Faculty of Physics
Prof. Ehud Behar
Research field: Experimental and Observational High Energy Astrophysics. Our group both develops instruments for
space and uses space observatories. We research cosmic sources of X-rays and gamma-rays. Through observations of these sources we study the violent universe, for example, the environment around black holes, and stellar
explosions.
Research project:
Student projects will include laboratory measurements with our own developed gamma-ray burst detector, or data analysis of space telescopes such as XRISM, XMM-Newton, and Chandra.
Directional measurements of gamma-ray bursts
Ultra-fast Black Hole Winds
Supernova archeology of rare elements
Background requirements: Students who completed at least 2 years majoring in physics, or electrical engineering. Other students with exceptional skills in electronics or programming thereof will also be considered.
https://phys.technion.ac.il/en/people/faculty/person/58
Prof. Eric Akkermans
Research field: Condensed matter sits at the crossroad between several fields of physics, such as quantum physics, equilibrium and out of equilibrium physics, quantum field theory, cold atomic gases and mesoscopic physics, among others. In our group, we enjoy standing at those crossroads and to use these overlaps as efficiently
as possible.
Research Project: Theoretical and numerical study of topological features of quantum materials.
Background requirements: Only 3rd year (or above) undergraduate students need to apply. All basic course in quantum physics are requested.
https://phsites.technion.ac.il/eric/
Dr. Ram Adar
Research field: The central focus of our group’s research is understanding living systems through the theoretical frameworks of soft matter, active matter, and statistical mechanics. Specifically, we are interested in the feedback mechanisms between active matter and its environment. For instance, cells are known to irreversibly modify their surroundings through chemical reactions, creating a memory field that influences their future migration. We investigate these dynamics both from a purely physical perspective and in a biological context, particularly with regard to metastasis.
Research project: Understanding the role of memory in multicellular migration and dynamics of active matter,
using a combination of numerical simulations, theoretical analysis, and possibly imaging data analysis.
Background requirements: at least 3rd year in physics (after first course in statistical mechanics and course in code writing). Background in hydrodynamics is preferable.
https://phsites.technion.ac.il/ramadar/
Dr. Michael Krueger
Research field: I am interested in attosecond electron dynamics in atoms, molecules, solids and nanostructures (1 attosecond = 10-18s). In order to study these dynamics, my lab is developing new microscopy approaches with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. We use attosecond light pulses for this purpose, which we generate through a process called high-harmonic generation – see the Nobel Prize in Physics 2023. Together with other colleagues at the Technion, we recently discovered that high-harmonic generation can create light with interesting quantum properties – for example, squeezing and entanglement.
Research project: High-harmonic generation in solid-state materials is an amazing tool to find out more about the attosecond electron dynamics inside these materials. You will build an experimental setup to observe high-harmonic generation in a solid crystal and perform spectroscopic measurements. In the final step, you will characterize the quantum properties of the generated light, which is still an open research question.
Requirements: Applicants should have completed the following courses: optics, quantum mechanics and solid-state physics (or condensed-matter physics), and have enthusiasm for lab work with cutting-edge lasers.
https://phsites.technion.ac.il/attonano/
Dr. Yoav Sagi
Research field:
My research focuses on many-body physics and quantum technologies with ultracold atoms, particularly with single atoms in optical tweezers. Recently, we have explored the coherent control of atom tunneling between tweezers,
developing advanced transfer protocols and exploring novel atomic interferometry schemes. Our work aims to understand collective quantum phenomena and to leverage the unique properties of ultracold atoms to achieve precise control over atomic motion, tunneling, and entanglement — all of which have critical applications in quantum technologies.
Research project:
Title: Coherent Control of Tunneling and Topological Pumping in Ultracold Atoms
Description: The intern will work on a hands-on project that introduces them to the concepts of ultracold atoms and optical tweezers. They will contribute to ongoing research on coherent control of atomic motion, specifically in the context of spatial adiabatic passage (SAP) and its extension to topological pumping in mesoscopic systems. The intern will learn about the theoretical framework, as well as the experimental techniques used to trap, cool, and manipulate single atoms. There may be an opportunity to engage with both computational modeling and experimental design.
Background requirements:
Students should have a strong passion for quantum physics and a genuine interest in experimental research. Knowledge of quantum mechanics is a must. Basic programming skills (Python/Matlab) are an advantage.
https://phsites.technion.ac.il/sagi/
Assoc. Prof. Yotam Soreq
Research field: Theoretical particle physics. The main topic of research is physics beyond the standard model. The standard model of particle physics is one of the most successful theories in physics. However, it is not a complete description on Nature as there are few observations that cannot be explained by it and strong theoretical arguments for the existence of new physics beyond it. In my group, we study related topics to physics beyond the standard model, different extensions of it (what is possible and what not) and how to hunt them in different experiments as different energy and length scales. We think about novel methods to find new particles and interaction between them (i.e. new forces).
Research project: new methods to search for physics beyond the standard model at multiple energy scales.
Background requirements: Complete all math courses for physics students, analytical mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics (or thermodynamics), electromagnetism and electrodynamics. Advantage – an introduction to particle physics for undergraduate.
https://phsites.technion.ac.il/hep
Dr. Ilya Svetlizky
Research field: We are an experimental soft matter group. Our research interests revolve around non-equilibrium, strongly non-linear systems. Specifically, we aim to resolve how irreversible deformation — plastic flow — of crystalline materials emerges from the spatiotemporal collective behavior of topological line defects in the crystalline structure called dislocations. To this end, we use colloidal crystals, which share basic properties with a broad range of atomic crystalline materials; the micron size of the colloidal particles allows us to visualize the deformation process with unprecedented detail using state-of-the-art optical microscopy.
Research project: The project will involve developing either the experimental platform, new imaging methods, or image analysis tools, depending on the candidate’s interests.
Requirements: We are looking for creative and motivated students completing their undergraduate studies in physics, materials science, or physical chemistry.
https://phsites.technion.ac.il/svetlizky
Assoc. Prof. Shlomo Razamat
Research field: My research deals with deriving new understandings and insights into the workings of Quantum Field
Theory (QFT). I am in particular interested in understanding non perturbative exact statements about QFTs in various space-time dimensions.
