The most relevant physical laws applied to condensed matter are quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics. Faculty research in this field focuses on the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of solids with strong electron correlation effects and/or spin-orbit interaction, phase transitions in disordered media, and quantum liquids and solids.

Our faculty members develop and employ state of the art techniques to both fundamental and applied problems in these arenas. They collaborate with colleagues in the Condensed Matter Theory group and other physical science departments as well as colleagues from around the world. Discoveries in condensed matter often lead to technological breakthroughs having tremendous commercial potential, for example, quantum computers, information storage devices, ultrasensitive sensors used in Internet of Things (IoTs), modern transportation systems as in magnetic/superconducting levitation trains or electric vehicles.