Physics 406: Intro to Solid State Physics






Spring 2008
Mondays, Thursdays 10:20 - 11:40 a.m.
ARC 204
Course Instructor:  Prof.  Premi Chandra                                        Grader:  Mr. Yi Zhang
Email:  pchandra@physics.rutgers.edu                                             Email:  sczy@physics.rutgers.edu
Office Hour:  W 1:30 - 2:30 (263E Serin)  
                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                  


Overview:  This course is intended to provide an introduction to the physics of solids.  We'll begin by characterizing the properties of static (crystal structure) and dynamic (lattice vibrations) arrangements of atoms.  Next we'll study electrons in solids and will identify key features distinguishing metals, insulators and semiconductors.  Ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials will also be discussed.  We'll end with two examples of macroscopic quantum phenomena, magnetism and superconductivity, and a discussion of current open questions. 

Course Texbook:  M. Ali Omar,  Elementary Solid State Physics, (Addison-Wesley 1993).

Supplementary Text:   C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics,  (John Wiley & Sons 2005).


Syllabus


Week of
 Monday
 Thursday
Jan. 21

Introduction/Overview
Jan. 28
 Crystal Structures and Diffraction

 Crystal Structures and Diffraction
Feb. 4
 Crystal Structures and Diffraction

 Crystal Structures and Diffraction
Feb. 11
 Lattice Vibrations
Lattice Vibrations
Feb. 18
 Lattice Vibrations
 Midterm I
Feb. 25 Free-Electron Model of Metals

 Free-Electron Model of Metals
March 3
 Free-Electron Model of  Metals
 Electronic Band Structure
March 10
 Electronic Band Structure
                 Electronic Band Structure                    

March 17
Spring Break!
Spring Break!
March 24
 Electronic Band Structure


 Semiconductors
March 31
 Semiconductors



 Semiconductors
April 7
 Semiconductors


 Midterm II
April 14
 Semiconductors (Devices)


 Semiconductors (Devices)
April 21 Semiconductors (Devices)
 Superconductivity
April 28
 Superconductivitvity
Superconductivity
May 5
Current Topics
and
Course Review
Thursday May 8
 




 Exam Schedule

             
                 There will be in-class quizzes roughly every two weeks. 

                 February 21                 Midterm  I
                 April 10                        Midterm II
            May 8                            Final

          



Breakdown of Grades
15%
 Homework
 10%
Quizzes
20%
 Midterm I
20%
 Midterm II
35%
 Final

The lowest homework and the lowest quiz grades will be dropped.
Class participation is greatly encouraged and could
contribute positively towards the final grade.


Special Announcements

Have a good summer!