Physics 601: Solid State Physics I
Fall 2004
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University

Lectures: Mondays and Wednesdays 1:10-2:30, ARC 207
First meeting: Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Instructor: Karin M. Rabe
office: Serin 275A (East Wing)
phone: 5-4186
email: rabe@physics.rutgers.edu

Text: Solid State Physics, by G. Grosso and G. Pastori-Parravicini (Academic Press, 2000).

Supplementary reading:
Structure and Dynamics, by M. T. Dove
Solid State Physics, by N. Ashcroft and D. Mermin
Introduction to Solid State Physics, by C. Kittel
Band Theory of Solids, S. L. Altmann
Condensed Matter Physics, by M. P. Marder

<>Topics covered: In the fall semester, we will cover the following (corresponding chapter numbers in parentheses):
Free and independent electron gas (III)
Crystal structure (II)
Structure determination by diffraction (X)
Electronic structure (III, IV, V and VI)
Lattice dynamics (IX)
Interacting electronic-nuclear systems (VIII)
The lectures and problem sets will include applications to systems of current interest, especially structurally and chemically complex materials.

Physics 602 in the spring semester will cover he response of solids to applied fields (transport and optical properties), and properties of crystals dependent upon electron-electron interactions (superconductivity and magnetism).

Course requirements are the weekly problem sets. Some of the problems will require the ability to solve problems numerically and display functions and numerical results graphically using Mathematica or a comparable package. An introductory tutorial session will be scheduled for those in the class who do not have the necessary familiarity with Mathematica.
Prerequisites are knowledge of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical physics, at least at the undergraduate level. Previous exposure to solid state physics in an undergraduate-level course will be very helpful, but not absolutely necessary for sufficiently motivated students.