Solid State Physics I

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduction to the Physics of solids, Crystal structure and symmetry, X-ray diffraction, lattice vibrations, metals and semiconductors, superconductivity, thermal properties, magnetic properties, and dielectric and optical properties.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of  this course, students should be able to:

·         Explain  the following basic concepts underlying the topics in solid state Physics: (i) crystal symmetry, (ii) reciprocal lattice and the first Brillouin zone in k space, and (iii) the quantum behavior of electrons, Pauli's exclusion principle, and the Fermi-Dirac distribution function.

·         Discuss basic concepts to explain crystal structure, x-ray diffraction, lattice vibrations, behavior of electrons in metals and semiconductors, superconductivity, and thermal, magnetic, dielectric and optical properties of materials.

·         Solve problems using a variety of mathematical tools.