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Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a rich and long history dating back to the latter part of the 19th century. Our faculty and students are exploring nature at all length scales, from the subatomic (quarks and gluons) to the macroscopic (black holes and dark energy), and everything in between (atomic and biological systems).

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Professor Andreas Jung of Purdue Physics and Astronomy

Purdue Physics and Astronomy professor Andreas Jung’s research sits at the intersection of particle physics, detector mechanics, AI, machine learning and quantum computing. Watch the full-length video on how Jung and his team are tackling real-world problems, training students, and helping shape the future of physics at Purdue.

Leading in Quantum Materials & Devices: Quantum Semiconductor Systems Group/Microsoft Quantum Purdue

The Quantum Semiconductor Systems Group / Microsoft Quantum Purdue focuses on the quantum-mechanical properties of electrons in ultra-high purity III-V semiconductor and superconductor devices and is affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Materials Engineering, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University. We are the home of Microsoft Quantum Purdue, signifying our partnership with the larger Microsoft Quantum program to develop systems for topological quantum computing.

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Indiana's place in the quantum computer race: What tech giants want and what experts say

The Midwest has become a landscape for data centers and now quantum computing. Tech companies express goals for collaboration between the two, but what does it mean? PhysAstro's Michael Manfra is quoted in the article.

Purdue University Teaching Academy announces 11 inductees for 2026

The Purdue University Teaching Academy has announced 11 inductees for 2026 in recognition of their outstanding and scholarly teaching in graduate, undergraduate or engagement programs. Candidates were identified by their individual department or college/school based upon evidence of excellence in teaching, innovation in teaching methodology, teaching-related service, and scholarship in teaching and learning.

Purdue launches comprehensive quantum degrees program

Quantum technologies, which harness nature at the tiniest scales, hold the potential to transform how people compute, communicate and sense their environments. Critical areas that could benefit from emerging quantum technology include AI design of new functional materials for safer and cheaper consumer products, therapeutic drug development, cybersecurity, and deployment of sensors with extreme sensitivity and spatial resolution.

Purdue study confirms stable anyon behavior at the edge of quantum matter

Researchers at Purdue University have shown that an unusual kind of quantum behavior stays remarkably stable even when experimental conditions change, giving physicists stronger evidence for a longstanding theory of how exotic quantum states behave at the edge of matter.

Purdue team explains the 'cosmic dandelion' left by a medieval supernova

More than 800 years after a bright "guest star" appeared in the sky, Purdue researchers say they may be closer to explaining one of its strangest leftovers. In a new study, the team modeled the unusual shape of Pa 30, a supernova remnant thought to be tied to the stellar explosion recorded in 1181.

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Department of Physics and Astronomy, 525 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2036 • Phone: (765) 494-3000 • Fax: (765) 494-0706

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