• Physics of Novel Materials

    Research is conducted by several Applied Physics faculty, in collaboration with faculty from other SEAS and Yale departments.

  • Optical Physics & Devices

    A planar realization of a random laser that is pumped with incoherent light from the top and emits coherent light in random directions.

  • Quantum Information & Devices

    Systems that employ quantum effects to process information or detect electromagnetic radiation at the ultimate physical limits.

Welcome

Welcome to Applied Physics at Yale

The Department of Applied Physics prepares students for academic and industrial careers at the forefront of science and technology. Teaching and research are focused on fundamental issues in condensed matter and optical physics and on the practical application of these concepts and techniques to technology. This balance between fundamental science and application makes our program highly interdisciplinary, having strong collaborations with Physics and Chemistry, as well as Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, and Biomedical Engineering.

Explore the exciting opportunities in the Department of Applied Physics from this short video.

Recent News

Yale Engineering faculty pave new paths in quantum exploration
  • Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize our lives. Meet a few of the Yale Engineering faculty members working in disciplines both theoretical and practical to pave the way toward this transformative technology, and ensure we’re ready when it arrives.

    Read full article at Yale SEAS News.

Congratulations to the 2024 AP Class Prize Winners!
  • Congratulations to the Yale Engineering Class of 2024!

    Members of the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science community celebrated the awarding of 322 undergraduate Engineering degrees Monday.

    Degrees in Applied Physics were conferred upon four members of the Class of 2024; in Biomedical Engineering, 34 degrees; in Chemical Engineering, 14 degrees; in Computer Science, 206 degrees; in Electrical Engineering, 16 degrees; in Environmental Engineering, 10 degrees; and in Mechanical Engineering, 38 degrees.

Office Hours with… Logan Wright
  • In a Q&A, Yale’s Logan Wright describes his research into physical computation, how it relates to his guitar playing, and why New Haven is a great walking city.

    Read full article at YaleNews.

Key to harnessing light waves? First do the math
  • Scholars at Yale’s Energy Sciences Institute have for the first time developed a mathematical model that effectively predicts a maximum rate of thermal energy transfer. Published in Nature Communications, the new theory sidesteps the requirement for endless checking of every possible permutation, instead revealing upper limits to what is possible.

    Read full article here.

Congratulations to Lang Zhang!
  • Lang Zhang successfully defended her PhD dissertation, titled “Maximal Heat and Light Extraction from the Optical Near Field” on April 10, 2024.

    Thesis Advisor: Owen Miller

Subscribe to <none>

Yale Applied Physics Graduate Studies Program

If you are interested in one of the following research areas, the Yale Applied Physics Department is the place for you:

Graduate student support and requirements include:

  • Full fellowship support for first year
  • Two semesters of special investigations research during first year
  • Two semesters as teaching fellow after first year
  • Dissertation Area Exam in lieu of Qualifying Exam

Click here to apply.

For more information, click on the image.
Applied Physics Studies Program Brochure

 

Yale Applied Physics Undergraduate Major

The Yale Applied Physics major is an intensive physics major offering a unique combination of depth and flexibility: 

  • The student chooses an area of science in which they have a special interest. 
  • A faculty advisor is selected from Applied Physics, Physics, Engineering, the Medical School, or other departments who will supervise the research. 
  • Three elective courses are chosen that are related to the research. 
  • The student thus graduates with a solid background in their area of interest, well prepared for graduate school, industry, etc.

Click here for more information.  

Click on the image below for the Applied Physics Undergraduate program brochure.
Applied Physics Undergraduate Program Brochure