LISE: Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering

Harvard University Department of Physics

Harvard University Department of Physics

Research Facilities, Centers and Programs

Biophysics (PhD-Track Program)

The primary objective of the program is to educate and train individuals with background in physical or quantititative science, especially chemistry, physics, computer science, or mathematics, to apply the concepts and methods of the physical sciences to the solution of biological problems. Owing to the interdepartmental nature of the program, a student's research options are increased greatly. Research programs may be pursued in any of the departments or hospitals mentioned.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated the Biophysics program:

The Center for Ultracold Atoms (CUA)
A joint venture with MIT, the CUA encompasses experimental and theoretical research in the following areas:
- Bose-Einstein condensates: development of new methods for manipulating and probing condensed atomic gases, ultracold interactions, and collision dynamics
- Atom optics: atom interferometry, atom waveguides, surface physics and quantum reflection, many body physics in lower dimensions
- Cryogenic Sources for BEC: creation of large condensates of alkalis and other atoms, sympathetic cooling, novel condensates, creation of intense hydrogen sources, and optical techniques for ultracold hydrogen

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with CUA:

Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS) - formerly Center for Imaging and Mesoscale Structures (CIMS)

"Mesoscale" refers to structures and phenomena which span the range between the atomic and the macroscopic scales. Theoretical understanding of mesoscale structures requires, at various points, the use of quantum mechanics, classical mechanics and fluid dynamics, and advanced methods of statistical science, as well as empirical knowledge of chemistry and biological pathways. The Center therefore brings together the disciplines of chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science, geology, biology and medicine.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with CNS:

Engineering and Physical Biology Program (EPB) (PhD-Track Program)

A joint venture between Physics, Engineering, Chemistry and Biology that focuses on determining how basic physical principles govern and explain biological processes. The program includes both experimental and theoretical work, including in vivo measurements of the effects of mechanical forces on cellular processes, as well as single molecule experiments, and physical models in non-living systems. Micro and nano-fabrication combined with new techniques for imaging and manipulation will provide a wealth of new information on the physical properties of biological systems at the cellular and sub-cellular level that will allow detailed comparisons between theory and experiment that has been previously unavailable.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with EPB:

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA)
The Center for Astrophysics combines the resources and research facilities of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory to study the basic physical processes that determine the nature and evolution of the universe. Some of its pioneering achievements include:
  • - Development of instrumentation for orbiting observatories in space
  • - Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy
  • - The application of computers to problems of theoretical astrophysics, particularly stellar atmospheres
Harvard Physics department faculty associated with CfA:

The Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (IQSE)
The Mission of the IQSE is to foster cross-disciplinary research and education in new areas at the intersection of nanoscience, atomic physics, device engineering and computer science, that in various ways seeks to apply principles of quantum mechanics to advanced technologies.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with IQSE:

Institute for Theoretical Atomic and Molecular Physics (ITAMP)
The Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics was established in November 1988 at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in order to address the critical shortage of theorists in atomic and molecular physics at major universities throughout the nation. The objectives of the Institute are: attracting and training graduate students of the highest quality in theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, maintaining an active visitors program to bring senior researchers together for varying lengths of time for scientific collaboration, and establishing a strong post-doctoral fellowship program as a source of potential University faculty.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with ITAMP: Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology (LPPC) (formerly HEPL: High Energy Physics Laboratory)

The Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology carries out forefront programs in high energy physics research and provides first-rate educational opportunities for students. LPPC's experimental programs are carried out at the major accelerator centers throughout the world and addresse important questions both within and beyond the Standard Model. This year LPPC is expanding its program to include astrophysics with the intention to study the fundamental properties of dark energy.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with LPPC: Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)
The Materials Research and Engineering Center is the focus of Harvard’s long tradition of interdisciplinary materials research. Twenty-six faculty members from the the DEAS, the Departments of Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and the Harvard Medical School participate in the Center.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with MRSEC:
Affiliated Physics department faculty: Nanoscale Science Engineering Center (NSEC)
The Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center is a collaborative effort that combines “top down” and “bottom up” approaches to construct novel electronic and magnetic devices with nanoscale sizes and understand their behavior, including quantum phenomena. Through a close integration of research, education, and public outreach, NSEC encourages and promotes the training of a diverse group of people to be leaders in this new interdisciplinary field.

Harvard Physics department faculty associated with NSEC:

Several collaborations and projects are also being carried out by Physics Department faculty and graduate students at centers outside of Cambridge: the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; the CERN in Geneva; the Cornell Wilson Synchrotron Laboratory; the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center; the Soudan Mines in Northern Minnesota; and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

 

  • Page updated: 16-Oct-2007
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