Difference in Research in Physics and Applied Physics?

[Alkayus]

I am sorry if this question is stupid, but I haven't been able to find a clear answer. Say a person were to have a PhD in Physics, and another in Applied Physics. What is the difference in what they research? Can an Applied Physicist do the same type of original Physics research (even if on his own/not job related)? My predicament is I love Physics and want to do original research in the field of Physics (not sure the exact field yet), but I am also becoming more and more interested in Engineering, and I love the synthesis you find in Applied Physics (as with this quote from wikipedia - "It usually differs from engineering in that an applied physicist may not be designing something in particular, but rather is using physics or conducting physics research with the aim of developing new technologies or solving an engineering problem. This approach is similar to that of applied mathematics. In other words, applied physics is rooted in the fundamental truths and basic concepts of the physical sciences but is concerned with the utilization of these scientific principles in practical devices and systems. Applied physicists can also be interested in the use of physics for scientific research."), but is there a limitation in what you learn by the time you get your PhD in Applied as opposed to pure Physics? I was thinking of getting a M.S. in Engineering, then a PhD in Physics, but I was wondering how this path may possibly make getting into a Physics PhD program more difficult. I really hope this question(s) were clear enough. I sincerely appreciate any input.

 

[vhbelvadi]

Is there a limitation in what you learn by the time you get your PhD in Applied as opposed to pure Physics?

Look at it this way: what applied physics techniques/engineering marvels can you possibly come up with after studying hyperspace or wormholes or black holes?
You won't bother yourself with all these stuff if you take up mainstream engineering. Some see it as an unnecessity, others think of it as a limitation in what you learn.
If physics gives you pleasure and you find you don't often ask yourself 'What on Earth am I supposed to do with these conjectures?!' then pure physics is the way to go. If you find yourself trying to spot how its going to help in your everyday life, go Applied.