Condensed Matter Theory
Condensed matter physics is notable for its diversity and breadth. Even the more traditional sub-area of solid state physics covers a bewildering array of physical phenomena, spanning the fields of magnetism, superconductivity, metals, semiconductors, insulators and more. But condensed matter physics also encompasses the science of “complex systems”, such as robustness of interconnected biological, ecological, and technological networks, earthquake source dynamics, crack propagation, polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, and most recently biological materials. Condensed matter theory at UCSB spans a broad swath of these diverse topics. With the presence of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP), condensed matter theory at UCSB has enjoyed a stellar world-wide reputation.
