Learning objectives
The course aims at providing a general view of Condensed Matter Physics with focus on crystal systems. Structural and thermal properties of solids, electronic states and the main effects due to electron-electron interactions, namely magnetism and superconductivity, are described.
Prerequisites
Statistical Mechanics
Basic Quantum Mechanics
Atomic And Molecular Physics
Course unit content
- Crystal Structure and Crystal Binding
- Crystal Dynamics and Thermal Properties
- Energy Bands
- Semiconductors
- Metals
- Insulators
- Surface and Interface Physics
- Magnetism
- Superconductivity
Full programme
- Crystal Structure and Crystal Binding
Periodic atomic structures, classification of crystal lattices, diffraction techniques for crystallography: X-rays, electrons, neutrons, Bragg condition and Laue equation, reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones, classification of Bravais lattices, Van der Waals forces, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, metallic bonding, hydrogen bonding, elastic constants.
- Crystal Dynamics and Thermal Properties
Lattice vibrations in crystals, quantization of lattice vibrations, phonons and density of states, inelastic scattering by phonons and measurement of dispersion curves, thermal properties: heat capacity, anharmonic effects, thermal conductivity
- Semiconductors
electrons and holes, donor and acceptor states, transport properties (Hall effect, cyclotron resonance), thermoelectric effects, optical properties
- Metals
energy bands in metals and Fermi surface, methods for the experimental determination of the Fermi surface.
- Insulators
dielectrics, ferroelectrics, soft-modes and structural transitions, optical processes, excitons.
- Surface and Interface Physics
Surface electronic states, quantum Hall effect, pn junctions, heterostructures, semiconductor devices: LEDs, lasers, electronic structure of low dimensional systems.
- Magnetism
diamagnetism and paramagnetism, ferromagnetic-, antiferromagnetic-, and ferrimagnetic order, spin waves, magnetic domains, resonance techniques: EPR, NMR, NQR, Mössbauer, magnetic resonance imaging.
- Superconductivity
phenomenology of superconductors, type I and II superconductors , the theory of superconductivity: London equations and BCS theory, Josephson effect.
Bibliography
- Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th Edition - C. Kittel (2005 - John Wiley & Son)[Italian Edition: Editore: CEA 2800]
- Solid State Physics , - N.W. Ashcroft, N.D. Mermin (1987 - Mc Graw Hill)
- Solid State Physics - H. Ibach, H. Lüth (2003 - Springer
- Oxford Master Series in Condensed Matter Physics (Vols. 1 – 5),(Oxford University Press - ultima ristampa 2010)
Teaching methods
Lectures (about 55% of the total time)
Class exercises (about 45% of the total time) carried out with the teacher supervision
Other information
During the semester three in-class exams will be given concerning:
Structural and thermal properties of solids
Electronic states of solids
Magnetism and superconductivity
Students with an average positive result (≥ 18/30) can have the final exam approved without further tests.
Alternatively the students have to pass a final exam (written + oral).
