Condensed Matter Physics
Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) explores how interactions between a large number of constituents - atoms, molecules, and electrons - give rise to the macroscopic behavior of matter. These constituents come together to form crystals, amorphous solids, polymers, macromolecules, and even biological materials such as DNA. Hence, CMP often deals with topics that come from seemingly disparate fields of Solid State Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry and Biology.
Our research in CMP is as diverse as the field itself, which uses a combination of experimental, theoretical and computational tools to explore the connection between the structures at the atomistic level to the macroscopic properties of matter.
Topics being pursued at present include, but are not limited to:
- Novel quantum materials
- Multiferroics
- Magnetocaloric materials
- Carbon-based nanostructures, such as single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and functionalized graphene
- Materials in extreme environments
- Magnetic materials
- Spin glasses
- Electrode materials for improving batteries
Researchers in this area:
- Robert M. Catchings, III (Experiment)
- Pratibha Dev (Theory)
- Sugata Chowdhury (Theory)
- Silvina M. Gatica (Theory)
- Samaresh Guchhait (Experiment)
- Kim M. Lewis (Experiment)
- Prabhakar Misra (Experiment)