Cosmology
Prof P 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.
Relativistic Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity
Prof B Dolan
Quantum field theory and its use in elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics and statistical physics.
Unified theories of high energy physics and general relativity. Thermodynamics of black holes.
Quantum Dynamics
Dr M Haque
Non-equilibrium dynamics in quantum systems. Many-particle phenomena in laser-cooled trapped atomic gases. Using entanglement measures (from quantum information theory) to study condensed matter states and phenomena. Topological order and other unconventional ordering.
Topological Quantum Computation
Dr J Vala
Topological phases of condensed matter systems. Topological quantum computation. Fault-tolerant quantum computation. Theory of decoherence and quantum error correction and suppression.
Non-perturbative Quantum Field Theory
Dr J 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.
Topological Phases and Quantum Computation
Dr JK 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.
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.
For further details on the research specialisms within the Department please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/theoretical-physics/our-research.