Geoff Milward The Theory of Condensed Matter Group

The Work of a Theoretical Physicist What do theorists do? Understand the world by making models. Good theories are: Simple – we’d prefer General – apply widely Use models to make predictions. Newton’s laws got man to the moon – and back! Notice when models stop working. Try to develop a new theory

Three States of Matter? 1 Fourth state – plasma? What happens if we replace spheres with something else…

Three States of Matter? 2 What happens with Long atoms? Get Liquid Crystals Lots of types of Liquid crystals Used in displays everywhere.

Stripes of Atoms Some compounds “self-organise” Can we understand how stripes form? Can we control where stripes form? Could then make ultra-high density storage.

Computer Simulations 1 Rusting Oxygens red Metals silver See how oxygen atoms move down into the metal

Computer Simulations 2 Medical physics Growing Bone (calcium) on implants Ca in water gets deposited on the structure we have built

Summary Theorists develop and use mathematical models to understand the world and beyond. In Theory of Condensed Matter we: Try to understand and use new states of matter Work out how to get the atoms themselves to build tiny electronic devices Simulate chemical reactions And many more …