methods.

The key tools are electromagnetic modelling and analytic function theory, often in collaboration with other adjacent fields within the signal analysis, mathematical, numerical methods, and optimisation. Technical applications include, for instance, with in industrial metrology and monitoring (e.g. fault detection/location) electromagnetic modelling and design (e.g. antennas or high-voltage cables) or handling of images (e.g. medical tomography).