Although Los Alamos National Laboratory is probably known mostly for the development of nuclear weapons and the related Manhattan Project, research is undertaken in multiple fields, including nanotechnology, quantum information and super computing.  Divisions were developed where work was undertaken in various disciplines, such as computing at C Division, but also theoretical work at T Division.  Research at Theoretical Division not only varies from applied mathematics to fluid dynamics and astrophysics, but also focuses on the study of complex systems.

In 1980 the Centre for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS) was formed as a part of Theoretical Division for the organisation of research in complex systems and nonlinear phenomena.  It was created in response to the significant work of laboratory scientists in dynamical systems and chaos.  The best example would be the work of Mitchell Feigenbaum in the 1970’s, when he discovered universal behaviours in chaotic systems.  CNLS focuses mainly on formulating research methodologies for complex systems and also the promotion of interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems.

The present portfolio of research includes the following projects:

1)   Non-equilibrium Phenomena in Materials, Fluids, and Climate

2)   Quantum Chemistry, Information, Materials, and Metrology

3)   Multi-scale Dynamics of Biological Systems

4)   Correlations and Dynamics in Information Science.

With more than 30 post-doctoral fellows CNLS consists of one of the most extensive concentrations of interdisciplinary theory and simulation research activities in the world.

Selected Publications in Further Reading