Condensed Matter Physics

Condensed Matter Physics is the branch of physics that studies the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter, especially in its "condensed" phases where a vast number of constituent particles, such as atoms and electrons, are packed closely together and interact strongly. This field is primarily concerned with the emergent phenomena that arise from these collective interactions, leading to complex behaviors like superconductivity, magnetism, and the distinct properties of solids and liquids, which cannot be predicted from studying the particles in isolation. By applying principles from quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics provides the fundamental understanding necessary for the discovery and design of novel materials with technological applications.

  1. Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
    1. Defining Condensed Matter
      1. States of Matter
        1. Solids
          1. Liquids
            1. Gases
              1. Plasma
              2. Distinction from Other Branches of Physics
                1. Atomic Physics
                  1. Nuclear Physics
                    1. Particle Physics
                  2. Emergent Phenomena
                    1. Collective Behavior
                      1. Many-Body Effects
                        1. Macroscopic Properties from Microscopic Interactions
                        2. Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking
                          1. Order Parameters
                            1. Phase Transitions
                            2. Quasiparticles
                              1. Concept and Examples
                                1. Effective Descriptions
                              2. Length and Energy Scales
                                1. Atomic Scale
                                  1. Mesoscopic Scale
                                    1. Macroscopic Scale
                                      1. Relevant Energy Ranges
                                        1. Electronic Energy Scales
                                          1. Vibrational Energy Scales
                                            1. Magnetic Energy Scales
                                          2. Key Concepts from Prerequisite Physics
                                            1. Quantum Mechanics
                                              1. Wave-Particle Duality
                                                1. Schrödinger Equation
                                                  1. Quantum Statistics
                                                    1. Fermi-Dirac Statistics
                                                      1. Bose-Einstein Statistics
                                                    2. Statistical Mechanics
                                                      1. Ensembles
                                                        1. Microcanonical Ensemble
                                                          1. Canonical Ensemble
                                                            1. Grand Canonical Ensemble
                                                            2. Partition Function
                                                              1. Thermodynamic Quantities
                                                              2. Electromagnetism
                                                                1. Maxwell's Equations
                                                                  1. Electromagnetic Waves in Matter
                                                                    1. Dielectric Response
                                                                      1. Magnetic Response
                                                                    2. Hard vs. Soft Condensed Matter
                                                                      1. Hard Matter Characteristics
                                                                        1. Strong Interactions
                                                                          1. Well-Defined Structure
                                                                          2. Soft Matter Characteristics
                                                                            1. Weak Interactions
                                                                              1. Thermal Fluctuations
                                                                              2. Examples and Applications