Depart of Physics by the Numbers
- THE World University Rankings (Physical Science)
- 95th
- (3rd in Japan)
- Number of Master's Students per Faculty Member (per academic year)
- 0.72students
- Number of Doctoral Students per Faculty Member (per academic year)
- 0.36students
- Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) Advancement Rate
- 37%
News
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Susumu Ito will receive the 16th (FY2025) JSPS Ikushi Prize
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Physics departments, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University Education advancement program faculty (professor or associate professor)
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Assistant Professor Yuta Ishii won the Young Scientist Award of Society of Muon and Meson Science of Japan
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Assistant Professor Yuta Ishii won the 27th Young Scientist Award of Japanese Society of Synchrotron Radiation Research
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Creation of high-quality bulk crystals by controlling solid-liquid interface dynamics
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Explore new functionality of magnets utilizing topology and symmetry
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Quantum cosmology explored by experimental research on quantum many-body systems
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Creating the future by advanced photonics of quantum materials
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Optical exploration of novel functionality in quantum condensed matter
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A road from the material to the life
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Study of the strongly correlated materials using synchrotron radiation
Information
Department of Physics, together with Department of Geophysics, recruits new students as part of the Physics Group in the Faculty of Science. For details about the entrance examination, please refer to the Faculty of Science Website.
Explore Leading Research by Keywords
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#Quantum theory
Quantum theory
Quantum theory is the foundation of modern physics. It lies at the core of diverse cutting-edge fields such as quantum field theory and quantum computing, and forms the backbone of quantum science and technology.
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#Dark Matter
Dark Matter
An unknown form of matter that makes up about 25% of the universe’s current energy content. It played a crucial role in forming cosmic structures such as galaxies and galaxy clusters.
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#The standard model of particle physics
The standard model of particle physics
A theory that provides a unified description of nature in terms of quarks and leptons, gauge bosons, and the Higgs field. A foundational framework that, in principle, explains the great majority of natural phenomena, while still leaving windows onto the unknown.
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#String theory (Superstring theory)
String theory (Superstring theory)
A theory that treats particles not as points but as tiny “strings.” A leading candidate for quantum gravity unifying quantum mechanics and general relativity. It is expected to be an ultimate theory unifying all forces and matter.
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#Cosmology
Cosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that explains the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe on the basis of physical laws. It tackles fundamental cosmic mysteries—such as inflation, dark matter, dark energy, gravitational waves, and the origin of matter.
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#Lattice QCD
Lattice QCD
QCD has a special property that interactions become stronger as energy decreases. This property renders the perturbative approach, which is commonly used to treat the interactions, invalid. A numerical method called "lattice QCD" was developed to calculate QCD non-perturbatively.
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#few-body problem
few-body problem
In Physics, we study nuclei within the framework of three-, four-body model etc and discuss its structure.
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#Collider Physics
Collider Physics
High-energy particle accelerators, known as colliders, enable the exploration of the fundamental structure of matter and the laws of nature. By discovering new particles beyond the Standard Model and studying the quantum dynamics that emerge from particle interactions, we can deepen our understanding of the origins of the universe and matter.
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#Beyond the Standard Model
Beyond the Standard Model
Research exploring new theories such as supersymmetry and extra dimensions is advancing to unravel the mysteries of dark matter and gravity that cannot be explained by the Standard Model, representing the cutting edge of physics.
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#Neutrino
Neutrino
Neutrinos are electrically neutral and extremely lightweight elementary particles, with trillions passing through our bodies every second. Though difficult to observe due to their reluctance to interact, they provide clues to understanding the workings of stars, the history of the universe, and the origin of matter through phenomena in the Sun and throughout space.
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#Quark
Quark
Quarks are fundamental particles that make up matter; protons and neutrons are composed of three quarks. Our bodies and the matter around us are primarily made up of up quarks and down quarks, but particles containing strange quarks are thought to exist at the core of neutron stars.
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#Hadron
Hadron
Hadrons are a general term for particles formed by quarks clustering together. They form atomic nuclei like protons and neutrons, shaping our bodies and matter. Hadrons include “baryons,” composed of three quarks, and “mesons,” composed of a quark and an antiquark. Studying their structure and interactions deepens our understanding of quantum chromodynamics.
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#Nucleus
Nucleus
The atomic nucleus consists of protons and neutrons. Though it accounts for less than one ten-thousandth of the atom's total size, it contains nearly all of its mass. Protons repel each other, but they are held together and stabilized by the strong force. Research on atomic nuclei provides clues to understanding the origin of the universe.
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#Unstable nucleus
Unstable nucleus
Unstable atomic nuclei, with an imbalance between protons and neutrons, emit radiation to transform into other nuclei and achieve stability. Produced in nature and accelerators, they are used in radiation therapy and dating, while also providing clues to understanding the composition of matter and the structure of the universe.
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#Nuclear Astrophysics
Nuclear Astrophysics
Nuclear astrophysics is the field that studies how atomic nuclei are born and evolve in the universe. Elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron are created through stellar fusion and supernova explosions. Investigating these reactions through accelerator experiments and theoretical research provides clues to the mysteries of element formation, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the origin of the building blocks of life.
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#Accelerator
Accelerator
Accelerators are devices that accelerate particles using electromagnetic forces. By accelerating them to speeds close to the speed of light, we can study the properties of atomic nuclei and elementary particles. They aid research into the origin of the universe and the smallest units of matter, and are also applied in medicine and engineering for cancer treatment and new material development. The technology to manipulate tiny particles underpins both science and society.
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#Strongly correlated electron systems
Strongly correlated electron systems
Materials in which strong electron-electron interactions hinder the free motion of electrons, thereby invalidating conventional band theory and giving rise to phenomena such as Mott insulating behavior and high-Tc superconductivity.
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#Topological quantum phenomena
Topological quantum phenomena
Topological quantum phenomena are characterized by quantum states of matter exhibiting unique behaviors originating from a mathematical property known as topology. This is an important field of research that was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016. Such phenomena underlie the quantization of Hall resistance (quantum Hall effect) and give rise to currents (and/or spin currents) that flow along the edges of materials.
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#Spintronics
Spintronics
Spintronics is a technology that utilizes not only the charge of electrons but also their spin for information transmission and storage, and it is expected to enable energy-efficient and high-speed next-generation devices. It is one of the four fields in which Tohoku University has particular strengths.
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#Magnetism
Magnetism
Magnetism was discovered thousands of years ago and has supported human development, but quantum mechanics has greatly advanced our understanding of it. Its main origin lies in the electron's spin, influencing fields ranging from everyday magnets to quantum information technology. Triggered by the invention of powerful permanent magnets, Tohoku University has taken the lead in magnetism research.
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#Superconductivity
Superconductivity
Superconductivity is a quantum phenomenon in which electrical resistance suddenly drops to zero at a certain critical temperature. Once the superconducting state is realized, interest lies not only in the physical mechanisms at work and the resulting electronic states that emerge, but also in the quantum phenomena that occur beyond the mere disappearance of electrical resistance.
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#Exploratory synthesis
Exploratory synthesis
New physics emerges from new materials. The discovery of new superconductors or new topological magnetic materials through solid-state chemical approaches is by no means a mere dream; rather, it can indeed lead to the creation of new concepts broadly applicable to condensed matter physics.
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#Nonlinear response
Nonlinear response
Nonlinear response refers to a phenomenon in which the behavior of a material under the influence of light or electric fields deviates from a linear, proportional relationship with the applied input, often leading to unexpected or emergent effects. For example, intense light irradiation can induce the generation of new optical frequencies, or give rise to large electric currents. These effects originate from complex electronic dynamics and play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, including lasers, optical communication, and photovoltaic devices.
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#temporal/spatial fluctuation
temporal/spatial fluctuation
Even in thermal equilibrium, microscopic fluctuations constantly occur across time and space. These fluctuations are even more vital out of equilibrium and are key to understanding real materials.
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#Quantum Information Science
Quantum Information Science
The discipline explores new information processing architectures utilizing quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement. This is expected to enable computing that is hard to solve by conventional super computers, as well as advanced telecommunication secured by the laws of quantum mechanics.
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#Biophysics
Biophysics
Biophysics is a research field that seeks to unravel the mystery of how life emerged from matter, based on nonequilibrium physics and soft-matter physics. Working in close collaboration with related disciplines such as mathematical informatics, synthetic biology, and astrobiology, it explores the fundamental question: What is life?
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#Laser Physics
Laser Physics
A laser is a source of a high-directional, high-power electromagnetic wave (e.g., light). Physics experiments utilize various types of laser sources in probing and controlling matter systems, as well as in studies of quantum properties of light. Development of novel laser sources is also an important research area.
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#Ultrafast phenomena
Ultrafast phenomena
Some physical phenomena, such as the dynamics of atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, and phase transitions of materials, occur on an extremely short timescale, from picoseconds (10−12 s) to attoseconds (10−18 s). Ultrashort optical pulses, with shorter irradiation time from lasers and synchrotron radiation sources, enable the direct observation of such ultrafast phenomena. The research leads to the development of new materials and ultrafast electronic devices.
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#Crystallograpy
Crystallograpy
Crystallography is a field of science that investigates not only crystals but also disordered atomic and molecular many-body systems such as glasses and liquids. It employs observation techniques using X-ray, electron, and neutron beams, together with systematic analysis methods based on symmetry and group theory, to elucidate the “order and disorder” hidden in matter.
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#Quantum beams
Quantum beams
Quantum beams are tools used to probe the properties of atoms, electrons, and their interactions. Typical examples include electron beams, X-rays, synchrotron radiation, neutron beams, and muon beams, all of which exhibit the dual nature of waves and particles. From their wave aspect, interference reveals relative positions and momenta, while from their particle aspect, energy exchange uncovers internal degrees of freedom. Combining both aspects makes it possible to capture collective excitations such as spin waves and phonons.励起を捉えることができます。
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#Phase transition and Phase transformation
Phase transition and Phase transformation
A phase transition refers to a phenomenon in which the order and symmetry of matter change dramatically under variations of intensive variables (e.g., temperature, pressure, magnetic or electric fields), including not only superconductivity and magnetism but also yet-unresolved “hidden orders.” A phase transformation mainly denotes structural changes in solids, with attention to their progression, kinetics, and thus the dynamics of phase transitions. Both represent striking phase changes that remain central themes in condensed matter physics.
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#Crystal growth
Crystal growth
Defects, dislocations, and other crystal inhomogeneities are unavoidably incorporated during crystal growth, as they lower the system’s free energy through entropic effects. Since the “crystallinity” strongly determines the functionality of materials such as semiconductors, elucidating the physics of crystal growth, which proceeds between equilibrium and nonequilibrium, is a crucial challenge directly linked to the creation of new materials.
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#Extreme environment physics
Extreme environment physics
Extreme environments refer to strong intensive-variable fields, such as ultra-high pressure, ultra-low temperature, or intense magnetic and electric fields. Under such conditions, new orders and phase transitions emerge, revealing latent properties of matter. Creating extreme environments is itself a frontier and a challenge to uncover unknown physical phenomena.
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#Low-dimensional quantum systems
Low-dimensional quantum systems
While our world is three-dimensional, in condensed matter physics it is possible to create zero-, one-, and two-dimensional systems by carefully engineering materials. This allows researchers to study physical phenomena arising from particles and exotic quantum states that do not appear in nature, which is one of the major attractions of the field.
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#Quasiparticles
Quasiparticles
A quasiparticle is an excitation that behaves like a particle, arising from the collective motion of electrons in a material. A typical example is a hole in semiconductors. When a material exhibits a special quantum state, quasiparticles can emerge that do not exist as fundamental particles in nature, such as anyons, or whose status as fundamental particles is still debated, such as Majorana particles.
Campus Life
Typical Day in the Department of Physics
Commute to Campus – Lectures from the Second Period
Most physics classes start from the second period (10:30 a.m.), so students can take their time in the morning and head to campus in a relaxed manner. Many graduate students live near the university, spending their mornings at their own pace—studying in a café, discussing research with friends, or preparing for the day’s lectures before classes begin.
Lunch with Friends at the Cafeteria
At lunchtime, students often enjoy a meal with friends at the university cafeteria or one of the on-campus dining halls. A variety of affordable daily specials and set meals are available, allowing students to choose according to their mood. Lunchtime is also a valuable opportunity to relax, chat about research, and enjoy casual conversation with peers.
Afternoon: Sample Preparation and Low-Temperature Experiments
In the afternoon, students return to their laboratories to work on sample synthesis or conduct low-temperature experiments. These tasks are often carried out in collaboration with senior students or labmates, and the process of solving problems together is part of the enjoyment. As data steadily accumulates, students can feel their research progressing step by step.
Discussing Experimental Results with the Professor
In discussions with the professor, students share ideas based on their experimental results. Sometimes the data leads to unexpected findings, which often become the starting point for new discoveries. These discussions are one of the most exciting moments that let students truly experience the joy of research.
Casual Chats and Break Time with Fellow Students
Between experiments and classes, students often take short breaks to relax and chat with their peers—sometimes over a cup of coffee. These informal conversations can lead to unexpected research ideas, and spending time with labmates offers a valuable chance to refresh both mind and body.
Presentation Practice for Academic Conferences
Students preparing for academic conferences often rehearse their presentations in the lab with their professors and labmates. They receive feedback on how to explain their research clearly and how to improve the structure of their slides. By practicing thoroughly before the actual conference, they gain the confidence to present their research findings effectively.
Searching for Books in the Library
The library is an essential place that supports students in their research activities. It’s not only a space for finding specialized books and academic papers, but also a quiet environment where students can focus on their work. Sometimes, the right resource leads to more than just information—it can spark new ideas and inspiration.
Heading Home
After finishing the day’s experiments and classes, students head home. Since many of them live near the university, they can return quickly from the lab. Once back, they spend their time as they like—preparing for the next day, relaxing, or enjoying dinner with friends in the city of Sendai.
Studying at Tohoku University in Sendai
Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region in Japan, offers an ideal environment where students can enjoy both academic life and everyday living. Near the station, you’ll find shopping malls, cafés, and plenty of places to casually meet up with friends. Just a short walk away, tree-lined streets filled with greenery offer a peaceful contrast, creating perfect spots to refresh your mind between studies.
Thanks to the city’s convenient public transportation, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the downtown area from Aobayama Campus. After classes, students can easily head into the city to enjoy a meal with friends.
Where students live varies depending on their preferences. Many choose quiet and affordable neighborhoods just a few subway stops from campus, while others who enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere may live closer to Sendai Station. Even so, rent here is generally much cheaper than in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Sendai offers a rare balance: a calm environment ideal for focused research, and a comfortable city life. Studying here gives students the chance not only to deepen their academic knowledge, but also to grow through new friendships and life experiences.
Support
At Tohoku University, we offer various support services so that international students can feel comfortable and confident when starting their studies.
You can find more information on the Graduate School of Science’s page and Tohoku University’s website.
Financial Support
| Master’s Program: A Curriculum Focused on Research Development | Doctoral Program: Advanced and Specialized Research | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year（M1） | 2nd year（M2） | 1st year（D1） | 2nd year（D2） | 3rd year（D3） |
| Financial support | ||||
International Joint Graduate Program |
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Academia-Industry Collaborating Graduate Programs |
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Message
D2Kamil MUDRUNKA
- Why did you decide to enroll in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University?
- My previous academic background was heavily theoretic with focus on knowledge and deep understanding instead of practical applications and skills. While I found it very suitable for my undergraduate studies, I did not find it suitable for a PhD. I wanted to do my doctoral degree at a university whose system focuses more on the practical side of things and where I can obtain the research skills necessary for my future career. I was considering multiple options around the world, but I finally decided for Tohoku University where I already spent one semester as an exchange student and liked the experience a lot. Besides the quality of research a key factor was the overall safety and rich cultural life that Japan offers.
- What have you actually felt or experienced after enrolling?
- Compared to my previous academic experiences Tohoku University became a fresh start that feels like a true prestigious research institute with a clear goal in mind. When it comes to physics and the atmosphere among the students, I was very surprised how often new academic papers and recent research results are being discussed by not only the doctoral students, but also the master and undergraduate students. I have experienced life at Tohoku University before as an exchange student and all of what I experienced at that time still holds now. Having to adapt to a completely different environment, culture and system than I am used to can be often very challenging. But thanks to the perfect support I am receiving and welcoming attitude of everyone my life here is better than I could ever imagine.
- What are you currently studying/researching?
- Right now I am continuing my research on the topic of cosmological inflation. I was introduced to this topic during my student exchange term and got really interested in it. I specialize in studying gravitational waves that were produced during the period of cosmological inflation in the early Universe. I find the topic interesting because it effectively couples my desire to understand why the Universe and everything in it came to be with the field of gravitational wave astronomy and interesting mathematics as well. After the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, exactly 100 years after Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity which predicts their existence, gravitational wave astronomy became one of the hot topics of physics and my research contributes to its further development and pushing its boundaries.
- Do you have any activities outside academics (e.g., student clubs, part-time jobs, hobbies)?
- In my free time I am very actively travelling around the country, trying to engage with its culture and traditions and learning the Japanese language. I try to use any chance to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new, discovering myself and new friends on the way. I eagerly participate in various cultural and language exchange events both at the university and outside of the university. Depending on my schedule, next semester I am thinking of joining a club or a circle, most likely one focused on outdoor activities.
- How do you feel the learning in this department will connect to your future?
- With the onset of the internet and globalization, the academic world has become so interconnected that I cannot imagine starting an academic career without experiencing studying at a foreign university. If I successfully graduate I will be equipped with a lot of precious knowledge and skills not only about my research field and topic itself, but also about the working principles of society, academia, international and intercultural communication and understanding among others. Besides this living in a foreign country whose culture and society is completely different from mine is an incredibly valuable experience for my personal growth as well.
- Please write a message to students who are aiming for this department at Tohoku University.
- Tohoku University is a great place with very nice and friendly atmosphere, excellent research facilities and amazing student life and support. Studying here is not only an unforgettable experience, but also a great investment for your future. I feel that joining the department of physics here was an important decision that really opened my path towards answering my questions about the Universe and starting my future career, and so will be for yours.
D1Jing QIN (覃 靖)
- Why did you decide to enroll in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University?
- I decided to join the Department of Physics at Tohoku University because of its strong reputation in both physics, as well as its long tradition of high-quality research.
- What have you actually felt or experienced after enrolling?
- Our cmpt group has not only the excellent research environment but also very kind group members. They help me a lot in the sense of both researching and living.
- What are you currently studying/researching?
- I am researching non equilibrium physics, especially stochastic thermal dynamics.
- Do you have any activities outside academics (e.g., student clubs, part-time jobs, hobbies)?
- I like travelling and drawing.
- How do you feel the learning in this department will connect to your future?
- The education and research training I am receiving in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University are directly shaping both my immediate research capabilities and my long-term career trajectory. The life in Sendai is unforgettable.
- Please write a message to students who are aiming for this department at Tohoku University.
- I hope every candidates can get the results they want. After enrolling, you will find it worth your toil.
M2Phillip Richard NIMPHIUS
- Why did you decide to enroll in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University?
- I knew I wanted to do research on Nonlinear-Dynamics in Japan. I did a lot of research and found out that there are a few universities in Japan involved in this research. I chose Tohoku University because of its good reputation and international orientation.
- What have you actually felt or experienced after enrolling?
- Before enrolling in Tohoku University I was very nervous. I have never lived in a different city, let alone a different country before. However, I received a lot of support and was able to adjust quickly and get to know the culture of Tohoku Unuversity.
- What are you currently studying/researching?
- I am researching nonlinear dynamics at the moment. It is a very interesting field with a lot of connections to other disciplines. I feel like I am learning something important and fundamental.
- Do you have any activities outside academics (e.g., student clubs, part-time jobs, hobbies)?
- I spent most of my time hanging out with my friends or travelling.
- How do you feel the learning in this department will connect to your future?
- I want to pursue a PhD in physics so receiving my Master's degree is very important. I also learned a lot about Japan and intercultural communication in general.
- Please write a message to students who are aiming for this department at Tohoku University.
- I feel very supported by the university. They helped me with housing and bureaucracy. My professor and my lab mates are also very nice and supportive. I was very lucky and while not everyone will be as lucky as I am, I think it is worth to give it a try.