Admission requirements
Prior knowledge of Quantum Mechanics 1, Quantum Mechanics 2, Introduction Solid State Physics.
Description
Have you ever wondered why some materials are conductive and others are insulators? Or why some materials are magnetic, while others are superconducting? These fundamental questions can be answered by understanding the behavior of electrons in solids.
This course will provide an introduction to the behavior of electrons in solids and the resulting properties of materials. By studying electronic band structure, a simple but highly successful model, you will gain a deeper understanding of the behavior of electrons in periodic potentials.
The course will begin with an overview of crystal structure and reciprocal space. You will then learn about model Hamiltonians for periodic potentials in solids and how to calculate the energy spectra of electrons in a solid. You will also learn to qualitatively and quantitatively describe key properties of electrons in periodic potentials.
Throughout the course, you will apply these techniques to describe a range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, magnets, and superconductors. You will also learn how to connect these theories to real experimental data. This course is recommended for anyone interested in pursuing experimental or theoretical condensed matter physics and physics of quantum matter. It serves as a first step towards electronic structure calculations of real solids, quantum many-body physics, and emergent quasiparticles
Course objectives
This course aims to teach you how to describe electrons in solids using Hamiltonians and solve quantum mechanical problems. You will gain insight into how the properties of real solids originate from the behavior of electrons. By the end of the course, you will be able to describe key properties of electrons in periodic potentials. This course serves as a foundation for further study in electronic structure calculations of real solids, quantum many-body physics, and emergent quasiparticles. This course is a key elective if you would like to study quantum matter in future.
After this course, you will be able to:
Explain the concept of Crystal structure and Brillouin zone, and explain why it is valuable to describe solids
Compute the spectrum of electrons in model and simple crystalline solids and interpret the results with regards to macroscopic properties
Calculate and plot band structures for one-dimensional solids
Construct the band structure in simple one-dimensional chains both in the nearly free electron and tight binding model; clarify the difference between these two models.
Derive and describe the spectrum of quantized lattice vibrations for model and simple crystalline solids
Define the key phenomenological properties of metals, insulators, and semiconductors and connect them to microscopic models
Name and explain the models that describe the key properties of magnets
Recognize the experimental techniques for detecting band structure and phonon modes
You will learn to combine books, journal publications, in addition to the lectures and exercises effectively to achieve the learning objectives.
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
Lectures, tutorials, homework.
For more informtaion see Brightspace.
Assesment method
Written examination.
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.
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
For most of the course, we will follow the book “The Oxford Solid State Basics” by Steven H. Simon (Oxford University Press, 2016). The library has unlimited electronic copies.
Additional reading for interested pupils: Solid State Physics by Ashcroft, Mermin and Introduction to Solid State Physics by Charles Kittel.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.