What are the specializations in physics?

As I understand it, all the branches of physics have a theoretical aspect.
Have you heard about computational physics? Although my knowledge is very limited
This is a good place to start:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branches_of_physics#Summary

 

Experimental condensed matter / solid-state physics - such as semiconductor physics, or optics / laser physics. I have been working with manufacturing superconducting thin films via laser ablation.

On principle you should know your relevant theory as an experimentalist but picking an applied field you will not really "do" much theory. I spent the years of of my PhD in the lab, tinkering with devices, repairing stuff, working with the guys in the workshop to have my apparatuses built etc.

The computer-related part of my work was not "computational" but related to writing programs that controls sensors and the like.

 

Please look at the various Divisions under the APS. This loosely corresponds to the various areas of physics that one can specialize in.

http://www.aps.org/membership/units/index.cfm

Zz.

 

Don't forget the most fascinating subfield of all... geophysics! :D