Why Physics at Sussex?
- 1st amongst UK Physics Departments in the 2011 National Student Survey
- 4th in the UK in the most recent QS World Rankings
- 37th in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2010)
- 95% of our research activity is rated as 'internationally recognised' or higher, within which 15% is ranked as 'world leading' according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008)
We provide stimulating teaching and pioneering research in an academic setting that is uniquely interdisciplinary. We have a high staff-student ratio, our teaching is exceptionally student-driven and there are many opportunities for students to get involved in our world-leading research. One of our students was named UK Science Student of the Year 2009 and her lecturer was named Lecturer of the Year.
Professor Wolfgang Lange, in memoriam
Professor Wolfgang Lange, 49, died unexpectedly on Tuesday 3rd April 2012. Wolfgang was a Professor of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (Physics and Astronomy) at the University of Sussex since 2003 and worked in the field of Single Ion Cavity QED.
He established the Ion Trap Cavity-QED Group at the University of Sussex with the aim to investigate and exploit the interaction between light and matter at the most fundamental level: a single light particle (Photon) and a single trapped atomic ion. By employing microscopic cavities formed of optical fibres he developed a unique source of quantum light. This technology was set to take us into the age of the quantum internet. It is tragic that Wolfgang will not see further results of his hard work come to fruition.
Wolfgang had worked in the field of quantum optics since 1988, specializing in atom-cavity interactions for his thesis work at the Ludwig-Maximillian University in Munich. His subsequent work was at Caltech, where he worked on one of the world's first quantum logic gates, and in Munich where he developed the world's first nanoscopic probe with a single trapped ion before taking the Chair at Sussex.
Wolfgang was exceptionally skilled and an internationally recognised physicist. He was a kind, humorous and thoughtful man and was liked by all of his students, colleagues, and friends. He will be very much missed by all who knew and worked with him. Wolfgang is survived by his mother and sister.
Student Heinrich Wilsenach talks about his MPhys in Physics
