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Semiconductors and Electronbands

Vak
2016-2017

Admission Requirements

Introduction to Solid State Physics

Description

This course centers the intriguing properties of electronic liquids in solids. We will learn how the periodic potential in solids gives rise to insulators, semiconductors, and metals. Special focus is given to the emergent quasiparticles of the ionic vibrations and the electronic structure. We will look at the special properties of semiconducting materials, and how these enable modern information technology. Lastly, we discuss some recently discovered special cases: graphene and topological insulators.

Course objectives

The objective of this course are:
(i) to get an introduction into solid state physics
(ii) to lean how to think as a physicist
(iii) to see how insight into fundamental physics can lead to great technological progress, on the example of semiconductor physics
(iv) to get a taste of the frontier of physics with some recently discovered, still mysterious materials

Timetable

Rooster

Mode of instruction

Lectures (mostly chalk on blackboard) and exercise classes

Course load

Assessment method

Written examination with short questions (100%) There is an opportunity to retake the exam if one fails the year or is absent due to illness.

Blackboard

Exercises and information about the class will be posted on blackboard.
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL

Reading list

For most of the class, we will follow the book “The Oxford Solid State Basics” by S.H. Simon (Oxford University Press). The library has unlimited electronic copies.

Contact

Contact details lecturer: Dr.M.P.Allan (Milan)