What is Condensed Matter
Condensed Matter Physics
Condensed Matter Physics is a branch of physics that studies the macroscopic and microscopic properties of matter in condensed phases, such as solids and liquids. This field seeks to understand how the interactions between constituent particles (atoms, molecules, and electrons) give rise to complex physical phenomena and material properties.
Subfields of Condensed Matter Physics
Solid-State Physics
Key Topics:
Crystalline Structures:
Study of how atoms arrange themselves in lattice structures, defects, and dislocations.
Electronic Band Theory:
Explains how electrons are distributed in energy levels within a material, which determines if it's a conductor, insulator, or semiconductor.
Phonons:
Phonons are a type of Quasiparticle, which is the study of vibrational energy modes in atoms and their effects on thermal conductivity and superconductivity
Superconductivity:
Phenomenon where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields below a critical temperature. Key topics include high-temperature superconductors, and applications in quantum computing and MRI.
Quantum Dots:
Semiconductor particles with unique optical and electrical properties that depend on their size. They’re potentially useful in things like single-electron transistors, solar cells, and Quantum Computing.
Applications of Solid-State Physics
Development of semiconductors for transistors, diodes, and computer chips
Advanced materials for energy storage, solar energy, and spintronics.
Soft-Matter Physics
Soft Matter Physics explores materials that can be easily deformed by external forces, including polymers, colloids, and biological materials.
Key Topics:
Polymers:
Long chains of repeating molecular units with unique mechanical and stretchy properties.
Colloids:
A colloid is a mix where tiny particles are spread out evenly in another substance. The particles are too small to sink to the bottom but big enough to make the mixture cloudy or scatter light. Examples include milk (tiny fat particles in water), fog (water droplets in air), and jelly (solid bits in liquid).
Liquid Crystals:
Phases of matter that have properties between liquids and solids; essential for modern display tech like TV Screens
Biological Soft Matter:
Examines cellular membranes, DNA, proteins, and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Applications of Soft Matter Physics
Biophysical technologies such as drug delivery systems and biomaterials.
Liquid crystal displays and flexible electronics.
See also
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_physics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystallography