Applied physics: Encyclopedia - Applied physics

Applied physics

Applied physics is physics that is intended for a particular technological or practical use, as for example in engineering, as opposed to basic research. This approach is similar to that of applied mathematics. Applied physics is rooted in the fundamental truths and basic concepts of the physical sciences but is concerned with the utilization of scientific principles in practical devices and systems, and in the application of physics in other areas of science. "Applied" is distinguished from "pure" by a subtle combination of factors such as the motivation and attitude of researchers and the nature of the relationship to the technology or science that may be affected by the work. [1]

Applied physics - Areas of research

• photovoltaics
• condensed matter physics
• nanotechnology
• spin-dependent transport
• lasers and quantum electronics
• high-speed optoelectronics
• fiber and guided wave devices
• ultra-high-speed fiber optic devices and communications systems
• microfluidics
• fluid dynamics
• free-electron laser physics
• force microscopy and imaging
• vacuum tunneling
• nondestructive testing
• chemical vapor deposition processes
• biophysics
• chemical physics
• geophysics
• plasma physics
• space physics
• synchrotron and accelerator physics
• semiconductor physics and devices

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Applied physics", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki