Wisconsin is also a leader in the field of optically trapped atoms. Astrophysics and Space Physics Wisconsin's astrophysicists measure the cosmic microwave background, search for neutrinos, observe X-rays, and study neutron stars. There is also an active theory program. Biophotonics Spectromicroscopy of biological systems. Nuclear Physics Groups at Wisconsin experiment on low to medium energy nuclear interactions as well as precision beta decay tests.
Theoretical research covers a wide range of phenomena.
A Medical Physics group is also very active. Their work is complemented by Madison's Phenomenology Institute. Condensed Matter Physics Materials science, surface studies, superconductivity and many other fields are studied at Wisconsin. Extensive use is made of the nearby Synchrotron Radiation Center. The Madison Symmetric Torus is the centerpiece of one of the nation's leading Plasma Physics groups.