Learning objectives
<br />The aim of the course is to achieve an understanding of Solid State Physics and to be able to use it in accounting for the structural, thermal and electromagnetic behaviour of crystalline solids.
Prerequisites
<br />Good working knowledge of advanced calculus: functions of two or more variables, differential equations, functions of complex variables, Fourier transforms.<br />Good working knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, classical and quantum statistical mechanics, atomic and molecular physics.
Course unit content
<br />Crystalline Structures and Interatomic Forces<br />Periodic atomic structures, fundamental types of lattices, diffraction of waves by crystals: x-rays, electrons, neutrons, Bragg and Laue equations, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones, Bravais lattice, Van der Waals forces, ionic binding, covalent binding, metallic binding, hydrogen bonding, elastic constants.<br />Atomic dynamics in crystals anf thermal properties<br />Lattice vibrations of crystals, quantization of elastic waves, phonons and density of states, measure of the dispersion relations, thermal properties: phonon heat capacity, anharmonic effects, thermal conductivity.<br />Electronic states in Solids<br />beyond the free electron model, energy bands, Bloch theorem, classification od solids: metals, semiconductors, insulators.<br />Semiconductors<br />electrons and holes, donor and acceptor states, transport properties (Hall effect, cyclotron resonance), thermoelectric effects, semiconductor devices.<br />Metals<br />energy bands in metals and Fermi surface, experimental determination of the Fermi surface, dielectric function of the electron gas, plasmons, polaritons, electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, Mott transition.<br />Insulators<br />dielectrics, ferroelectrics, soft-modes and structural transitions, optical processes, excitons.<br />Magnetism in solids<br />diamagnetism and paramagnetism, ferromagnetic-, antiferromagnetic- and ferrimagnetic-order ,spin waves, magnetic domains, resonance techniques:: EPR, NMR, NQR, Mössbauer.<br />Superconductivity<br />properties of superconducting materials, type I and type II superconductors, theory of superconductivity: London equations and BCS theory, Josephson effect.<br />Nanostructures and low dimensional systems<br />surface and interface properties, quantum Hall effect, nanostructures: thermal and transport properties.<br />Disorder in solids<br />amorphous solids: structural and dynamic properties, defects in solids, point defects, dislocations, alloys.
Bibliography
<br />C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th Edition, Wiley & Sons Inc. (2005)<br />N.W. Ashcroft, N.D. Mermin, Solid State Physics, CBS Publishing, LTD. (!976)
Teaching methods
<br />Teaching:<br />Theoretical lectures and practical exercises<br />Evaluation:<br />Written exam <br />Oral exam (optional to improve the results of the written exam)
