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 2015/6

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 and Continuous Assessment

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.

Background Reading and Resource List

Introduction to Solid State Physics, Kittel.

Solid State Physics, Ashcroft and Mermin.

Solid-State Physics, Ibach and Luth.


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