Condensed Matter Physics is a relatively new
field, or term, in
modern Physics. Formerly known as
Solid State Physics, Condensed Matter Physics brings the
study of
solids,
liquids,
liquid metals,
molten salts,
solutions,
liquid crystals, and all other manner of uncategorized
matter together. A
working definition for Condensed Matter Physics is the study of
matter at length scales greater than the atom.
Condensed Matter Physics is a very significant and intricate subheading under the blanket term Physics. Condensed Matter Physics applies directly to topics in nuclear physics, complex fluids, colloids, nanotechnology, semiconductors, superconductors, electrorheological fluids, and a variety of other topics on the cutting edge of the Physical Sciences.
Condensed Matter Physics is essential in understanding how the physical laws governing atoms and molecules at a microscopic level come together to impact and create the natural phenomena we observe at the macroscopic level.
A small sampling of current topics in Condensed Matter Physics follow: