Course content

Functional materials form the foundation of our high-tech society and future technologies. Their properties can be manipulated by external stimuli such as temperature, electric fields, and magnetic fields. This applied solid-state physics course systematically addresses the control of properties in key functional material classes. The insights gained are applied to understand a range of applications and devices.

Specific course topics:

• Relation between properties, structure and crystal symmetry
• Electronic bands structures and charge transport
• Size and interface effects on electronic structure
• Semiconductor based devices
• Optical active materials
• Ferroic functional materials

Learning outcome

Knowledge.

The candidate should gain knowledge of:

• A broader range of important functional materials.
• Anisotropic material properties and their relation to crystal symmetry.
• Tensor description of materials properties
• Band structure control related to electronic and optical applications.
• Classification and applications of ferroic functional materials

Skills.

The candidate should be able to:

• Calculate material properties using tensor description. This includes properties described by first, second, third and fourth rank tensors.
• Describe electronic properties of materials by using band structure analysis.
• Explain design of common devices such as for example transistors, lasers and energy converters.
• Evaluate of suggested novel functional materials and their proposed applications.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises and a student’s project work/assignment.

The content of this course is identical to FY8912.

Recommended previous knowledge

TFY4220 Solid State Physics or equivalent basic solid state physics course. The principles introduced in a basic course in solid state physics are extended and applied.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the course

Credit reductions