PHYS 41064

>< Type/ Status : Compulsory
>< Title : Solid State Physics
>< Pre-requisites : All PHYS Core Course units
>< Objectives :
By the end of course, students will have exposed to the properties exhibited by atoms and molecules because of their regular arrangement in crystals and they will be able to understand them through simple models. They will gain knowledge on recently developed areas in condensed state of matter.
>< Course Content :

Introduction to crystal structure; Periodic array of atoms; Fundamental types of lattices; Introduction to crystallographic point groups and space groups; Different types of crystal structures; Index system for crystal planes; Crystal diffraction and reciprocal lattice; Geometric structure factor; Experimental diffraction methods; Brillouin zones; Crystal binding; Lattice vibrations; Linear monatomic & diatomic lattices; Phonons; Density of modes of vibrations; Debye approximations; Specific heat of solids; Einstein’s theory and Debye model of lattice heat capacity of solids; Free electron theory of metals; Wiedermann-Franz ratio; Electrical conductivity; Fermi energy level; Electron heat capacity; Thermal conductivity of metals; Band theory of solids with periodic potential; Conductors; Dielectrics; Semiconductors; Impurity semiconductors; Concentration of electrons and holes in semiconductors; Intrinsic conductivity; Photoconductivity of semiconductors; Hall effect; Fundamentals of superconductivity; Introduction to diamagnetism; Paramagnetism & ferromagnetism; Susceptibility.

>< Methodology : A combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorial discussions.
>< Scheme of Evaluation : End of course written examination.
>< Recommended Reading :
1. Kittel, C. (1976). Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley & Sons.
2. Keer, H. V.(1993), Principles of the Solid State, John Wiley & Sons.
3. Dekker, A. J. (1957). Solid State Physics, Prentice Hall.
4. Ashcroft, N. W. and Mermin, N. D.(1976). Solid State Physics, Saunders College.

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