Physics
415
Objectives: The
purpose
of this course is to acquaint the student with the fundamental physics
of solids. The emphasis is on understanding the behavior of electrons
in
metals and semiconductors. In the first three chapters, crystal
structure,
x-ray diffraction, and lattice vibrations are discussed as a natural
way
to introduce concepts such as translational symmetry, wave
interference,
reciprocal lattice, and the first Brillouin zone. Also, two chapters
(5,6)
on quantum theory are included to teach the basic ideas and principles
of quantum theory needed. All of these concepts are brought together
to form an understandable modern picture of electron in metals
(chapters
7,8,9), in semiconductors (chapters 10,11,12) and in superconductors
(chapter
13).
Course Outline:
| Week 1 |
Chapter 1 Problem set1:
1, 4, 7, 9, 10,
14,15,18, 21, 22, 23, 24
|
Crystal Structure |
| Week 2 |
Chapter 2 |
X-Ray Diffraction |
| Week 3 |
Chapter 3 |
Lattice Vibrations |
| Week 4 |
Chapter 4 |
Classical Model of Metals |
| Week 5 |
|
Review and Exam 1 |
| Week 6 |
Chapter 5 |
Waves and Particles |
| Week 7 |
Chapter 6 |
Quantum Mechanics |
| Week 8 |
Chapter 7 |
Free Electron Quantum Model of
Metals |
| Week 9 |
Chapter 8 |
Band Theory of Metals |
| Week 10 |
|
Review and Exam II |
| Week 11 |
Chapter 9 |
Electrical Conductivity of Metals |
| Week 12 |
Chapter 10 |
Semiconductors |
| Week 13 |
Chapter 11 |
p-n Junction in Semiconductors |
| Week 14 |
Chapter 12 |
Semiconductor Devices |
| Week 15 |
Chapter 13 |
Superconductivity |
| Final (Comprehensive) |
|
|
|
