Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy

The graduate program in Physics and Astronomy (PPGFA) was created in 2016 and began its activities in August of that year and graduated its first masters in 2018. Within the area of concentration in Physics the Program has four lines of research: Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics and Cosmology and Astrophysics, at the master's level. The PPGFA emerged with the evolution of the staff of full professors with exclusive dedication in the Academic Department of Physics, a framework that has been renewed in recent years, with the hiring of new professors with high scientific productivity. 

Although UTFPR is devoted to technological education, the academic masters program encompasses both basic and applied research fundamentals and requirements for the development and insertion of new technologies. In order to promote interaction with the industry, some projects are developed in collaboration with companies such as Bosch, Renault, Sanepar and Copel, meeting demands provided by the sector. The purpose of these collaborations is not specifically to make products, but also to promote the insertion of new technologies that today are dominated by developed countries and that will have, in the long run, a positive impact on social and economic sectors, keeping the focus on effective academic education of graduate students.

Regarding academic research projects, whether in the scope of basic or technological research, priority will be given to those aimed at immediate application results, motivating the involvement of students at all levels of education promoting the dissemination of knowledge

Area of ​​Concentration

Physics and Astronomy

Research lines

Cosmology and Astrophysics
This line deals with the study of the origin, structure and evolution of celestial bodies and the universe. Through theoretical, observational and computer simulation approaches, research is carried out mainly in the following areas: the sun's magnetic field, stellar occultations and transient phenomena of the solar system, galaxy dynamics and galaxy clusters, general relativity, string theory and cosmology as well as astronomical instrumentation, stellar astrophysics and exoplanets.

Atomic and Molecular Physics
In this line, research is carried out involving the application of ionizing radiation and its interaction with matter through techniques of tomography, spectroscopy (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and Compton scattering) and photon and proton transport simulation. With a theoretical approach, computational methods are developed and applied for the systematic study of molecular and macromolecular systems, including the development of simulation and analysis software, as well as the configuration of high performance computer systems.

Nuclear Physics
In this line of research, theoretical and experimental research is carried out in the areas of conventional x-ray diagnosis, emission simulation and x-ray detection, radiological protection, dosimetry, densitometry, computed tomography and proton beam tomography, development of x-ray detectors, protocol for quality control in tomographic images, applied nuclear physics (ion beam analysis, proton-matter interaction studies, medical, biological, agricultural and environmental applications of nuclear physics), heavy ion physics and nuclear structure.

Condensed Matter Physics
In this line  the physical properties of materials of great interest today are investigated, for example, new properties observable when they are reduced to the nanoscale. For this purpose it is developed from the synthesis of structures (heterostructures, conjugated polymers, nanoparticles, oxides and carbon structures), structural and electronic characterization to the application in devices (sensors, photovoltaic cells, transistors, LED's, etc.) using techniques such as: X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy (Raman, FTIR, impedance and optics), calorimetry, among others. In this area theoretical methods and simulations are applied, which contribute synergistically to the understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter. Computer simulation techniques are also developed for the study of material properties and device performance within the nanotechnology domain.