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Matti Selg is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Physics within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Tartu, Estonia. He has been actively teaching graduate courses in Quantum Mechanics, Analytical Mechanics, and Mathematical Physics since 2009, with increasing responsibility over the years. Currently, he oversees the entire teaching of three mandatory courses: Master's Course in Quantum Mechanics, Analytical Mechanics, and Theory of Complex Variables.
Dr. Selg completed his education at the University of Tartu, earning a diploma in physics. He received his Doctor's Degree in 1981 from the University of Tartu with a dissertation titled "Relaxation and hot luminescence of self-trapped excitons in rare gas crystals," supervised by Vladimir Hižnjakov and Rein Kink. His additional qualification includes a PhD in solid state physics from the Institute of Physics of the Estonian Academy of Sciences.
Professor Selg's research spans several interconnected areas of theoretical physics. His primary interests include quantum mechanics, particularly scattering theory and inverse problems, as evidenced by his numerous publications and textbooks on quantum scattering. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of reflectionless potentials and the Marchenko equation. More recently, he has focused on classical mechanics problems, particularly exploring Binet's equation and its connections to Newtonian and Einsteinian gravity theories, as well as revisiting historical problems like Galileo's swiftest descent problem. His work bridges mathematical physics with practical applications in molecular and solid-state physics.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from quantum scattering theory toward classical mechanics and historical physics problems. While maintaining his expertise in quantum systems, particularly with hydrogen molecules and diatomic systems, he has expanded into historical and mathematical analyses of foundational physics concepts. His 2023-2025 publications show a particular focus on exact solutions to classical mechanics problems and their connections to modern gravitational theory.
Dr. Selg has served in several administrative roles, including as a member of the Science Council of the Institute of Physics at the University of Tartu since 2001 and as a member of the Expert Commission for Exact Sciences of the Estonian Science Foundation (2003-2006). He has successfully led research projects funded by the Estonian Science Foundation, including studies on excimers in rare gases and their crystals.
As an educator, Professor Selg has developed and taught advanced courses that integrate deep theoretical concepts with practical applications. His textbooks on quantum scattering theory demonstrate his commitment to making complex topics accessible to students. His recent work on the mathematical and physical perspectives of foundational problems suggests an evolving research program that connects historical scientific developments with contemporary theoretical challenges.