Physics

MATLAB and Simulink for Physics

Perform both exploratory and computationally demanding simulations

The matrix-oriented computing environment makes MATLAB a natural choice for rapid code development in search of novel physics. MATLAB and Simulink provide an integrated approach for hardware code generation, data acquisition, real-time simulation and testing, and data analysis. Physicists choose these products to:

  • Develop simulation algorithms and share transparent codes
  • Control and acquire data from instruments in real-time
  • Combine AI with Model-Based Design for precise sensing and control
  • Model and control particle accelerators
  • Post-process microscopy images
  • Teach physics using interactive live scripts

Online Self-Paced Courses

Provide hands-on exercises with step-by-step instruction and automated feedback and cover numerous topics:

“Our model-based reinforcement learning design was very helpful because we could test different settings in the simulated environment and capture and solve problems and oscillations before deploying the learned model on the equipment.”

Dr. Nikhil Mukund, Max Planck Institute of Gravitational Physics

Physics Community Tools and Workflows

The readability of MATLAB code has led to a long tradition of physicists sharing their code with others to use, learn from, extend, and build upon. Sometimes, the research community code grows and coalesces into community toolboxes. These projects, driven by research experts, are distributed under open-source licensing. The projects achieve broader reach and greater impact by providing structured and extensible frameworks of shared code for specialized research needs. This allows researchers using MATLAB to practice open science to increase the scientific impact of their work.

* Live script examples simplify entry points to toolboxes for new users.

Curriculum Enhancement

Live editor provides educators with an interactive platform to share physics knowledge with students, especially when lecturing inherently computational courses. Symbolic math simplifies and shortens pages of analytical calculations, allowing the focus to be on physics rather than math derivation, while visualizations help to gain an intuitive understanding of complex system’s behavior.

Resources for Teaching

Hardware Support for Deployment and Integration

Educator and Student Collaboration

Through MATLAB Online, students are able to access coursework and collaborate with their peers. Educators can assign problem sets and provide feedback and assessments automatically with MATLAB Grader.

Students and educators benefit by sharing algorithms and code or asking questions on MATLAB Central. In addition, the MATLAB File Exchange community comprises experts, researchers, and enthusiasts who are encouraged to use well-documented, well-tested, and high-quality files. Contributors can leave comments, ask questions, and provide feedback on files they download.