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Physics

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The Department of Physics at Colorado School of Mines is dedicated to high-quality physics education for undergraduate and graduate students and advancing the world’s knowledge in the areas of condensed matter physics, optical physics, quantum physics, renewable energy physics, and subatomic physics.

Education and Research

Our faculty and students at all levels conduct more than $6 million in externally funded research every year, with many projects associated with Mines’ pioneering research centers.

Research centers with strong connections to Physics include the Mines/NREL Nexus, CyberInfrastructure and Advanced Research Computing (CIARC), the Microintegrated Optics for Advanced Bioimaging and Control Center (MOABC), and the Nuclear Science and Engineering Center (NuSEC).

Our faculty are consistently recognized for both their research and their teaching, while our graduate and undergraduate students are often the recipients of awards and grants.

Physics is also heavily involved with Mines’ interdisciplinary graduate programs in Materials ScienceNuclear Engineering, and Quantum Engineering.

Watch the following video to learn more about the varied and exciting physics research taking place at Mines.

Mines Physics logo

Recent News

Aria Ingle, a senior in Engineering Physics and a Trip Leader for Mines Outdoor Recreation Center, hosted Peter Consalvi at Mines on February 24, 2025 to commemorate his 18-month bicycle ride through Asia, Europe, and the eastern United States to support the Juniper Fund charity. The Juniper Fund supports and empowers families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers. Peter rode his bike 15,000 miles across 4 continents – from Mongolia to Spain, then Miami to Maryland. Outdoor equipment manufacturer Big Agnes supported Peter’s expedition with its 2023 Bob Swanson Memorial Grant that helped Peter raise over $6,000 for the Juniper Fund along his journey. Peter shared over two hours of incredible stories with fellow Orediggers describing his adventures that tested his resilience and spirit as he made life-long friendships and global connections along his travels. You can learn more about Peter’s trip at https://www.instagram.com/pedalingwithpete/. Peter’s next adventure is running the Old Glory Ultra Relay where 12 veterans run across the US for 15 days carrying the American flag.

Outdoor Recreation Center Bike Shop logo

Aria Ingle, Peter Consalvi, Chuck Stone
Aria Ingle, Peter Consalvi, Chuck Stone
quantum clean room
Building the future of quantum engineering at Colorado School of Mines
One of the nation’s first quantum engineering programs is preparing students for challenges of working in quantum industry
New Nature article outlines how research led at Mines achieved breakthrough in our understanding of neutrinos
New Nature article outlines how research led at Mines achieved breakthrough in our understanding of neutrinos
The team used “tabletop-scale” precision measurements of radioactive decay to uncover insights about fundamental particles
Device that replicates ‘coldest place in universe’ at home on Colorado School of Mines campus
Device that replicates ‘coldest place in universe’ at home on Colorado School of Mines campus.
Dilution fridge designed to house quantum computer is 270 times colder than deep space
quantum clean room
Building the future of quantum engineering at Colorado School of Mines
One of the nation’s first quantum engineering programs is preparing students for challenges of working in quantum industry
New Nature article outlines how research led at Mines achieved breakthrough in our understanding of neutrinos
New Nature article outlines how research led at Mines achieved breakthrough in our understanding of neutrinos
The team used “tabletop-scale” precision measurements of radioactive decay to uncover insights about fundamental particles
Device that replicates ‘coldest place in universe’ at home on Colorado School of Mines campus
Device that replicates ‘coldest place in universe’ at home on Colorado School of Mines campus.
Dilution fridge designed to house quantum computer is 270 times colder than deep space
#1 Best Colleges for Engineering Physics / Applied Physics
Colorado School of Mines, Golden CO
#4 Top Schools in Engineering Physics
#1 Columbia
#4 Best Colleges for Engineering Physics / Best Career Opportunities
#1 Cornell
#4 Best Colleges for Engineering Physics
#1 Cornell
#7 Best Public Institutions with Engineering Physics
#1 U of MI – Ann Arbor