Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the classification of communications and photonics within the various fields of physics represented at a university. Participants explore which specific area of physics might encompass research related to photonics and communications, considering the university's listed research fields.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the appropriate field of physics for communications and photonics, referencing a list of research areas at their university.
- Another participant suggests that none of the listed fields seem to align with photonics.
- A different participant proposes that photonics is a branch of optical sciences.
- One participant indicates that Condensed Matter Physics is the most likely relevant field from the provided list.
- Another participant mentions Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (AMO) as a relevant area, noting that photonics is more applied than fundamental in this context.
- A participant references their experience at the University of Toronto, suggesting that photonics research there is conducted under the Quantum Optics group, in collaboration with the electrical engineering department.
- The original poster clarifies they are a student at Virginia Tech, not the University of Toronto.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on which field of physics is most relevant to photonics and communications, indicating that there is no consensus on the matter.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not fully explored the definitions or boundaries of the fields mentioned, and there may be assumptions about the nature of photonics that are not explicitly stated.