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Although most of the research in
this department can be classified as basic research, many very active groups
are also involved in a wide range of Applied Physics - research geared
to direct applications in industry. Over the years, this effort within
UBC's Dept. of Physics and Astronomy has spawned a number of spin-off companies
such as Dynapro, MoLi Energy, Vortek, Quartz Imaging, Xillix, TIR Systems,
Sonigistics, Techware systems, Corona Vacuum Coaters, and Brooks Automation.
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Dr. Lorne Whitehead's Light Pipes utilize microprimatic film to efficiently transport light.
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The Structured
Surface Physics group centers on using novel geometrical configurations
to solve applied physics problems. The primary focus is in structured surface
physics -- the study of interfaces containing precision structures on a
scale of 0.1 to 100 microns. The advent of sophisticated polymeric micro-replication
and thin film deposition technology has had two key impacts on this field.
Layered Micro-Prismatic Geometry creates dramatic optical effects.
First, it is possible to study a wide range of new structures. Second,
it is practical to mass-produce such structures, which opens a new range
of industrial opportunities. An example is the prism light guide, which
is a structure employing precise geometrical prismatic facets on a transparent
hollow pipe, to enable the guiding of light by means of total internal
reflection. The primary application of that device has been the large scale
guiding of light for illumination purposes. A different example is the
EMEET transducer, in which a structured elastomeric surface contacts a
smooth conductive plane. The resultant small air pockets can support extremely
high electric fields. Such structures yield a good broad-band impedance
match in useful applications, including the production of sound in fluids,
and micromanipulation of large mechanical structures. Both the 3M company
and TIR Systems Ltd. utilize the results of the research of Professor Whitehead's
group.
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The TRIUMF cyclotron, open for maintenance.
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TRIUMF Particle Beam & Accelerator Physics
TRIUMF is Canada's main centre for accelerator and beam physics expertise.
UBC graduate students (and co-op or summer undergraduate students) may
participate in research projects with TRIUMF physicists, either in
developing and adding to the lab's existing accelerators and particle
beams, or in collaborations with other laboratories.
Please see more detailed information under the
Particle, Subatomic & String Theory section of this website.
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The Industrial Services Office actively pursues more contacts with industry
to improve applied research funding, create job opportunities for graduate
students during and after their graduate work, and increases industry
awareness of our capabilities and resources.
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Applied physics at UBC can be found
in a wide range of different research groups. For instance, members of
the theory group are involved in the Pacific Institute for Mathematical
Science, a network that gives area students the opportunity to work on
practical problems of interest to local industries.
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In addition to these, applied physics research opportunities are available through
the condensed matter physics
group , and in medical and biophysics.
Alphabetical List of Faculty Engaged in Applied Physics Research
| Carl Hansen | Assistant Professor,
Biophysics and Biotechnology |
Group URL: (http://www.chibi.ubc.ca/faculty/hansen/people)
Research Field: Microsystems Technology for Biological Applications
Topics include: Structural Biology, Single-Cell Analysis, Molecular Diagnostics
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| David J. Jones | Associate Professor,
Atomic, Optical and Molecular Physics |
Group URL: (http://www.physics.ubc.ca/~djjones/)
Research Field: Precision Spectroscopy; Ultrafast Optics
Topics include: Development and application of phase-stable ultrafast lasers and related technology
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| Andre Marziali | Professor,
Biophysics - Genomics Technologies |
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| Thomas Mattison | Associate Professor,
Subatomic Physics |
Research Field: Experimental Particle Physics
Topics include: CP violation, B decays, Accelerator Physics, Next Linear Collider
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| Lorne Whitehead | Professor,
Applied Physics |
Group URL: (http://www.physics.ubc.ca/ssp/)
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