Atomic and Laser Physics (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics (ALP) is a research degree with the potential to study both experimental and theoretical/computational approaches to topics such as quantum computing, ultra-cold matter and laser-plasma interactions.

This course is hosted by the Atomic and Laser Physics sub-department, one of six sub-departments of the Department of Physics.

The sub-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.

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.

Your research work begins on day one and will be underpinned by a taught graduate course in the first year that runs in parallel. You will be expected to attend a taught course one day a week 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 (masters’-level) undergraduate course at Oxford.

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. You will also have the opportunity to follow courses taught at other departments across the Maths, Physics and Life Sciences division.

Whilst working on your research project you will engage in a thorough skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures held in the department by local and visiting physicists, and you will be provided with many opportunities to meet experts in various fields. There will also be opportunity for you to present your work at both formal and informal conferences, seminars and colloquia.

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 and takes place once a week in term time. Many other opportunities exist to attend training courses outside the sub-department.