More SUPA research:

 


UWS logoPhysics research at UWS

The Institute of Physical Research at Paisley (now the University of the West of Scotland, UWS).

Nuclear physics at its frontiers

Neutron rich and neutron deficient nuclei that are formed in stellar systems exhibit numerous extraordinary nuclear phenomena: neutron haloes, neutron skins, new sets of magic numbers, proton radioactivity, etc. New techniques for the production of exotic nuclei in the laboratory have opened up the opportunity to undertake microscopic studies of the properties of neutron-rich nuclei, in particular, which have historically been very difficult to study.


Nuclear Physics Research at the UWS is focused on three main areas:

  • The measurement of yrast and near-yrast excited states of neutron-rich nuclei.
  • The study of single-particle shell structure of exotic nuclei.
  • The study of nuclear reactions using high-intensity laser-plasma-accelerated ion beams.

The group was among the first to utilise Deep Inelastic Reactions to study exotic neutron-rich nuclei in regions inaccessible to traditional reactions, and it is among the first to study nucleon transfer reactions in inverse kinematics with radioactive beams.
Experimental Nuclear Physics website.

Simulation of the TIARA + EXOGAM detector systems

Microscale Sensors

Research into improved sensors is recognised as crucial in many systems. Microscale Sensors applies techniques and knowledge from electronics and materials science as well as physics to explore the development of new devices. Most of the work of the group is presently focused on ultrasonic devices, including actuators, to generate the ultrasound to be sensed, and we also work in optics and magnetics. Our activities include fundamental mathematical analyses as well as extensive computer modelling and optimisation and experimental validation.
Microscale Sensors website.

 

Research in the Thin Film Centre at the University of the West of Scotland:

Barrier layers for Flexible Displays

The next generation of displays based on Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) materials will be on flexible substrates. Oxygen and water vapour pass rather freely through most suitable flexible materials. This work, in collaboration with Dupont-Teijin Films, aims to produce coated polyester with barrier properties approaching those of glass.

 

Flexible Active Matrix Backplane Substrates

This project, in collaboration with Dupont-Teijin Films and Plastic Logic, aims to develop polymer-based electronics on polymeric substrates for the next generation of flexible "paper-like" displays.

 

 

In-situ Broadband Optical Monitor

An in-situ broadband optical monitoring system will enable the real-time characterisation of sputtered thin films. This will be developed for precise control of layer thickness in multilayer deposition thus enabling the manufacture of complex optical filters

 

Bio/Haemo Compatible and Hard Coatings

This group is investigating a range of bio and haemo-compatible coatings and is also looking at the properties of ultra-hard coatings

 

 

 

 

Novel advanced optical glasses

Laser glasses for tuneable 1 to 3 µm infrared radiation have been developed. These allow access to more optical fibre internet channels, and study of biological and atmosphere phenomena. Advanced quantitative control of colour in glasses will enhance production yields. Special ultrahard glasses provide robust durable window materials.