Learning objectives
Provide a short account of the transition from Classical Physics to Modern Physics. <br />
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Apply the concepts of Quantum and Statistical Mechanics to systems that are simple but essential for understanding the microscopic mechanisms that determine the properties of materials of specific interest for electronic engineering and their applications.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
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A. Introduction to Modern Physics. Discharge in gases, Compton effect, photoelectric effect, atomic spectra, black body, particle wave dualism, X diffraction and electron microscope. <br />
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B. Applications of Quantum Mechanics to simple systems. Free particle: free electrons in metals; quantum wells. Harmonic oscillator: vibrational levels of molecules and solids. Hydrogenoid atoms and rigid rotator. Potential barrier: junctions and tunnel effect microscope. Energy bands. Kronig Penney Model. Photonic crystals. Fermi-Dirac statistics. Effective mass. Electrical and optical properties of semiconductors and insulators.
Full programme
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Bibliography
R. Capelletti: Photocopies of the slides from the Modern Physics course, 2003. <br />
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R. Capelletti: Physics III. Course notes. Edizioni Santa Croce, Parma, 1997 <br />
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R. Eisberg, R. Resnick : Quantum Physics and Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles.Ed. J. Wiley & Sons (New York) 1985.
Teaching methods
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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