640-353 Solid State Physics

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physics 640-223 or 640-243, and 640-226 or 640-246.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of this subject the student should:

• comprehend the theoretical and experimental basis of our modern understanding of the thermal, optical, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties of insulators, conductors, semiconductors and other advanced materials and device technologies;
• be able to apply this understanding to the theoretical and experimental exploration of new, as well as familiar, solid state phenomena;
• appreciate the scientific richness and technological utility of these phenomena.

The subject provides an introduction to: Crystal bonding and structure. Crystal imperfections and mechanical properties. Lattice vibrations and thermal properties. Band theory of electrons; metals, insulators and, semiconductors. Electronic devices. Dielectric and magnetic properties; Superconductivity.

Assessment

A 1.5-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

Prescribed Texts

• Kittel C, Introduction to Solid State Physics. 6th ed. Wiley.
  or
  Hook J R and Hall H E, Solid State Physics. 2nd ed. Wiley.