Condensed matter is one of the most active fields of physics, with a stream of discoveries in areas from superfluidity and magnetism to the optical, electronic and mechanical properties of materials such as semiconductors, polymers and carbon nanotubes. It includes the study of well-characterised solid surfaces, interfaces and nanostructures as well as studies of molecular liquids (molten salts, ionic solutions, liquid metals and semiconductors) and soft matter systems (colloidal suspensions, polymers, surfactants, foams, liquid crystals, membranes, biomolecules etc) including glasses and biological aspects of soft matter. The book presents state-of-the-art research in this exciting field.

Condensed matter physics is the sub-field of physics that is concerned with the study of macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter. It is involved in measuring various material properties by using experimental probes and methods from theoretical physics. It also focuses on studying the behavior of condensed phases such as solids and liquids by using physical laws. This discipline is broadly divided into experimental condensed matter physics and theoretical condensed matter physics. Some of the laws which are used for conducting research in this field are laws of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and electromagnetism. This book unravels the recent studies in the field of condensed matter physics. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of this field are examined in detail. It is a vital tool for all researching or studying condensed matter physics as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts of this field.

This book provides course material in theoretical physics intended for undergraduate and graduate students specializing in condensed matter. The book derives from teaching activity, offering readable and mathematical treatments explained in sufficient detail to be followed easily. The main emphasis is always on the physical meaning and applicability of the results. Many examples are provided for illustration; these also serve as worked problems. Discussion extends to atomic physics, relativistic quantum mechanics, elementary QED, electron spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, and various aspects of the many-body problem. Methods such as group representation theory, Green’s functions, the Keldysh formalism and recursion techniques were also imparted.