- Department: Physics
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Stuart Cavill
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2022-23
Pre-requisite modules
- None
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Spring Term 2021-22 |
If we want to understand physical properties such as electrical and thermal conductivity, magnetism or reflectivity and absorption, it is necessary to study the electronic structure and transport properties of electrons in solids. Starting with the classical free electron gas approximation we will develop the concepts of the Fermi gas and nearly free electron theory making use of the quantum mechanical description of electrons in a periodic potential. This leads to the band structure model, which will allow us to describe material systems such as semiconductors and metals. These concepts will then be used to obtain insight into the origin of magnetism and optical properties of materials.
Learning outcomes: at the end of this module successful students will be able to:
Understand the different models involved describing the interaction between electrons and electrons as well between electrons and crystal lattice and the underlying physical principles.
Explain the concept of the free electron approximation in metals.
Describe the interaction of free electrons with a constant electric and a constant magnetic field.
Calculate the density of states based on the Fermi statistics.
Determine the electronic contribution to the heat capacity.
Distinguish direct and indirect band gap semiconductors.
Describe the different mechanisms of conductivity in semiconductors.
Explain the principles of semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors.
Distinguish the different types of magnetic properties in solids.
Understand the principles of superconductivity
Syllabus
Recap of the Fermi-gas model
Nearly Free electron model
Semiconductors
Dielectric and optical properties
Magnetic properties
Superconductivity
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Solid State II Assignment 1 |
N/A | 40 |
Essay/coursework Solid State II Assignment 2 |
N/A | 60 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Solid State II Assignment 1 |
N/A | 40 |
Essay/coursework Solid State II Assignment 2 |
N/A | 60 |
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
C. Kittel: Introduction to Solid State Physics (Wiley and Sons)
N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin: Solid State Physics (Saunders College Publishing)
H. Ibach and H. Lüth: Solid-State Physics – An Introduction to Principles of Materials Science (Springer-Verlag)