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)

Homework 3 Solutions


Lattice Vibrations: II

Feb. 13
Lattice Vibrations: III


Midterm I
ARC 204

Midterm I Solutions

Feb. 20 Free-Electron Model of Metals: I

Homework 4 (due 02/27)
Handout 4

Homework 4 Solutions




Free-Electron Model of Metals: II

Feb. 27
Free-Electron Model of Metals: III

Homework 5 (due 03/08)
Handout 5
Kittel Chapter 7

Homework 5 Solutions

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

Homework 6 (due 04/02)
Handout 6

Homework 6 Solutions

March 26
Semiconductors: I




Semiconductors: II


April 2
Semiconductors: III

Homework 7 (due 04/19)
Handout 7

Homework 7 Solutions

Semiconductors: IV




April 9
Midterm II

ARC 204

Midterm II Solutions



Semiconductors (Devices): I



April 16 Semiconductors (Devices): II



Semiconductors (Devices): III

Homework 8 (due 04/30)
Handout 8

Homework 8 Solutions


April 23
Superconductivity: I



Superconductivity: II

April 30

Superconductivity: III and
Course Overview

May 4

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

Final

Final Solutions





 Exam Schedule
                

                   February 16                Midterm I

                     April 9                        Midterm II

              May 4                            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!