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
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)