Learning objectives
Introduction to modern physics topics and applications of interest in the electronic engineering field, including a) the experiments which brought to the quanta theory introduction, b) the quantum-and wave-mechanical approach.
Prerequisites
Mathematics. General Physics.
Course unit content
Experiments which brought to the quanta theory
Gas discharge. Compton and photoelectric effects. Atomic and X-ray spectra. Stern-Gerlach experiment. X-ray and particle diffraction experiments. Electron microscope (SEM and TEM). Blackbody emission.
Quantum Mechanical approach to simple systems
Uncertainty, correspondence, and complementarity principles. Vibrating string equation. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. Quantum mechanics postulates.
Free particle in a box: Schrödinger equation. Energy levels. Probability density. Application to free electrons in metals, quantum wells, colour centres.
Harmonic oscillator: Schrödinger equation. Energy levels. Probability density. Application to vibrational spectra of heteronuclear molecules and lattice vibrations in solids.
Hydrogen and hydrogenoid atoms: Schrödinger equation. Energy levels. Probability density. Rigid rotor, as simplified case. Application to rotational spectra of heteronuclear molecules
Potential wall and tunnel effect. Tunnel junctions. Tunnel microscope (STM).
Electromagnetic radiation and matter interaction. Selection rules.
Solid State Physics
Aggregation states of matter: hints on plasmas and their applications
Periodic structures: direct and reciprocal lattices.
Lattices vibrations: monatomic and diatomic linear chains. Acoustic and optical branches. Phonons. Inelastic scattering by photons and neutrons.
Energy bands in crystalline solids. Kronig-Penney model. Dispersion curves. Classification of solids according to band theory. Insulators, metals, and semiconductors (atomic force microscope). Electron dynamics. Effective mass. Fermi-Dirac statistics. Optical properties of semiconductors (direct and indirect gap), insulators, and metals. Photonic crystals.
Lattice defects: vacancies, interstitials, impurities. Dislocations and grain boundaries. External surface. Thermodynamic equilibrium defects. Role of defects on physical properties of solids.
Transport in solids: Electrical conductivity. Role of lattice vibrations and defects.
Full programme
A-Experiments which brought to the quanta theory. Gas discharge. Ions and mass spectrometer. Compton and photoelectric effects. Atomic and X-ray spectra. Stern-Gerlach experiment. X-ray and particle diffraction experiments. Electron microscope. Blackbody emission.
B-Quantum Mechanical approach to simple systems. Uncertainty, correspondence, and complementarity principles. Vibrating string equation. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. Quantum mechanics postulates. Free particle in a box: Schrödinger equation. Energy levels. Probability density. Application to metals, quantum wells, colour centres. Harmonic oscillator: Schrödinger equation. Energy levels. Probability density. Vibrational spectra of molecules. Hydrogen and hydrogenoid atoms: Schrödinger equation. Energy levels. Probability density. Rigid rotor, as simpler case. Rotational spectra of molecules. Potential wall and tunnel effect. Tunnel junctions and microscope (STM).
C-Solid State Physics. Aggregation states of matter. Periodic structures: direct and reciprocal lattices. Lattice vibrations: monatomic and diatomic linear chains. Acoustic and optical branches. Phonons. Inelastic scattering by photons and neutrons. Energy bands in crystalline solids. Kronig-Penney model. Dispersion curves. Classification of solids. according to band theory. Atomic force microscope. Electron dynamics. Effective mass. Fermi-Dirac statistics. Optical properties of semiconductors (direct and indirect gap), insulators, and metals. Photonic crystals. Lattice defects: vacancies, interstitials, impurities. Dislocations and grain boundaries. External surface. Thermodynamic equilibrium defects. Role of defects on physical properties of solids. Electrical conductivity: isoenergetic surfaces, role of lattice vibrations and defects.
Bibliography
Eisberg R., Resnick R. Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids and Nuclei, John Wiley ed. (New York), 1985.
Kittel C., Introduction to Solid State Physics, VI edition , John Wiley ed. (New York), 1986.
Capelletti R., Fisica Generale III, Notes of the course (in italian), Santa Croce ed. (Parma), 1997
Capelletti R., Fisica Moderna, Notes of the course (in italian), 2012 (Power Point file).
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercitations
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral test
Other information
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