Physics: Research in Physics, Quantum Matter and Optics

In this specialisation, you will learn how fascinating material properties emerge from a combination of quantum mechanical confinement, electron-electron interaction, and the electron spin property.
The programme covers two themes:

Condensed Matter Physics studies the electronic, optical and mechanical properties of quantum solids, typically on the nanometer scale and at low temperature. Research topics include superconductivity (discovered in Leiden), low-dimensional systems, molecular electronics, and strongly correlated materials. You will get familiar with the state-of-the-art experimental techniques that are at the core of the Leiden research programme.

Quantum Optics studies the quantum properties of light, entanglement and its role in photon-matter interaction, again typically on the nanometer scale. Research topics include photon detection, plasmonics, cavity quantum electrodynamics and quantum nanomechanics with the goal to create, manipulate, control and understand quantum systems that are at the heart of future quantum technologies.
This is the right master's programme for you if you are interested in current research themes in quantum matter and optics and experimental approaches to expand our knowledge in these fields. You are curiosity-driven and intrigued by quantum mechanics and its appearance in many state-of-the-art experiments.