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Penn State Department of Physics

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IceCube neutrino observatory finds surprising absence of neutrinos from gamma ray bursts (Nature, April 2012). Two dimensional crystals of tungsten disulfide show enhanced light emission from their edges (Nano Letters, November 2012) Penn State physicists develop a new paradigm for understanding the earliest eras in the history of the universe (Physical Review Letters, December 2012).
IceCube neutrino observatory finds surprising absence of neutrinos from gamma ray bursts (Nature, April 2012).
Two dimensional crystals of tungsten disulfide show enhanced light emission from their edges (Nano Letters, November 2012)
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From the Department Head

Nitin Samarth

Welcome to Physics@Penn State! I am proud to belong to a department of innovative scientists, inspiring teachers, creative students, and accomplished alumni. Whether you are an alumnus, friend, prospective student or a casual visitor, I invite you to browse our website and learn about the exciting discoveries Penn State physicists are making at the frontiers of knowledge.

— Nitin Samarth, George A. and Margaret M. Downsbrough Department Head

nsamarth [at] psu [dot] edu

Meet our faculty

Nathan (Nate) D Gemelke

Nate Gemelke

My group researches fundamental phenomenona in many-body physics using the versatile tools of ultracold atomic physics.  By cooling gases of atoms to a fraction of a microkelvin above absolute zero temperature, and creating novel structures of laser light with which to probe and manipulate them, we assemble new strongly correlated quantum systems from the ground up.  Such systems can be engineered specifically to shed light on the basic organizational principles of matter, develop new methods of storing and manipulating information quantum mechanically, and to discover new behavior in complex systems.

 

Research experience for undergraduates

The department provides many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research. Direct research experience is exciting, and a great way to prepare for careers in science and engineering.

If you're interested in doing research, feel free to explore the research programs in the department.

Undergraduate research

Exciting opportunities for undergraduate research are also available through our Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program.

 

Physics@PennState among very best in the United States

According to a multi-year study released by the National Research Council (NRC) in 2010, we are in the top echelon of physics departments in the United States. The NRC used a broad range of measurements to rank the performance of graduate programs across hundreds of universities — its first such rankings in 15 years. A conservative interpretation of the study places us in the top 10-15 in the country. A detailed exploration of rankings using different criteria is available at the phds.org website. We also invite you to visit the Eberly College of Science website for a comprehensive overview about the NRC rankings for all departments in our college.

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