Used with permission, the Oxford Condensed Matter Theory Group

201 James Fletcher Bldg.115 South 1400 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0830(801) 581-6901

www.physics.utah.eduwww.astro.utah.edu

Dept of Physics & AstronomyUniversity of Utah

Theoretical Condensed

Matter

Why is Condensed Matter Physics Important?

Condensed Matter Physics is the study of the structure and behavior of the matter that makes up most of our world. It is not the study of the very small or of the very large but of the things in between. It takes for

granted that most of these are made up of electrons and nuclei interacting according to the well-established laws of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, and tries to explain their properties.

What makes it an interesting and fundamental branch of physics? Large assemblies of electrons and nuclei in a condensed state often exhibit so-called cooperative behavior that is quite different from that of the individual parts. The study of this new behavior requires theoretical methods which can be every bit as sophisticated as those of particle theory or relativity.

Condensed matter physics is both fast-moving and outward looking. Developments come from fresh theoretical ideas, from ideas transplanted to a novel context, and from experimental discoveries. Some of these developments involve topics at the interface between condensed matter physics and other fields.

As a study in itself, as well as being a sound basis for any career where quantitative skills and problem solving are at a premium, a background in condensed matter theory is invaluable.

Seminars & Events

Condensed Matter SeminarTuesdays, 4:00pm 334 JFBThe weekly Condensed Matter Seminar Series presents topics of interest to the Condensed Matter & Solid State community. The field of Condensed Matter Physics deals with the phys-ical properties (i.e. electromagnetism and su-per-conductivity) of matter, especially the more “condensed” matter such as solids and liquids, that exist all around us. The Condensed Matter Seminars are held Tuesdays in 334 JFB (James Fletcher Building) at 4:00 pm (preceded by light refreshments at 3:30).

Physics & Astronomy ColloquiumThursdays, 4:00 pm 102 JFB

Each week, during the semester, the Department of Physics & Astronomy hosts prominent scientists from around the country to speak at

our academic seminar colloquium series. This is an excellent opportunity for faculty, students and the local science community to learn about some of the most intriguing topics in the fields of physics and astronomy. Colloquia are held Thursdays in 102 JFB (James Fletcher Building) at 4:00 pm (preceded by light refreshments in 219 JFB at 3:30).

Interaction between spins of electrons in adjacent quantum dot.

Theoretical description of material as a system of weakly coupled spin-1/2 Heisenberg chains (the calculation’s result is color-coded as shown in the panel on the right - darker color means higher intensity).

a−d

a

d

z

S

Bringing Together Fundamental Physics &

Technology in aNew Era of Electronics

The Theoretical Condensed Matter group specializ-es in quantum many-particle physics, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gaps between basic physics research and technology. Current research areas in-clude topological phases of quantum matter, quantum magnetism, graphene and other carbon-based mate-rials, physics of strong disorder and correlations, and conventional and organic spintronics. One of our goals is to maintain a strong connection with the ongoing experimental research both inside and outside the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

Topological Phases of MatterRecent advances in the field of topological phases of matter have brought about enormous changes in our understanding of quantum many-body systems, and considerably reshaped the modern experimental re-search. A substantial part of the Theoretical Condensed Matter group effort is devoted to the study of disorder and interaction effects in topological insulators, spin-re-lated transport on topological surfaces, and the physics of Mott insulators with strong spin-orbit interaction.

the past two decades. We work on spin-Hall effect, tunneling in spin-polarized systems, and organic magnetoresistance phenomena, with the emphasis on the properties sensitive to ma-ny-body effects. We strive to use the advances in theoretical understanding of these effects to suggest novel applications of spintronic devices.

Carbon Based MaterialsThe Theoretical Condensed Matter group stud-ies transport and optical properties in carbon allotropes, including graphene (2D sheets of carbon atoms) and carbon nanotubes. While the former represents a novel quasi-relativistic strongly interacting condensed matter system, the latter command special interest towards collective static and dynamic properties of nanotube ensembles. These new materials may be used in future electronic devices.

To learn more about the Condensed Matter program,

visit: www.physics.utah.edu

Phases & Phase Transitions in Quantum Many-Body Systems

At very low temperatures, the wave-like nature of electrons, atoms, and molecules changes both their individual and col-lective behavior. Over the past few decades, condensed matter physics has witnessed the birth of many novel states of matter, with properties different from common gases, liquids, or solids. Many have been discovered in laboratories, yet even more still exist as theoretical predictions, waiting to be observed. Our own areas of research include quantum Hall effect, high temperature superconductors, frustrated magnetism, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Better understanding of quantum matter will lead to new devices and applications, such as topological quantum computing.

Properties of Disordered SystemsThe research on electronic and optical properties of disordered

systems includes such topics as transport through nanostruc-tures, magnetotransport in two-dimensional electron gas, the role of electron-electron interactions in tunneling, as well as interplay of disorder and inter-actions in high-mobility electron gas. Our efforts are aimed at understanding the quantum Hall effect, the phenomenon of ran-dom lasing, as well as transport

properties of molecular systems. One of the outcomes of this

research direction was the proposal that interaction of electrons in the localized states leads to formation of an electron glass with novel electronic properties.

Conventional & Organic Spintronics

The central goals of spintronics are to understand mechanisms by which it is possible to achieve efficient electrical control of spin currents and spin configuration, and to discover materials in which these mechanisms are prominently exhibited. This field has been a major source of intellectual challenges over