Admission Requirements
Statistical Physics 1, Quantum Mechanics 2 (in particular: Quantum Statistics: Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, the free-electrongas)
Description
This course provides an introduction to Solid State Physics: the physics of matter in the solid state.
In this course, you will learn to understand the material world around you. Therefore, the course is (at this stage of the physics bachelor program) the most relevant physics course that is offered. First steps are taken towards the insight that you can find the universe in a grain of rust!
This subfield of condensed matter physics is both applied (e.g., in electronics) and fundamental.
Quantum mechanics and statistical physics come together in this field.
Specific topics are:
the heat capacity of solids
electrons in metals
structure of materials
geometry of solids (crystal lattices)
waves in crystals (the reciprocal lattice)
Finally, the course will connect in a qualitative way to modern topics of research in Solid State Physics,
that are often only partially understood: (high-temperature) superconductivity, metal-insulator transitions,
quantum Hall effects, topological matter.
Course objectives
On completing this course you will be able to perform calculations and derivations within a big variety of topics concerning the structure and properties of solids. You will be able to answer questions regarding these topics in your own words.
In particular, you will be able to apply these skills to the following topics:
why and how a classical description of atoms and electrons (Boltzmann, Drude theory) needs to be replaced by a quantummechanical description (Einstein/Debye, Sommerfeld theory)
why and how lattice vibrations (phonons) and electrons contribute to the heat capacity of materials
(three-dimensional) crystals in terms of lattices (unit cells) and reciprocal lattices (Brillouin zones)
waves in lattices and scattering of waves from lattices
electrons in a periodic potential (Bloch theorem, band structure, metal vs. insulator)
Transferable Skills
You can put chains of arguments into writing
You plan your time in such a way that the study load is distributed evenly over the various study activities required for this course: studying the textbook, preparing problem sessions, completing exercises and assignments
Timetable
Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace
Mode of instruction
See Brightspace
Lectures, problem sessions, homework.
N.B. The lectures will be in Dutch, but video lectures in English by the author of the textbook for the course are available. The exercises/problems are in English.
Assessment method
Written exam (closed book) with open questions. Proper participation in the problem sessions and handing in homework assignments can earn you a bonus of maximally 1 grade point on top of the exam grade.
Reading list
Textbook: The Oxford Solid State Basics – Steven H. Simon (Oxford University Press, 1st edition, 2013; reprint 2016) (mandatory), ISBN 978-0-19-968077-1 (Pbk.). This book is also used in the third year elective course The Electronic Structure of Solids
Brightspace
Registration for Brightspace occurs via uSis by registration for a class activity using a class number
Contact
Contact Details Lecturer:Prod.dr.ir. T.H. Oosterkamp