Condensed matter Definition and 176 Threads

Condensed matter physics is the field of physics that deals with the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter, especially the solid and liquid phases which arise from electromagnetic forces between atoms. More generally, the subject deals with "condensed" phases of matter: systems of many constituents with strong interactions between them. More exotic condensed phases include the superconducting phase exhibited by certain materials at low temperature, the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases of spins on crystal lattices of atoms, and the Bose–Einstein condensate found in ultracold atomic systems. Condensed matter physicists seek to understand the behavior of these phases by experiments to measure various material properties, and by applying the physical laws of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, and other theories to develop mathematical models.
The diversity of systems and phenomena available for study makes condensed matter physics the most active field of contemporary physics: one third of all American physicists self-identify as condensed matter physicists, and the Division of Condensed Matter Physics is the largest division at the American Physical Society. The field overlaps with chemistry, materials science, engineering and nanotechnology, and relates closely to atomic physics and biophysics. The theoretical physics of condensed matter shares important concepts and methods with that of particle physics and nuclear physics.A variety of topics in physics such as crystallography, metallurgy, elasticity, magnetism, etc., were treated as distinct areas until the 1940s, when they were grouped together as solid state physics. Around the 1960s, the study of physical properties of liquids was added to this list, forming the basis for the more comprehensive specialty of condensed matter physics. The Bell Telephone Laboratories was one of the first institutes to conduct a research program in condensed matter physics.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. P

    I Free electron gas band structure?

    How can I see, by looking at a band structure if the substance in question can be viewed as a free electron gas (FEG) or not? What characterizes a FEG in a bandstructure plot? Thanks in advance!
  2. A

    A Create Hamiltonians in condensed matter with group theory

    Hello, I am currently struggling to understand how one can write a Hamiltonian using group theory and change its form according to the symmetry of the system that is considered. The main issue is of course that I have no real experience in using group theory. So to make my question a bit less...
  3. P

    I Understanding Band Structure Diagrams

    Hi! I never really understood band structure diagrams. I think they represent the energy of an electron, with the given circumstances, at a k vector. Are the electrons only allowed to be on the lines here? Or can they also be in areas enclosed under/between certain lines? What are some...
  4. pallab

    Advanced condensed matter physics book

    what are the good books on advanced condensed matter physics with detail notation explained?
  5. V

    Programs Potential for an Astro vs Condensed Matter PhD (UK)

    I have read that postdocs are extremely hard to come by in Astrophysics, and is likely a dead end at the end of the PHD and that Condensed Matter is less competitive in academia. Would a Condensed Matter PhD also provide more opportunities in UK science industry - in particular the life sciences...
  6. Joaco

    Studying Condensed Matter Physics Grade vs Materials Science?

    Hi, I'm an undergrad materials engineering student. I am thinking of studying all the way to a PhD as I'm interested on working in research. Right now I work with Semiconductors and I like the field a lot. However, considering what I'm studying, I want to know if it's a good Idea to look for a...
  7. M

    A Observables in condensed matter (QFT)

    Quantum field theory is a powerful tool to calculate observables given the amplitude of some process. I only know the application to high energy physics: you have a Lagrangian with an interaction term between some fields, and you can calculate the amplitude of some process. Once you have this...
  8. G

    A Fraunhofer's multiple slits versus atomic scatteres (diffraction theory)

    Hey, I am currently busy with studying solid state physics and looking at diffraction theory. Following link explains Frauenhofer diffraction pretty good: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/mulslid.html#c3 Let's assume a N=6 multiple slits. Its diffraction pattern depends on slit...
  9. A

    New member and enthusiast to share my experience and learn

    hello all i am a new member on Physics Forum i am a last year master student in fundamental physics ( again ) and also have done a master in condense mater and nano-science i worked on noble solid /amorphous interface in my first master internship ( DFT and ab initio molecular dynamic using...
  10. fluidistic

    I Is there a crystal angular momentum?

    I've learned that in a crystal, the crystal momentum is conserved. When one considers the electrons as Bloch waves, they have a momentum that doesn't commute with the Hamiltonian and they have well definite energies, hence they cannot have a well definite momentum, because there is no basis in...
  11. J

    A How does parity transformation affect Bloch states?

    Hello! I want to know how does a parity transformation affect Bloch states! I always knew that parity takes the position vector to minus itself (in odd number of dimensions), but I have read that it also takes the Bloch wave vector to minus itself but I have not found a satisfactory proof of...
  12. fluidistic

    I Non-contact methods for measuring voltage in conductive materials

    Consider a solid material such as a conductor. I would like to know if there are ways to determine the voltage at specific spots on the material, without plugging a metallic wire and connect it to a voltmeter. I know voltage is relative and I'm interested in checking voltage differences across...
  13. N

    I Valence band and Fermi level difference?

    I was wondering what the difference was between the valence band and fermi level? How do we distinguish between the two? Thanks in advance.
  14. EnigmaticField

    Programs Apply for a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics?

    I did research on theoretical formulations in general relativity during my MSc studies. I look forward to pursuing PhD and have searched many universities and some research institutes for suitable research themes, but haven't found many research groups undertaking research consistent with my...
  15. J

    A Physical meaning of terms in the Qi, Wu, Zhang model

    The Hamiltonian of the Qi, Wu, Zhang model is given by(in momentum space): ## H(\vec{k})=(sink_x) \sigma_{x}+(sink_y) \sigma_{y}+(m+cosk_x+cosk_y)\sigma_{z} ## . What is the physical meaning of each component of this Hamiltonian? Note: for the real space Hamiltonian(where maybe the analysis of...
  16. L

    A Why is the nearest hopping kept real in Haldane model?

    I am leaning the Haldane model : https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.2015 Haldane imaged threading magnetic flux though a graphene sheet, and the net flux of a unit cell is zero. He argued that since the loop integral ##\exp [ie/\hbar \oint {A \cdot dr} ]## along a path...
  17. A

    Physics Condensed Matter, Materials vs. Optics, Photonics and Optoelectronics

    Hi, I'm currently in my last year of undergrad and I'm wondering about which specialization I should pursue. I'm looking for career stability, I don't mind leaving academia I'd just like to employ what I study in school in my future career. So, to my questions 1) In terms of career stability...
  18. mpolo

    B Condensed matter in a Black Hole

    I am wondering if there is some type of matter in the core of the Black Hole. Is it possible to compute the distance from the surface of the Black Hole Core to the Event Horizon? Oh that would be fun to calculate.
  19. DeathbyGreen

    Condensed Matter Physics Explained to a Lay Audience

    I'm currently working in condensed matter theory. Looking at other fields of physics, it seems easy to relate them to a lay audience; for example, in explaining why you study physics, a high energy physicist could go on about the 4 fundamental forces and searches for a unifying theory of...
  20. DeathbyGreen

    A Zero Energy Wavefunctions in 1D superconductor

    \bf{Setup} Hi! I am trying to derive the wavefunctions of the zero energy solutions of the Schrodinger equation in a 1D p-wave superconductor (Kitaev model). I am starting with the Hamiltonian $$ \begin{equation} H = \left[\begin{array}{cc} \epsilon_k & \Delta^{\ast}_k\\ \Delta_k & -\epsilon_k...
  21. T

    A How to start my reading for 2D screening models

    Hi All, I needed some help or guidance starting my MSc reading, as there is tonnes of literature out there and it's difficult to understand what is necessary. I am beginning to look at applying screening models to a 2D system, such as the Thomas-Fermi continuum screening model, to a 2D system...
  22. henry wang

    Why can we use periodic boundary conditions?

    (Mentor note: moved here from noon homework thread hence no template) I was studying vibration of a one-dimensional monatomic chain and the textbook used periodic boundary condition (PBC). I wanted to justify the use of PBC, so I came up with this: atoms deep inside the crystal sees an...
  23. Vanadium 50

    News RIP condensed matter theorist Alexei Abrikosov

    Nobel laureate Alexei Abrikosov, a condensed matter theorist, passed away yesterday. I have no additional information at this time.
  24. RicardoMP

    I Sommerfeld Expansion & Chemical Potential

    Hi! I'm trying to show how the chemical potential depends on the temperature and I'm advised to use the Sommerfeld expansion. I'm using it on the density of charge n=\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} \rho(\epsilon)n_Fd\epsilon , which gives n=\int^{\mu}_{0} \rho(\epsilon)d\epsilon...
  25. P

    I Average energy of the electrons at T = 0

    According to the quantum mechanical free electron model the average energy is E=3EF/5 for the 3D case. Nevertheless I saw in a specialised physics book that for the 1D model the average energy at T=0 is 0 and wanted to know if it is the same for the 3D case.
  26. A

    Other Book Suggestions in condensed matter physics

    Can anyone suggest some books which deals with electron correlations in many body systems?The book should cover second quantization,hubbard model,mott transition etc.I'm a beginner in this filed and want to learn from the very basics.
  27. S

    A Symmetry of hamiltonian under renormalization

    Hi everyone, Currently, I am self-learning Renormalization and its application to PDEs, nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and also condensed matter. One particularly problem I face is on the conservation of symmetry of hamiltonian during renormalization. Normally renormalization of...
  28. V

    Solid State Books for second quantization and condensed matter

    Hi. I'll be doing a master's degree in nanophysics and working on electron transport in arrays of qubits. I don't know anything (or barely) about the second quantization and would like a book which covers it, and on condensed matter overall. So far I've been told about Bruus&Flensberg's...
  29. C

    Courses Course suggestion for student interested in Condensed Matter

    I'm a bachelor student in Physics and I would like to continue with a MSc in the field of Condensed Matter Physics. I have to choose between some courses at my university and, since I'm not already an expert in Condensed Matter I would like to have a suggestion. If you were in my situation and...
  30. D

    I Consistency of atomic magnetic dipole spatial orientation wi

    I've been recently trying to understand the concept of paramagnetism, but I feel like I'm running into 2 conflicting models. Stern–Gerlach seems to suggest that electron spins always point up or down to an incident magnetic field, regardless of their spatial orientation. Similarly, when...
  31. T

    I How is a top gate used to change electron density?

    How is a top gate used to change electron density in 2D semi conductors? I get the principle, you are just shifting the chemical potential by some voltage so that there are more or less electrons in the specific bands. But how is it physically done? Thanks.
  32. P

    Courses Math Courses For Condensed Matter Theory or Quantum Optics

    What extra math courses should an undergrad take (or self-study) if they want to go into Quantum Optics or Condensed Matter theory? I've already taken calculus, linear algebra, ODEs, PDEs, and complex analysis (I will also be doing a second course on linear algebra in two months time).
  33. W

    Importance of Fermi Surface in Cooper Pair Formation

    Hello, This problem is about cooper pair formation and what happens with the calculations if there is an attractive potential between electrons but it is not in the presence of a filled fermi surface. 1. Homework Statement Two electrons just above the filled Fermi Surface of a material can...
  34. F

    I Carrier Concentration in a Semiconductor

    Suppose I have an n-doped semiconductor and want to measure the electron concentration in the conduction band as a function of temperature. How would I go about doing this by measuring the Hall coefficient as a function of temperature, given that I don't know the electron and hole mobilities...
  35. chikou24i

    Solid state / condensed matter physics books

    Can you give the name of an excited book of solid state / condensed matter physics ( beside kittel and ashcroft ) ? a book than contains more talking about experimental rather than theory
  36. philton

    Phonon Lorentz Invariance in Superfluids - Papers?

    It is said phonon(not photon) in superfluid experiments could also produce similar upper-limit speed effect which I'm not sure if that's also Lorentz invariant. Another problem is that I can't dig out those paper that demonstrates this kind of effect. Anyone ever seen any of this paper? Thanks..
  37. ZetaOfThree

    Prerequisites for holography in condensed matter

    What are prerequisite courses/topics to better understand holography as applied to strongly correlated condensed matter systems? Any references/textbooks would be appreciated. I'm doing research on this topic and would like my understanding to improve. Thanks very much
  38. 4piElliot0

    Density of Energy Levels - Strange Summation

    Homework Statement *This is not my whole problem, I am only stuck on how to interpret one part of the question. Put simply, I want to find the expression for the density of energy levels in a given energy band per unit volume (in some crystal structure). Say I have an infinitesimal interval of...
  39. DeathbyGreen

    PhD Field Selection: Tips & Advice

    Hello, So before I start, I realize that this question has been asked in the past, but all of the threads were over several years old so I'm not sure if the information is still current. I've been thinking about this decision for a while: I'm currently in my second year at a respected...
  40. C

    Admissions Can a chemistry undergrad go to condensed matter physics?

    Hello all! I am second year undergrad at a university in US. I planned to major in chemistry and took five chemistry classes (organic and inorganic) and worked at an organic chemistry lab in my first year, but didn't really like it. After searching through all areas in chemistry and physics, I...
  41. M

    Critical system in condensed matter physics

    My question is a little general, and that is how we say that a system is a critical system? for example the transverse Ising model is a critical system? I think the answer is yes, since as we change the transverse field we see that there is a phase transition between ferromagnet and paramagnet...
  42. chikou24i

    Necessary knowledge condensed matter physics

    Could someone tell me about what I must have as a knowledge to study condensed matter physics ?
  43. chikou24i

    Solid State Best Condensed Matter Physics Book: Essential Knowledge

    What is the best book that gives you the essential knowledge for condensed matter physics ?
  44. R

    What are the job prospects for a Masters in condensed matter physics in Germany?

    I have just been accepted to pursue an advanced degree (Masters) in Physics with a specialization in condensed matter. I have some questions regarding this field (Google results are somewhat outdated). (1) What exactly does a condensed matter physicist study? I know it is the study of...
  45. DeathbyGreen

    Question of spin 1/2 particles in a rotating field

    Homework Statement So I'm given a spin 1/2 particle in a rotating magnetic field in the (x,y) direction and a constant field, B_0, in the z direction and am asked to find the S matrix describing it. Given is: B(t) = [B_1 \cos(\omega t), B_1 \sin(\omega t), B_0] Homework Equations H = \sum...
  46. P

    Density of States of a metal at Fermi level

    Why can not the density of states of a metal at Fermi level be zero? Thanks!
  47. L

    Why Does My Kohn Effect Derivation Differ from Ziman's Model?

    I'm working through a derivation of the [Kohn Effect](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohn_effect), as presented in Ziman's 'Principles of the Theory of Solids.' However, I find myself getting a somewhat different result. The book states that calculating $$\epsilon(\mathbf{q}, \omega) = 1+...
  48. neosoul

    Integrating Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science

    Hi PF Family, I'm a rising junior majoring in physics. I plan to enroll and be accepted into graduate school(s) such as UIUC, Princeton, and MIT. I know that requires much work and hard work. However, my problem is in choosing the right program. I want to be able to integrate CMP and Materials...
  49. A

    Admissions Material Science vs Condensed Matter PhD & Admission Req

    Hi all again, I started a post earlier and it was buried somewhere by now. I really need more input and information and hope you all can help. How are admission process different, CM vs MS&E? CM belongs to Physics department while MS&E is usually on the engineering side. I got my Physics...
  50. Benevito

    MIT vs Harvard in experimental condensed matter physics?

    Hi everyone! I was admitted as an undergraduate transfer student to MIT and Harvard College for Fall 2015. I am now stuck deciding between the two. Which one do you think is better for studying experimental condensed matter physics or just physics in general?
Back
Top