The Institute of Physics (IOP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, is China's premier research institution in condensed matter physics and related fields. With a history spanning over nine decades, IOP has evolved into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary research organization dedicated to both fundamental and applied physics. The institute's current research activities concentrate on condensed matter physics, optical physics, atomic and molecular physics, plasma physics, soft matter physics, and condensed matter theory and computational physics. There are 12 laboratories and 8 centers in our research system together with a strong technical support system. In recognition of its scientific excellence, IOP was officially designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology as the Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics (BNLCP) in 2017. More Information about IOP can be found at www.iop.cas.cn.
IOP has made many breakthroughs in fundamental research. Notable examples include discoveries such as “Giant magnetocaloric effect in spin supersolid candidate Na2BaCo(PO4)2”, “Evidence for an excitonic insulator state in Ta2Pd3Te5”, “Enumeration of spin-space groups: toward a complete description of symmetries of magnetic orders”, “Decoupling the air sensitivity of Na-layered oxides”, “Bevel-edge epitaxy of ferroelectric rhombohedral boron nitride single crystal”, and “Evidence of a hydrated mineral enriched in water and ammonium molecules in the Chang'e-5 lunar sample”. These breakthroughs underscore IOP's leadership in diverse fields, including superconductors, topological materials, magnetism and materials science.
In applied physics, IOP has also made remarkable achievements, with over 2,000 patents granted since 1998. Notable examples of technology transfer include innovations in lithium-ion battery technology, LED-related techniques, and the development of a core composite film for magnetic/nonmagnetic/magnetic multilayer thin films and its applications.
Since 1978, IOP researchers have been honored with more than 520 awards, including 8 Physics Awards from the Third World Academy of Sciences, 1 National Top Award for Science and Technology, 35 National Awards for Natural Sciences, 24 National Awards for Science and Technology Progress, and 9 National Awards for Technological Inventions.
IOP has undertaken or led the construction of multiple major scientific facilities such as the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility, the Center for Clean Energy, and the Center for Materials Genome Initiative in Huairou Science City, Beijing; the Advanced Attosecond Laser Infrastructure in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. These facilities serve as crucial platforms for cutting-edge research and international collaboration in physical sciences.
