They develop new products, processes, and devices. For instance, basic research in solid-state physics led to the development of transistors, then to the integrated circuits used in computers. Theoretical researchers develop mathematical models that try to explain the laws and forces of nature. Physicists use computers to control experiments, make calculations, and store and process research data. They may write their own computer programs.
Physicists also design research equipment.
This equipment often has additional unanticipated uses, such as lasers in surgery and microwave devices for ovens. A small number of physicists work in quality control, inspection, testing, and other production-related jobs in industry. These areas include high energy, plasma, and nuclear physics. Therefore, physicists in these subfields often work in large teams. In addition to time in labs, research physicists spend time in offices planning, recording, analyzing, and reporting on research.