In physics we have two (smaller?) areas that are ripe for some real progress: Optics, electronics. Electronics: The memristor. Though it seems that the HP brea

In physics we have two (smaller?) areas that are ripe for some real progress: Optics, electronics. Electronics: The memristor. Though it seems that the HP breakthrough was a bit premature, the promise of a solid-state memristor would allow for very energy efficient computation. Think top-of-the-line modern GPUs that can run off a small solar cell or watch battery. The actual physics of such circuits may have some fun things hidden in them. I think it'll really change how we use computers. Optics: As our manufacturing revolution reaches out of semi-conductors and into more difficult materials, we're seeing cheap and interesting optics happen. I'm not sure where it's going, but grads are 'playing' more in the lab with cheaper stuff, allowing for kismet to happen faster. Especially as bio becomes 'thirstier' for optics, as there is a LOT of money there from disease research. Though these aren't re-writing the fundamental laws, they are looking to have real impact on human life, and not in ways that are just making things more efficient (though there is a lot of that too).