HELP! Writing my first research paper and I don’t know what to do

I am a physics MSc student working in condensed matter theory, and I’m aiming to submit the paper to PRB. The actual research, calculations, plots, and figures are mostly done, but I haven’t properly kept track of all the references I’ve used along the way ( is that bad?!)

I’d really appreciate advice from people who regularly write research papers, particularly in physics:

  1. How do you organize and manage references, especially if you haven’t kept track of them properly from the beginning?

  2. What conventional tools do you use for writing/editing papers? I know about Overleaf/LaTeX, but I’d like to understand the overall workflow.

  3. I used MATLAB for plots, but I’m less familiar with how researchers conventionally make things like lattice structures, and multi panel figures.

I’m specifically interested in conventional tools and workflows used by researchers rather than AI tools that write or generate the paper for you.

reddit.com
u/RecherchePorsche — 2 days ago

HELP! Writing my first research paper and I don’t know what to do

I am a physics MSc student working in condensed matter theory, and I’m aiming to submit the paper to PRB. The actual research, calculations, plots, and figures are mostly done, but I haven’t properly kept track of all the references I’ve used along the way ( is that bad?!)

I’d really appreciate advice from people who regularly write research papers, particularly in physics:

  1. How do you organize and manage references, especially if you haven’t kept track of them properly from the beginning?
  2. What conventional tools do you use for writing/editing papers? I know about Overleaf/LaTeX, but I’d like to understand the overall workflow.
  3. I used MATLAB for plots, but I’m less familiar with how researchers conventionally make things like lattice structures, and multi panel figures.

I’m specifically interested in conventional tools and workflows used by researchers rather than AI tools that write or generate the paper for you.

reddit.com
u/RecherchePorsche — 2 days ago

HELP! Writing my first research paper and I don’t know what to do

I am a physics MSc student working in condensed matter theory, and I’m aiming to submit the paper to PRB. The actual research, calculations, plots, and figures are mostly done, but I haven’t properly kept track of all the references I’ve used along the way ( is that bad?!)

I’d really appreciate advice from people who regularly write research papers, particularly in physics:

  1. How do you organize and manage references, especially if you haven’t kept track of them properly from the beginning?
  2. What conventional tools do you use for writing/editing papers? I know about Overleaf/LaTeX, but I’d like to understand the overall workflow.
  3. I used MATLAB for plots, but I’m less familiar with how researchers conventionally make things like lattice structures, and multi panel figures.

I’m specifically interested in conventional tools and workflows used by researchers, rather than AI tools that write or generate the paper for you.

reddit.com
u/RecherchePorsche — 2 days ago
▲ 7 r/PhD+1 crossposts

HELP! Writing my first research paper and I don’t know what to do

I’m a physics MSc student working in condensed matter theory, and I’m aiming to submit the paper to PRB. The actual research, calculations, plots, and figures are mostly done, but I haven’t properly kept track of all the references I’ve used along the way ( is that bad?!)

I’d really appreciate advice from people who regularly write research papers, particularly in physics:

  1. How do you organize and manage references, especially if you haven’t kept track of them properly from the beginning?

  2. What conventional tools do you use for writing/editing papers? I know about Overleaf/LaTeX, but I’d like to understand the overall workflow.

  3. I used MATLAB for plots, but I’m less familiar with how researchers conventionally make things like lattice structures, and multi panel figures.

I’m specifically interested in conventional tools and workflows used by researchers, rather than AI tools that write or generate the paper for you.

reddit.com
u/RecherchePorsche — 2 days ago
▲ 2 r/KAUST

Transitioning to photonics from CMP

Hi everyone,
I have just complete my MSc in Physics and my CGPA is 3.7/4. My research involves computational modeling of graphene-based systems using tight-binding and Green’s function methods. Over the past few months, I’ve realized that I’d like to transition into computational photonics.

My goal is to apply to KAUST in the future for a PhD, but before that I’d really like to gain research experience in photonics and build a stronger profile.
I’m hoping to connect with someone here who’s already working in photonics there , especially computational photonics. I’d really appreciate any advice on questions like:

What technical skills and simulation tools are most valued (Lumerical, MEEP, COMSOL etc.)?

What kinds of projects or experience would make my profile more competitive for KAUST?

If anyone has made a similar transition, or would be willing to share their experience or even chat for a bit, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

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u/RecherchePorsche — 17 days ago

How to get an Alumni card

I just graduated this year and I will be extending my research work but I don’t have my ID now.
How can I get an alumni card? Also does it give library access?

reddit.com
u/RecherchePorsche — 25 days ago
▲ 23 r/laser+3 crossposts

Photonics Career advice

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a Master’s student in Physics with a specialization in lasers and spectroscopy. My Master’s thesis is in theoretical condensed matter physics, where I’ve mainly worked with MATLAB

Recently, I’ve become increasingly interested in photonics and optics, especially computational aspects such as simulating optical systems, modeling light propagation, light matter interaction and studying the behavior of photonic devices. While I’ve taken courses in laser physics, spectroscopy, and quantum optics, I don’t yet have hands-on experience with photonics simulation tools or photonic design.

I’d like to build the skills and experience needed for internships, research projects, and potentially a future career in computational photonics. I would appreciate advice on:

1. Which simulation tools and software are most worth learning (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical, MEEP, FDTD tools, Python, MATLAB)?

2. What beginner/intermediate projects would help build a strong portfolio?

3. Which areas of photonics are particularly accessible to someone with a physics background and computational interests?

4. What skills do research groups and industry internships typically look for?

5. How are the career prospects in computational photonics and optical modeling?

I’d be grateful for any recommendations, learning resources, or personal experiences from people working in the field.
Thanks!

reddit.com
u/RecherchePorsche — 2 months ago