The centre brings together expertise in both pure and applied nuclear physics, radiation detector physics, environmental monitoring and medical imaging. The centre is the largest of its kind in the UK. Surrey’s nuclear physics activity combines internationally leading research in both experimental and theoretical nuclear physics. The research focuses on experimental and theoretical studies of the structure and reactions of exotic nuclei using radioactive ion beams. The group’s experimental work takes place at forefront international facilities. Radiation and medical physics research covers many areas of medical physics, environmental radioactivity, radiation imaging techniques and fundamental studies of semiconductor radiation detectors. We have extensive research links to regional hospitals and institutes in the south east of England.

The Photonics Group investigates the interactions between light and matter, and the control of them to make state-of-the-art devices. It combines experiment and computational theory. Our achievements include invention of the strained quantum well laser (every optical fibre system and DVD player uses this technology). So much of the technology around us needs the generation of light, the detection of light or the conversion of light energy into other forms. The areas we are now exploring encompass the future of information and communications technologies, developing a ‘green’ Internet and transferring energy from space. For these applications we are working to understand how to control and manipulate electron energy and spin in novel crystals and nanostructures, the photon modes in novel microstructures and the interactions between electrons and photons in optoelectronic devices.

Soft condensed matter is one of the fastest growing fields of physics. It encompasses a wide range of systems, such as self-assembling nanostructures, liquid crystals, biological cells, polymers and nanomaterials. The group’s research combines experiment and theory to answer questions about the structure, properties and dynamics of soft systems. It is supported by international companies such as Akzo Nobel, Cytec and Lafarge. Soft matter exhibits a very rich variety of fascinating phenomena, which lead to a wide range of everyday applications, from foods to adhesives, and also to high-tech applications in optoelectronics, sensors and ‘smart’ surfaces. The group has an international profile, and research discoveries have been highlighted in world-leading journals, including Science and Nature. Particular strengths include modelling protein dynamics, liquid crystal elastomers, water dynamics in cement, novel nanocomposites, and polymers in coatings and adhesives.