Atomic and Laser Physics

The department researches the interaction of light and matter over an enormous range of conditions, from high-energy plasmas created by the most powerful lasers in the world, to the coherent manipulation of single quantum particles for implementing quantum information processing, to the creation of exotic states of quantum matter such as Bose-Einstein condensation.

A large number of former ALP graduate students now pursue careers in either academia or industry, predominantly focusing on research and development

Research in atomic and laser physics (ALP) involves some of the most rapidly developing areas of physical science and ranges from the fundamental physics of quantum systems to interdisciplinary application of lasers. The themes include the following, using both experiment and theory:

• quantum computation
• quantum cryptography
• quantum chaos
• quantum memories
• optical manipulation of cold atoms and molecules
• ultra-cold matter
• Bose-Einstein condensations
• optical lattices and quantum simulations
• ions traps and entanglement
• non-linear optics
• cavity quantum electrodynamics
• quantum optics
• high-intensity laser interactions
• ultra-fast X-ray science
• laser-plasma science
• attosecond optics
• optical metrology and precision spectroscopy
• fundamental tests of QED
• femtosecond combs
• EPR and NMR for QIP
• laboratory astrophysics

At graduate level, the department primarily offers the DPhil research degree (equivalent to a PhD). In very exceptional cases, it may be possible to do an MSc by Research in Atomic and Laser Physics. There is no graduate taught master’s course in ALP. 

The DPhil is a research degree and you normally start working on your main research project as soon as you arrive. A list of current projects is available on the ALP website.

In parallel with your project, you will be expected to attend a taught course in atomic and laser physics in the first year, comprising lectures, seminars and discussion classes at graduate level. Depending on your level of knowledge, the department may also require you to attend lectures in the final year (master’s-level) undergraduate course at Oxford. Continuation beyond the first year is dependent on successful participation in the graduate course and on original research documented by a written report. Examination of the research element is by viva at the end of the first year.

The ALP sub-department provides a detailed timetable and syllabus list for the graduate class. Topics covered include:

• basic light-matter interaction
• photonics and quantum optics
• laser-plasma interactions
• quantum information processing and communication
• trapped particles and quantum gases
• high energy density science

Some subjects, such as laser-plasma interactions and high energy density science, are taught across a number of sub-departments. 

In addition, the sub-department's journal club focuses on recent research highlights in atomic and laser physics, quantum technologies, and laser-plasma interactions. Active participation is compulsory for first year graduate students. Many other opportunities exist to attend training courses outside the sub-department.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant subject (normally physics or mathematics).

Normally, as a minimum, your undergraduate degree should be an Honours degree at the level of a UK MPhys degree (four years of undergraduate study in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, five years in Scotland) or the equivalent for non-UK applicants.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the typical minimum GPA sought is 3.3 out of 4.0. However, selection of candidates also depends on other factors in your application and most successful applicants have achieved higher GPA scores. 

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Around one to two pages
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Standard level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships