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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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Quantum simulations reveal spin transport in 1D materials

Phys.org — Researchers from the Department of Energy's Quantum Science Center (QSC) headquartered at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating the first digital quantum simulations of how spin currents change over time in a 1-D model of a quantum spin material. The results, now published in Physical Review Letters, establish a new, programmable way to use quantum computers to study the transport of spin—a fundamental quantum variable—in materials.

Michael Manfra receives 2026 APS Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize

Michael Manfra, the Bill and Dee O’Brien Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy has been awarded the American Physical Society’s 2026 Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize which recognizes outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions to condensed matter physics.

Purdue Physics and Astronomy's David Nolte wins Purdue’s top undergraduate teaching honor

David D. Nolte, the Edward M. Purcell Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University, has received the 2026 Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, the university’s highest honor for undergraduate teaching.

Purdue views chief quantum officer position as a big deal

Indianapolis Business Journal — In January, Purdue appointed Manfra, a quantum computing expert, to the newly created position of chief quantum officer. In the role, he’ll be leading Purdue’s quantum efforts and building partnerships among academia, government and industry.

Physics and Astronomy faculty promotions and tenure approved by trustees

Purdue Physics and Astronomy's Nima Lashari and Niranjan Shivaram were promoted to the rank of Associate Professor.

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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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