Condensed Matter Physics I

AY2015/2016 Semester 1

This course introduces the structure of solids and the quantization of atomic and electronic motion in a periodic solid. Crystal symmetry - lattice, basis, unit cell, Miller indices, lattice planes and spacing; reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones. Bragg and Laue diffraction, structure factor, atomic form factor; neutron and x-ray diffraction; powder and single crystal diffraction. Normal mode dispersion for linear atomic chains; acoustic and optic modes; Born von Karman boundary conditions; density of states; lattice quantization and phonons; Einstein and Debye models of heat capacity. Free electron theory, density of states, Fermi energy, Fermi surface. Metals - conductivity and heat capacity; density of states at Fermi level; nearly free electron model and band gaps. Bloch theorem, Kronig-Penny model. Distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators. Aspects of Condensed Matter Physics.