Theoretical Physics
The theoretical physics environment in the Department of Physics was known as the Institute of Theoretical Physics (and before that as the Institute of Theoretical Nuclear Physics) and was founded in 1984 with the support of the Nuclear Development Corporation of South Africa.
The fundamental objectives of the group are to undertake research projects in theoretical physics, to assist in the education of graduate students and to provide a centre for the development and co-ordination of activities in theoretical physics in the Physics Department and elsewhere.
Our research activities cover a wide spectrum and include the study of
- solitons in (quantum) field theory
- cosmology and gravitation
- Non-commutative geometry
- statistical physics of polymers and biopolymer systems
- quantum systems and nonequilibrium dynamics.
Research focus areas
Solitions in field theory
Configurations with localized energy-densities (solitons) emerge in almost any non-linear field theory. Solitons have particle properties. So we use solitons, for example, to study baryon properties that (so far) evade direct computation from QCD. Also, solitons can induce sizable corrections to energies on the quantum level. We compute these corrections in field theories like the standard model. In particular we ask whether these energy corrections can stabilize solitons that would be unstable classically.
Prof Herbert Weigel
Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Physics in Biological Systems
We specialise in understanding polymer and filament networks, active systems and physics of structures at cellular and sub-cellular length-scales. A variety of analytical and computational tools are used, and close relationships exist with other experimental groups.
Prof Kristian Müller-Nedebock
Cosmology and Gravitation
We focus on theoretical aspects of gravitational physics which span the range from Newtonian gravity to Einstein’s theory of general relativity and modifications thereof. Gravity may be the weakest of the four fundamental forces, but it is the only interaction that is both long-range and universal. Consequently it is the dominant force on the largest length and mass scales and indispensable to any successful understanding of astrophysical phenomena. Our research is concentrated on black holes, dark matter, relativistic hydrodynamics, gravitational waves, and cosmology.
Dr Anslyn John
Condensed Matter Physics
We focus on theoretical aspects of gravitational physics which span the range from Newtonian gravity to Einstein’s theory of general relativity and modifications thereof. Gravity may be the weakest of the four fundamental forces, but it is the only interaction that is both long-range and universal. Consequently it is the dominant force on the largest length and mass scales and indispensable to any successful understanding of astrophysical phenomena. Our research is concentrated on black holes, dark matter, relativistic hydrodynamics, gravitational waves, and cosmology.
Dr Hannes Kriel
Research group
Current academic staff members
Emeritus members
Associates
Student members
- Dean Brand
- Keegan Davids
- Cornel de Villiers
- Nadine du Toit
- Nicholas Folscher
- Abbas Hassafar
- Langa Horoto
- Riyaadh Jamodien
- Matthys Lourens
- Chanelle Manfouo
- Shane McFarthing
- Graham Mitchell
- Nicholas Moschides
- Ian Pittaway
- Damian Petersen
- Damian Robson
- Amy Rouillard
- Donovan Slabbert
- Jaymie van der Merwe
- Luan van Loggenberg
- Gerhard Woithe