PX3142: Condensed Matter Physics
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX3142 |
External Subject Code | 100425 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Professor Sean Giblin |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To develop an understanding of some of the more advanced concepts and techniques in condensed matter physics.
- To apply this knowledge to solve problems based on the properties of condensed matter systems.
- To give an appreciation of the far-reaching implications for condensed matter physics on modern technology.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe defects to crystal lattices and explain the associated physical properties.
- Describe how scattering techniques can be used to investigate phonons and magnetic structure.
- Explain the differences between crystalline and amorphous materials and their properties.
- Demonstrate an understanding of transport (thermal and electronic) properties of solids.
- Explain the origin of band structure in solids.
- Explain the concept of effective mass and derive an expression for it from a given dispersion relation.
- Describe the structure, operation and key parameters of a field effect transistor.
- Explain the concept of a Fermi surface and qualitatively describe theory and experiment to determine the shape.
- Describe the frequency-dependent electronic properties of metals and dielectrics.
- Explain the distinction between metals and insulators.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 22 x 1 hr, Exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills. Communications skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 80 | Condensed Matter Physics | 2 |
Written Assessment | 20 | Condensed Matter Physics | N/A |
Syllabus content
- Review of crystalline solids and scattering: Space groups, diffraction and missing orders, scattering from time varying structures.
- Semiconductors: Doping and energy levels, bandstructure, carrier density, p-n junction (thermal equilibrium), transistors and integrated circuits.
- Transport phenomena: Phase and group velocity, effective mass, scattering (phonons, electrons), polaron, Boltzmann equations, heat transport, phonons, electrons, charge transport (Conductivity), electrons, ions, Hall effect and quantum Hall effect, thermoelectric effects.
- Phase transitions: Critical points, order parameters, critical exponents.
- Dielectric properties: Susceptibility, Kramers Kronig, oscillator model, local field, ferroelectricity, plasmons, polaritons, screening, interband transitions, excitons.
- Magnetic properties: Diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism. Measuring M-H loops. Technological uses of magnetic materials.
- Superconductivity: Phenomenology, London Equations, BCS theory, Josephson Junctions, high temperature superconductors, applications of superconductivity.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Introduction to Solid State Physics, Kittel.
Solid State Physics, Ashcroft and Mermin.
Solid-State Physics, Ibach and Luth.
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.
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