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PH20017: Condensed matter physics 1

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX 100%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: PH20017 - Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must (take PH10005 or take PH10053) and take PH10007 and take PH10008 and take PH20029
Further information on descriptions 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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH20017 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Physics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USPH-AAB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys Physics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys Physics with Research Placement (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AAM03 : MPhys Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2

PH20017 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
Department of Physics
  • USXX-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Mathematics and Physics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USXX-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Mathematics and Physics with Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USXX-AAB04 : BSc (hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFB09 : BSc Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AKB09 : BSc Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Mathematics and Physics (Full-time) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.