Physics 406: Introduction to Solid State Physics






Spring 2012
Mondays, Thursdays 10:20 - 11:40 a.m.
ARC 204
Course Instructor:  Prof. Alexandre V. Morozov
Email:  morozov@physics.rutgers.edu
Office Hour:  Tue 3:00 - 4:00 pm (E266 Serin)

Grader:  Xueyun Wang
Email:  xueyun AT physics.rutgers.edu

                                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                  


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

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. 16

Introduction and Overview;
Interatomic Forces
Jan. 23
 Crystal Structures and Diffraction: I

Homework 1 (due 01/30)
Handout 1
Handout 2

Homework 1 Solutions

Crystal Structures and Diffraction: II
Jan. 30
 Crystal Structures and Diffraction: III

Homework 2 (due 02/06)
Handout 3

Homework 2 Solutions

 Crystal Structures and Diffraction: IV
Feb. 6
 Lattice Vibrations: I

Homework 3 (due 02/13)



 Lattice Vibrations: II
Feb. 13
 Lattice Vibrations: III


 Midterm I

ARC 204
Feb. 20 Free-Electron Model of Metals: I

Handout 4





 Free-Electron Model of Metals: II
Feb. 27
 Free-Electron Model of Metals: III

Handout 5
Kittel Chapter 7


 APS March Meeting
March 5
 Electronic Band Structure: I
 Electronic Band Structure: II
March 12
Spring Break!
Spring Break!
March 19
 Electronic Band Structure: III



 Electronic Band Structure: IV

Handout 6
March 26
 Semiconductors: I




 Semiconductors: II
April 2
 Semiconductors: III

Handout 7


 Semiconductors: IV
April 9
 Midterm II

ARC 204




 Semiconductors (Devices): I
April 16 Semiconductors (Devices): II



 Semiconductors (Devices): III

Handout 8
April 23
 Superconductivity: I



 Superconductivity: II
April 30
Superconductivity: III and
Course Overview
Date TBA

8:00 - 11:00 A.M.
ARC 204

Final






 Exam Schedule
                

                   February 16                Midterm I
                     April 9                        Midterm II
              TBA                            Final

          



Breakdown of Grades
30%
 Homework
20%
 Midterm I
20%
 Midterm II
30%
 Final

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


Special Announcements

Please bring a calculator and an equation sheet
to the final!