Based on the data of the papers published in the Web of Science database from 2003 to 2022 in the field of physics, the identification of scientific centers and the identification of transfer paths in physics are realized by using the Technological Diversity Index, Technical Specialization Index and the method of social network analysis. The study found: (1) The United States has an absolute advantage as an international physical science center, but a multi-center pattern may become the general trend. (2) The distance between Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Japan, China and other countries and the United States is gradually narrowing, forming a “super strong and multi” situation in international physics research. (3) The international physical science center shows a trend of shifting from the United States to Europe and then to Asia.