Solid State Physics I

Aim

The overall purpose of the course is that the student will be able to define and derive basic relations in the physics of crystalline solids, and use them for identifying and solving problems within solid state physics. After the course the student should be able to:

• describe the geometry of basic crystal structures of crystals and their investigation by means of diffraction experiments.
• describe qualitatively the appearance of electronic band structure in crystals and its consequences for the optical properties.
• derive relations describing the static and dynamic properties of crystals.
• set up and explain idealized models within solid state physics.
• solve problems within solid state physics.
• explain and derive in a well structured and logical concise way relations within solid state physics as well as between central concepts of the theory.

Content

• Structure of ordered solids (elements of crystallography).
• Theoretical and experimental background for structure determinations using diffraction.
• Crystal binding and classification of crystals by the type of binding forces.
• Lattice dynamics - lattice vibrations (phonons) and derivation of dynamic properties, such as heat capacity and heat conductivity.
• Electronic structure of ordered solids. Different models for different types of crystals: the free electron model, electronic band structure, the tight binding model.
• Semiconductor crystals - basic properties.
• Fermi surfaces in metals. The tight binding model (the electronic structure revisited).