What we do?

Physics is the science of lifeless matter. According to the name of our Institute, we perform experimental studies of the matter, which fills the Universe. Our studies extend over enormous scales in space and time. The scale of linear dimensions ranges from 10^-18 m (upper limit for the electron size) to over 10¹⁰ light years, i.e., 10²⁶ m (maximum distance from which we detect signals), that is over 44 orders of magnitude. The time scale ranges from 10^-24 s (the smallest lifetimes of particles) to about 15 billion years, i.e., 5^.10¹⁷ s (age of Universe), extending thus over more than 41 orders of magnitude.

Our studies are fundamental - we are interested in the structure and functioning mechanisms of the matter. Results of fundamental studies open frequently application possibilities - then we may collaborate with engineers to create new applications.

More information about the research performed in the Institute can be found on pages of its Divisions.