Definition

1. Noun:
   • The branch of physics that studies the properties of materials in the solid state: This field of physics is concerned with understanding the physical properties of matter that is in a solid, crystalline phase. Its core focus areas include electrical conduction in semiconductors and metals, superconductivity, and photoconductivity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Her doctoral research is in the field of solid-state physics, focusing on novel semiconductor materials.
  • The invention of the transistor was a major breakthrough in solid-state physics.
  • Understanding superconductivity requires a deep knowledge of solid-state physics.

Advanced Usage

• "The principles of solid-state physics": Refers to the fundamental theories and laws governing this field.
  • The design of modern microchips is based entirely on the principles of solid-state physics.

Variants and Related Words

• Solid-state (adjective): Describing electronic components, devices, or physical systems that use the electrical properties of solid materials (especially semiconductors) and have no moving parts or vacuum tubes.
  • A solid-state drive (SSD) uses flash memory, a technology developed from solid-state physics research.
• Condensed matter physics: A broader field that includes the study of both solids and liquids (like liquid crystals). Solid-state physics is often considered a core subfield of condensed matter physics.

Synonyms

• Condensed matter physics (in a broader sense, though not perfectly synonymous as it includes liquids and soft matter).

Related Phrases

• Solid-state device: An electronic component built from solid materials, such as semiconductors.
  • The transition from vacuum tubes to solid-state devices revolutionized electronics.
• Solid-state theory: The theoretical framework used to explain phenomena in solid-state physics.
  • He contributed significantly to solid-state theory, particularly in magnetism.

Noun

1. the branch of physics that studies the properties of materials in the solid state: electrical conduction in crystals of semiconductors and metals; superconductivity; photoconductivity