The CPT is structured into 8 research teams organized into 3 groups.
Modern physics describes phenomena from the subnuclear scale to the cosmological scale in terms of three fundamental interactions (gravitational, electroweak, and strong) formulated within the frameworks of relativity, quantum mechanics, and field theory. The group’s research is organized into several teams: the mathematical study of physical theories (geometry and symmetries), particle physics and its confrontation with experiments, and observational cosmology. A major open challenge remains the absence of a quantum theory of gravity, a central focus of the dedicated team, which explores topics such as the physics of the Big Bang and black holes.
Particle Physics
In connection with particle physics experiments and the search for dark matter, we test the limits of the Standard Model and explore models of new fundamental physics that could explain some of its shortcomings.
Geometry, Physics and Symmetries
Our activities concern the mathematical description of physical laws, in particular the fundamental interactions. They lead to the emergence of new mathematical structures or may have immediate physical applications.
Cosmology
By studying the structure of space-time at the cosmological scale, we seek to understand puzzling phenomena such as the acceleration of the expansion of the universe (dark energy) or anomalies in the motion and distribution of matter in the universe (dark matter).
Quantum Gravity
Our team studies the quantum properties of gravity, that is, the quantum aspects of time and space. It is a leader in the loop approach, applied to cosmology and black holes, in the search for experimental confirmations.
The statistical mechanics and condensed matter group develops two main research themes: the statistical physics of complex systems and nanophysics. The first focuses in particular on phase transitions, open quantum systems out of equilibrium, and complex systems, using mathematical approaches, numerical simulations, and data analysis. The second concentrates on quantum transport in mesoscopic systems and nano-objects, especially in superconducting devices, the quantum Hall effect, and thermoelectric phenomena.
Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
The team’s activities cover a broad spectrum in statistical physics, ranging from rigorous studies of phase transitions and open quantum systems to complex networks and their interdisciplinary applications.
Nanophysics
The nanophysics team theoretically studies quantum electronic transport (electrical or thermal current and its fluctuations) in nano- and mesoscopic systems: quantum dots, semiconductor nanowires, and superconductors.
No summary for the moment…
Dynamical Systems: Theories and Applications
The dynamical systems team works on the theory of nonlinear dynamics, as well as on transport and ergodic properties, with four specific applications: fusion plasma physics, biophysics, atomic and molecular physics, and complex networks.
Quantum Dynamics and Spectral Analysis
The research activity of the QDSA team aims to develop mathematical methods for the analysis of physical phenomena such as transport properties in nanostructures, identification in inverse problems, or the regularity of solutions in kinetic theory.
