Physics continues to be one of the “flagship” research Departments at the University of Windsor. Our faculty are known regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally for their active and outstanding research and their direct involvement in the learning experiences provided to our undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty are known worldwide for high levels of research productivity and funding through industrial partnerships. Their research achievements, with its many awards and distinctions to their credit, make the department one of the highest quality Physics departments in Canada. Currently, there are three main areas of research:
AMO researchers investigate the interaction of photons and electrons with solids, plasmas, atoms, molecules, and clusters using optical and particle spectroscopy; laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; and femtosecond laser-matter interactions. Experimentalists provide data of interest to plasma physicists, planetary scientists, astrophysicists and radiation chemists while achieving insight into these interactions. Theoretical studies are focused on quantum control, optics of surfaces, fundamental constants, and high precision atomic properties which provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental physics which underly these phenomena.
Activities range over diverse topics including nanoelectronics, nanoplasmonics, thin films, disordered electronic systems, and attosecond dynamic probes inside condensed matter systems. Applied research in ultrasonic materials characterization, non-destructive testing and advanced joining and consolidation is conducted through the Institute for Diagnositc Imaging Research. This work has been supported by major industrial partners such as Chrysler, General Motors, and Bombardier, as well as through an NSERC Industrial Research Chair.
Researchers theoretically and experimentally study the imaging, early detection, and treatment of cancers. The development of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) algorithms and hardware are an active area of research. Pathogen identification and rapid biomedical specimen elemental analysis using lasers is another exciting research area. The Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research is a world leader in ultrasound diagnostic technology and acoustic microscopy for bioanalysis and characterization.
The vibrant research atmosphere has brought numerous accolades and recognition from the Canadian and World scientific communities in the form of medals, prizes, fellowships, editor-ships, grants and contracts. This department continues to be a fruitful environment for ideas and innovation. Individual professors collaborate widely with colleagues in other Universities and Research Institutes leading to impressive global impact
Researchers collaborate with world class institutions such as SNOLAB in Sudbury, ON and the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute to help lead the search for dark matter and to detect the signature of neutrinoless double-beta decay.