Research

Why University Research?

Universities in the United States engage in advanced research that is the basis for our technological society. This research probes fundamental questions about the nature of the universe, pushing the envelope of human understanding. It also develops immature technologies that business is not yet willing to invest in, anticipating future needs and advances. This research is partially funded by the US federal government, the New Mexico state government, and by collaborations with industry.

The New Mexico Tech Physics Department pursues several avenues of research. The two major areas of research are Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics, in addition to work in Shock Physics. Below is a brief introduction to the research done by Tech Physics faculty, with links to more detailed information.

Astrophysics is the study of the universe outside our solar system. Unlike astronomers, astrophysicists are not just interested in imaging stars and galaxies, or mapping the heavens, per se. Rather, astrophysicists use the data gathered by astronomers to try to understand the dynamics of galaxies, star formation and evolution of the universe. Research at New Mexico Tech includes work on understanding the evolution of stars, the formation of pulsars, and the role of magnetic fields in the formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.

Atmospheric Physics, as the name implies, is the study of Earth's atmosphere and atmospheric phenomena. The atmosphere is an extremely complex system: a turbulent fluid responsible for our weather, sustaining life and, at the upper boundary, for protecting us from ultraviolet radiation and the formation of aurora (northern lights). Topics in atmospheric physics investigated at Tech include cloud physics, the formation of lightning and thunderstorms, chemical processes and radioactivity, and the formation of the aurora.

Shock Physics studies high speed fluid flows faster than the speed of sound. Shock waves are a well known phenomena associated with supersonic jets and explosions. Tech physicists make use of the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) to study shock associated with detonations.

Students and Research

An important mission of university research programs is the training of students in research techniques as part of their educational experience. Many will use the tools and techniques learned in the lab throughout their careers. The Tech Physics Department has students involved in research at all levels, from undergraduate laboratory assistants, to graduate Ph.D. research. Moreover, students make essential contributions to most research done at Tech. For more information about student involvement in research at Tech, see the section on Student Research.