Course content

Atomic structure; Order and disorder, Lattices and unit cells, Crystal directions and planes, Non-crystalline structures, Interatomic bonding, Van der Waals solids, Metallic solids, Ionic solids, Covalent solids, Symmetry, Reciprocal space, Brillouin zones, Structure determination. Lattice vibrations; The continuum approximation, Vibrations of periodic systems, Quantization of vibrational modes: Phonons, Crystal momentum, Heat capacity, Anharmonicity. Static electron systems; Free electron gas, Fermi-Dirac distribution, Electrons in periodic solids, Nearly-free-electron model, Brillouin zones and energy bands, Tight-binding approximation. Dynamic electron systems; Free-electron gas, Periodic solids, Intrinsic semiconductors, Extrinsic semiconductors. Dia- and paramagnetism, ferro- and antiferromagnetism.

Learning outcome

Introduction to solid state physics. This is the first of two courses in introductory solid state physics.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, home work problems and mandatory laboratory exercises. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Some knowledge of physics, mathematics and chemistry.

Course materials

Charles Kittel: Introduction to solid state physics, 8th ed., Wiley.

Credit reductions