Department of Physics, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | PH20017 - Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must (take PH10005 or take PH10053) and take PH10007 and take PH10008 and take PH20029 |
| Description:
| Aims: The aims of this unit are to introduce students to the basic concepts and models of solid state physics, with an emphasis on crystalline, electronic and magnetic structure. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * know the ways in which crystal structures are described formally and relate structures in real space to those in reciprocal space; * describe how X-ray and neutron diffraction is related to the properties of the reciprocal lattice, and used in structural studies. * discuss why classical theories of electrons in solids fail, and why they have to be treated quantum mechanically; * explain the concept of density of states; * describe how allowed and forbidden energy bands arise as a result of crystal potentials and how the properties of electrons in allowed energy bands determine the electrical and optical behaviour; * appreciate the difference between metals, semiconductors and insulators; * discuss the factors that control the electrical conductivity of metals and semiconductors; * describe classical theories of diamagnetism, paramagnetism, and the ferromagnetic properties of materials; * describe how crystalline structures vibrate, and the associated theories of heat capacity. Skills: Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A. Content: Crystal structures (4 hours): Translational symmetry; lattices and basis, Miller indices. Diffraction of waves in crystalline structures; Bragg law, the reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones. X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of crystal structures. Free electron theory of solids (4 hours): The classical free electron theory and its failures. The quantum free electron theory (electrons as waves). The basic properties of metals; density of states and the Fermi sphere. The Hall effect. Electronic structure of solids (5 hours): The effect of crystalline periodicity. Energy band diagrams and effective masses. The distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators. Electrons and holes. Basic properties of semiconductors; the effects of doping, donors and acceptors. Magnetism (3 hours): Permeability and magnetic susceptibility. The origin of magnetic moments in solids. Classical models of diamagnetism and paramagnetism. Ferromagnetism and the exchange interaction. Ferromagnetic M-H loops. Paul paramagnetism; and itinerant electron ferromagnetism in metals. Lattice dynamics (4 hours): Optical and acoustic vibrations. Phonons. Classical and quantum theories of heat capacity. |
| Programme availability: |
PH20017 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Physics
PH20017 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Physics
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