Prof. Haggard's group RESEARCH IN Professor Prof. Tracy Webb’s investigates the extreme Cynthia research focuses in PHYSICS endpoints for matter in the Chiang’s foundation & universe: black holes and Astrophysics research group evolution of galaxies, neutron stars. Her team is focuses on using some of the McGill’s Astrophysics group works at pursuing intensive, observational world’s most the front of major astrophysical multiwavelength studies of the cosmology to powerful telescopes. research areas. supermassive black hole at the This is a fascinating time in piece together heart of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*, and searches for astrophysics, with new observational the history of our universe & the Prof. Jon electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave capabilities offering a more detailed physical processes that govern it. Sievers is sources discovered by the LIGO-Virgo Observatories. view of the universe and its Her team specializes in the design, developing constituents than ever before. construction, & fielding of custom analysis Recipient of the 2020 Breakthrough Prize in instrumentation, as well as data techniques for Fundamental Physics with the Event Horion Telescope analysis for these experiments. upcoming large Collaboration, CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, Canada cosmological Research Chair in Multi-messenger Astrophysics surveys, including surveys of the cosmic microwave background and Prof. Vicky

the 21 cm line of neutral hydrogen. Kaspi’s research

currently Prof. Adrian Liu centres on the

Prof. Matt Dobbs’ leads a hands-on new CHIME CIFAR Azrieli Prof. Robert Rutledge’s group is experimentalist group designing, Global Scholar, telescope, & primarily interested in measuring the building, & using observational Sloan Research Fast Radio size of neutron stars through x-ray cosmology to better understand the Fellow, William Bursts (FRBs); observation, which provides direct origin, fate, and composition of the Dawson Scholar working to understand CHIME/FRB discoveries & their measurements of strong-force physics. universe. implications for the nature of FRBs. Kaspi also pursues

Prof. Liu’s group her long-term interest in neutron stars, using both

focuses on CHIME and other radio and X-ray telescopes to study connections between theory, data pulsars - rapidly rotating, highly magnetized neutron analysis, and observation in 21cm stars. Prof. Cumming’s group takes a cosmology to shed light on Cosmic theoretical approach to study neutron Dawn—the period when first- She is the first woman & one of the youngest stars, such as thermo-nuclear burning, generation stars and galaxies were researchers ever win the Herzberg Canada Gold Medal Prof. Nicolas magnetic field evolution, & properties of formed. in 2016. dense matter, as well as the formation Cowan’s of exoplanets. Group focuses on characterizations Prof. Ken Ragan is Prof. Eve Lee's group of the surfaces & also a VERITAS focuses on theoretical atmospheres of member and studies of exoplanets, focuses on particle , to understand monitoring how astrophysics, the origin of diversity in observing exoplanetary systems. their brightness & color change with Prof. David Hanna is a member of Specific topics include the origin of time. the VERITAS collaboration & uses astrophysical planetary atmospheres, the orbital gamma ray observation to search sources of high architecture of planetary systems, star- Member of the scientific committee for signals produced by annihilation energy gamma rays, allowing him and his group to disk-planet interactions, and the for the James Webb Space Telescope of dark matter particles in the study sources of black hole driven galaxies, supernova dynamics of debris disks. and the Ariel Mission. centers of dwarf galaxies. remnants, pulsar-wind nebulae, and microquasars.

RESEARCH IN EXPERIMENTAL BOPHYSICS PHYSICS Prof. Walter McGill Physics is growing a strong Biophysics Reisner’s and highly collaborative biophysics bionanofluidic Due to its complexity, we know far lab explores research community, including 5 more about the inner working of stars than we do about a cell. how complex in-Department and several out-of- Biophysics attempts to characterize Velocity map of retrograde submicron Department members. Their active complex networks that govern the transport of alpha-actinin/EGFP in a essential cellular processes like the mouse fibroplast cell. Measured bu nanotopographies embedded in a research programs are seeking ability to sense, transmit, & generate STICS analysis. confined slit-like nanochannel can be highly motivated graduate students signals. used to perform manipulations of single biopolymers, such as DNA, in and researchers. solution.

THEORETICAL BIOPHYSICS DNA and Beads

Prof. Paul Francois The image below depicts a bead optically trapped inside a nanochannel with an extended DNA Prof. Wiseman’s lab molecule. The DNA is driven against the bead at a fixed sliding speed V. is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in cellular adhesion & Multi-colour fluorescence excitation systems use lasers of how cells dynamically different wavelengths to simultaneously image different regulate adhesion molecular species. receptors to control

cellular migration. Students and postdoctoral researchers trained in this

Awarded in 2015 with one of the three environment gain quantitative and interdisciplinary skills, McGill Principal’s Prizes for Outstanding Emerging Researchers. and can come from biological or physics backgrounds. Our biophysics research programs offer students and How does an immune cell postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to gain

recognize antigens? How does an expertise in state-of-the-art two-photon and nonlinear Visualizing dynamics and interactions embryo develop? Prof. Francois’ between biomolecules (e.g. protein, Prof. microscopy, image correlation spectroscopy and other group develop physics-inspired DNA) with single-molecule resolution Leslie’s lab fluctuation-based methods, direct tracking in live cell mathematical tools to understand allows for the biophysical mechanisms aims to methods, confocal microscopy, computational biology, these dynamics, as well as those underlying life preserving processes address lasers and optical trapping, atomic force microscopy, related to evolution tackling such as DNA transcription and repair unanswered protein-engineering, signal transduction, gene expression, to be newly uncovered and understood. questions questions such as: Is Darwinian neurophysiology, micro/nanofluidic bioanalysis device evolution similar to energy The collaborative effort between Leslie about & Wiseman and collaborators in the fabrication, nanoparticle labels, and total internal minimization of physics? If so, molecular transport in complex Department of Chemistry, opens the refection and fluorescence resonance energy transfer can we predict what networks biophysical environments. The door to creating ultra-sensitive microscopies. can evolve? biomedical diagnostics (e.g. of group is fascinated by how biomarkers that indicate cancer onset). molecules move about & perform myriad functions.

RESEARCH IN THEORY Prof. Kartiek Agarwal’s group PHYSICS Materials conducts research on strongly Prof. Nikolas Provatas’ group correlated quantum systems, Condensed Matter ports over ideas & with a focus on their non- knowledge from McGill’s condensed matter physics microscopic scales equilibrium properties. researchers focus on the on which material synthesis, physical properties, and properties are characterization, theory and large- typically realized in scale modeling of novel materials. particular applications; models developed can thus be used in materials

engineering. Member of Calcul McGill Physics Computational Materials Science Quebec’s Scientific Council. Group Prof. Martin Grant’s group The investigates universal phenomena in Meissner EXPERIMENT far more effect - New discoveries are equilibrium levitation Quantum Optics and Sensing systems by of a constantly made in nonlinear magnet Prof. Lily Childress’ research condensed matter analysis, using the largest above a group uses techiniques developed systems be it in the form computers in magnetic in quantum optics and atomic Canada. field repelling superconductor. physics to understand and of new materials, such as control th equantum states of Prof. Hong Guo’s group is focused on defect centres in crystalline graphene or magnetic two main areas: hosts, while exploring their superconductors, new quantum electronic potential application in quntum information science and transport theory and metrology. quantum phases, such as modeling in nanoelectronics, and strongly correlated materials physics of 1Cavity photons coupled to the nanotec hnology. MAGNETISM & drumhead motion of systems or topological SUPERCONDUCTIVITY a 50-nanometer-thick Prof. William Coish’s group studies phases, new frontiers membrane the quantum properties of nanoscale Prof. Tami Pereg-Barnea’s such as Terahertz or condensed matter systems, & how to group focuses on condensed use these systems matter systems with unusual Prof. Jack Sankey’s team is nanoscience, new for quantum properties often related to interested in creating new types of information light-actuated mechanical sensors paradigms, such as exotic/topological order or processing. operating near (or below!) the strong interactions. More standard quantum limit. We are quantum computing or specifically studying topological insulators, topological also part of collaborative efforts to the mechanics of light. superconductors, graphene, apply the tools of quantum optics and unconventional to other fields, including cancer superconductors. therapy and spintronics.

RESEARCH IN Non-equilibrium Physics & Prof. Bradley ULTRAFAST PHYSICS & CONDENSED PHYSICS Soft Condensed Matter Siwick’s MATTER PHYSICS laboratory is Condensed Matter focused on Prof. David Cooke’s lab Prof. McGill’s condensed matter physics developing focuses on ultrafast optical researchers focus on the Michael technologies spectroscopy and photonics in synthesis, physical properties, and Hilke’s that will allow the last portion of the characterization, theory and large- research complex transient structures of electromagnetic spectrum to scale modeling of novel materials. interests molecular and material systems to be controlled. Lab activities include: how be determined at the atomic level. stretch from fundamental dimensional systems, high speed optical spectroscopy to the nano-electronics, nano- Prof. Peter more applied development of THz sources and electronic modelling, quantum Grutter’s group detection technology. computing, superconductivity, pushes the limits vortices, disordered systems, of Graphene, and CNTs. instrumentation New discoveries are and is one of the internationally leading groups in the constantly made in Prof. development of atomic force Guillaume microscopes (AFM) and its condensed matter application to understanding how Gervais’ group nanscale objects can be used for systems be it in the form works at information storage and processing elucidating new of new materials, such as (the field commonly known as quantum phases nano-electronics). graphene or magnetic of matter in semiconductor superconductors, new electronic and fluidic structures quantum phases, such as fabricated “on-a-chip”.

strongly correlated “The Professors in the Physics department truly care about all the systems or topological Prof. Dominic phases, new frontiers Ryan’s group graduate students’ success, not just focuses on such as Terahertz or magnetic their own students. I’ve never been

nanoscience, new materials, with turned down by a Professor when particular Optical autocorrelation signal detected by AFM using a unique paradigms, such as emphasis on Master’s student MOHAMMED HARBSLESLIE those with frustrated or combination of ultrahigh vacuum AFM quantum computing or and 100 fs laser systems. competing exchange interactions. Development of ultrafast the mechanics of light. instrumentation and novel electro- optical methods lead to interesting and stimulating interactions within the Condensed Matter Group.

RESEARCH IN EXPERIMENTAL NEUTRINO Prof. Fritz Buchinger’s RELATIVISTIC HEAVY-ION PHYSICS PHYSICS research group is focused on the COLLISIONS investigation Nuclear Physics Neutrinos are the most abundant of McGill University’s long and strong observed massive particles in the fundamental tradition of excellence in nuclear universe. Every second billions of them nuclear physics began with Rutherford’s pass through our fingernails, yet we properties, tenure at McGill between 1898 and actually know very little about these and 1907 during which he discovered the elusive particles. Neutrino oscillation transmutation of matter. specifically experiments determined that neutrinos masses and are in fact massive particles, which was radii. He is awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize, however, also involved with experiments at their absolute mass still remains unknown. TRIUMF. Since neutrinos are electrically neutral, they could be fundamentally different Charles Gale’s research group mostly

from all other massive particles by being deals with the theoretical study of matter The same tradition of their own antiparticles. under extreme conditions of temperature

excellence continues on and density. This general area straddles nuclear and particle physics, but also to this day. Today, involves aspects of condensed matter and nuclear physics encompasses a wide range of modern physics. RELATIVISTIC HEAVY-ION The traditional study of COLLISIONS

nuclei and their reaction Prof. is still a vibrant part of Sangyong modern nuclear physics. Jeon’s research In the latter part of the Prof. Thomas group studies 20th century, however, a Brunner explores Quark-Gluon new and exciting field of whether or not neutrinos Plasma are their own antiparticles created in astrophysics. Put another way, we are nuclear physics started ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions by searching for trying to explore and understand the to emerge. This is the neutrinoless double data using a variety of theoretical tools phase diagram of QCD, the theory of the study of nuclear matter decays in the isotope ranging from the non-equilibrium xenon-136. If this decay is observed, it gives quantum field theory to numerical strong interaction. These studies under extreme evidence for physics beyond the Standard simulations of the heavy ion eventually lead to a better understanding conditions. Model and helps us understand the nature of collisions. of the nuclear equation of state and this is the neutrino. As part of the nEXO relevant for the physics of the early collaboration, Brunner and his group are In 2018, Prof. Jeon was elected universe, the theoretical modeling of developing components for a next-generation Fellow of the American Physical neutron stars, and for the understanding ultra-low background experiment to be Society for his contributions to of nuclear collision dynamics. located at SNOLAB, where the SNO detector relativistic heavy-ion physics made its groundbreaking discovery.

RESEARCH IN HIGH ENERGY THEORY Prof. Sarah HIGH ENERGY EXPERIMENT PHYSICS Harrison’s research Prof. focuses on string Prof. Brigitte Vachon’s research High Energy Brandenberger’s theory, holography, group studies the unique properties of focus is to explain black holes, and top quarks in order to understand physics at the smallest distance scale, What are the laws of nature at their the observed mathematical physics. which ultimately dictates what today’s most fundamental level? Is there an structure in the ultimate unified theory of elementary universe looks like. They are also universe on large Canada Research Chair in involved in the ATLAS experiments particles and gravity? This is the “holy scales & to explain Mathematical Physics and String grail” of theoretical physicists. (CERN). the history of the Theory (NSERC) Tier 2

very early universe. Prof. Francois Corriveau’s group He has made pioneering Prof. Simon studies high-energy collisions to get contributions to the emerging field Caron Huot insights into the nature & structure of focuses on of superstring cosmology. matter, & is involved in ATLAS & scattering Zeus experiments. processes: can we

calculate what Prof. Alex comes out when Prof. Andreas Warburton’s At McGill, our quest Maloney’s group two protons focuses on string collide? group engages in high-energy particle takes three different but theory and its colliders and detector technologies, related directions: a applications to Prof. Katelin ATLAS, & Belle II experiments, with bottom-up approach basic conceptual Schutz’s research interests in quarks, gluon & photon puzzles in quantum centers on the signatures in collision data to (phenomenology) of gravity, cosmology, and black hole possibility that there understand quark substructure, are undiscoverd trying to deduce new physics. microscopic black holes & dark particles and forces matter. beyond the Standard laws from latest Model that could experimental Prof. Keshav leave unique Prof. Steven Robertson’s observations; the top Dasgupta’s observable imprints in astrophysical group studies the properties of research interest spans systems or tabletop experiments. the interactions of fundamental down approach, using a variety of topics such particles & forces & is involved mathematical as, superstring with ATLAS, BaBar and SuperB. theory, string In its broadest terms, consistency of string cosmology, quantum research in particle physics theory to understand field theories, and has as its goal the discovery mathematics. of the most basic Atlas detector at CERN in Switzerland. quantum gravity; and constituents of matter and cosmology, which the forces through which Prof. Jim Cline is through the big bang can they interact, and how interested in the matter behaves when it is give us complementary connections between cosmology and put under very extreme information about particle physics, conditions. Our knowledge physics at very high including inflation, dark of the motion of matter in matter, neutrino such conditions relies on the energies. physics, and the origin of the asymmetry limits of what we know between matter and antimatter. His group about the most elementary focuses on the search for models of these particles and forces. phenomena, and how they can be tested at coliders and astrophysical experiments.

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Since the 1980s, the nonlinear physics & atmospheric physics group has worked on a series of new

geophysical NONLINEAR -GEOPHYSICS paradigms. A particularly Professor Shaun Lovejoy exciting one is We are living in a golden age of geophysical data and the idea that models; using innovative nonlinear data analysis atmospheric techniques, students analyze state-of-the-art satellite dynamics repeat data, aircraft data, paleoclimate data or the outputs of scale after scale Global Climate Models and weather models. They from large to systemically unravel the structure of our atmosphere in small in a time & in space over scales ranging from milliseconds to cascade-like way. millions of years, from millimeters to the size of the planet. The classical weather – climate dichotomy must ──── be replaced by weather – macro weather –climate & this transforms our view. Rather than view the atmosphere as a classical deterministic system they model it with new types of stochastic (random) models that are able to take RELATED into account the huge ranges of dynamically important Atmospheric Science scales, thus overcoming the limitations of the https://www.mcgill.ca/meteo/ conventional approaches. Earth & Planetary Science

https://www.mcgill.ca/eps/