Physics 406: Introduction to Solid State Physics
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Mondays, Thursdays 10:20 - 11:40 a.m.
ARC 204
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Course Instructor: Prof. Alexandre V. Morozov Email: morozov@physics.rutgers.edu Office Hour: Tue 3:00 - 4:00 pm (E266 Serin) Grader: Mr. Conor O'Malley Email: conor.omalley@gmx.com |
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. Ferroelectric, piezoelectric and biological materials will also be discussed. We will 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).
| Week of |
Monday |
Thursday |
| Jan. 17 |
Introduction and Overview; Interatomic Forces |
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| Jan. 24 |
Crystal Structures and Diffraction: I Homework 1 (due 02/03) Handout 1 Handout 2 Homework 1 Solutions |
Snow day! |
| Jan. 31 |
Crystal Structures and Diffraction: II |
Crystal Structures and Diffraction: III Homework 2 (due 02/10) Handout 3 Homework 2 Solutions |
| Feb. 7 |
Crystal Structures and Diffraction: IV |
Lattice Vibrations: I Homework 3 (due 02/17) Homework 3 Solutions |
| Feb. 14 |
Lattice Vibrations: II |
Lattice Vibrations: III |
| Feb. 21 | Midterm I ARC 204 Midterm I Solutions |
Free-Electron Model of Metals: I Homework 4 (due 03/03) Handout 4 Homework 4 Solutions |
| Feb. 28 |
Free-Electron Model of Metals: II |
Free-Electron Model of Metals: III Homework 5 (due 03/24) Handout 5 Kittel Chapter 7 Homework 5 Solutions |
| March 7 |
Electronic Band Structure: I |
Electronic Band Structure: II |
| March 14 |
Spring Break! |
Spring Break! |
| March 21 |
Electronic Band Structure: III |
Electronic Band Structure: IV Homework 6 (due 04/04) Handout 6 Homework 6 Solutions |
| March 28 |
Semiconductors: I |
Semiconductors: II |
| April 4 |
Semiconductors: III Homework 7 (due 04/21) Handout 7 Homework 7 Solutions |
Semiconductors: IV |
| April 11 |
Midterm II ARC 204 Midterm II Solutions |
Semiconductors (Devices): I |
| April 18 | Semiconductors (Devices): II |
Semiconductors (Devices): III Homework 8 (due 05/02) Handout 8 Homework 8 Solutions |
| April 25 |
Superconductivity: I |
Superconductivity: II |
| May 2 |
Superconductivity: III and Course Overview |
Friday, May 6 8:00 - 11:00 A.M. ARC 204 Final Final Solutions |
February 21
Midterm I
April 11
Midterm II
May 6
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!
Please bring a calculator and an equation sheet
to the final!