Cosmology
Prof Peter Coles
Cosmology and the large-scale structure of the Universe, especially theoretical models of galaxy formation and the evolution of galaxy clustering. The cosmic microwave background as a probe of space-time geometry and models of the early Universe. Dark matter and dark energy. Statistical analysis of present and future observational data, especially the European Space Agency's forthcoming Euclid mission.
Complex Quantum Phenomena
Dr Graham Kells
My main interests are complex quantum phenomena and how they can be harnessed to store and control quantum information. Recently, I have been working on weak zero-modes and quantum many-body scars. I have also become interested in the formalism of third/operator quantisation and have started new projects on measurement-induced entanglement transitions.
Black Holes
Dr John Regan
Dr. Regan's research interests are in the study of the formation and evolution of massive black holes in the early Universe. He uses state-of-the-art computational models to understand the formation pathways of massive black holes and their subsequent dynamics inside early galaxies.
Non-perturbative Quantum Field Theory
Dr Jon-Ivar Skullerud
Non-perturbative computer simulations of quantum field theory; in particular strong interactions. Phase transitions at high temperature and/or density. Confinement and deconfinement of quarks and gluons. Philosophy of physics, in particular quantum field theory.
Topological Phases and Quantum Computation
Dr Joost Slingerland
Topological phenomena in condensed matter physics and their application to fault tolerant and scalable quantum computation. This involves study of two dimensional systems that harbor anyons – quasiparticles with exotic exchange properties. These topological phases and transitions between them are studied both at the level of topological field theory, and in local models and realistic physical contexts such as the fractional quantum Hall effect.
Topological Quantum Computation
Prof Jiri Vala
Topological phases of condensed matter systems. Topological quantum computation. Fault-tolerant quantum computation. Theory of decoherence and quantum error correction and suppression.
Topics in Applied Mathematics
Dr Paul Watts
Applications of group theory and algebra in high-energy physics, quantum field theory and quantum information processing; mathematical modelling and statistical inference in the social sciences.
For further details on the research specialisms within the Department please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/theoretical-physics/our-research.