PHYS 416, Physics of the Solid State
Fall, 2015 Syllabus
Texas A&M University
This course will include a survey of solid state physics, including an introduction to crystal structures and
the physics of electrons, lattice vibrations and phonons, applications to semiconductors, as well as
magnetism, superconductivity and nanostructures (as time permits), as well as an introduction to other
selected current topics in condensed matter physics.
Learning Goals: Students in this course will
1. Examine relationships between chemical bonding and crystal structure.
2. Understand basic crystal structures and their mathematical representation.
3. Understand reciprocal space descriptions of periodic structures and Brillouin Zones.
4. Examine the basic physics behind electronic band structures and phonon dispersion curves in simple
crystalline materials.
5. Gain an overview of more sophisticated modern electronic structure methods and electronic transport
phenomena.
6. Examine the properties of semiconductor materials, and their basic behavior in electronic applications.
7. Encounter materials properties including superconductivity, magnetism, and other selected topics in
current condensed matter physics, and begin to understand the language encountered in condensed matter
and materials physics research.
Class Meetings:
Instructor:
Text:
TR 2:20-3:35, MPHY 109
J. H. Ross, email:
Office: 448 MPHY. Lab: B03 ENPH (845-7823)
Office hours: M 1:15-2:15, T 3:45-5, R 5-6
Course Texbook: C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics (Wiley 2005).
Additional materials will be provided in class to supplement the readings in the text.
Optional recommended text: M. Ali Omar, Elementary Solid State Physics
(Addison-Wesley 1993, or original 1975 edition).
Prerequisites: PHYS 412 (Quantum Mechanics) and PHYS 304 (Electricity & Magnetism) or
equivalents.
Grading:
Homework (most weeks)
Exam 1
Final Exam
Final paper/presentation
30%
25%
15%
30%
Assignment of final grades according to point totals calculated using the percentages above will follow
the scale, 80-100 A, 70-80 B, 55-70 C, 45-55 D, <45 F.
Exams: Will be open book and open notes. First exam will be in class and similar to homework. Final
exam will be take-home, due on the standard scheduled date during finals time.
Final paper/presentation: You will be asked to pick a topic based on current research in or applications
of solid state physics. I will provide suggestions and work with you to choose a topic by the beginning of
November. A short paper on this topic (length 5-10 pages, single spaced) should include at least 3
references to different sources (not including your text!). 2 references should be from current scientific
literature. Also you will be asked to give a short presentation (30 minutes) of this topic to your colleagues
in class. Papers will be due on the last day of class, but note that you may be asked to present your results
the week before that.
Expected schedule of classes along with topics covered. Schedule follows roughly the Kittel text:
week 1
8-31 to 9-4
Overiew; crystals, forces, symmetry.
week 2
9-7 to 9-11
Crystal classification and symmetry.
week 3
9-14 to 9-18
Crystal symmetry continued; reciprocal lattice, diffraction.
week 4
9-21 to 9-25
Lattice vibrations, classical normal modes.
week 5
9-28 to 10-2
Lattice vibrations, phonons, thermal properties.
week 6
10-5 to 10-9
Free-electron model of metals.
Exam 1: crystals and phonons; date TBA.
week 7
10-12 to 10-16
Electrons in metals; resistivity and transport.
week 8
10-19 to 10-23
Electron bandstructures.
week 9
10-26 to 10-30
Semiconductors: overview and electronic properties.
Presntation topic chosen by this time.
week 10 11-2 to 11-6
Semiconductors: defects, donors and acceptors.
week 11 11-9 to 11-13
Semiconductor device physics.
week 12 11-16 to 11-20
Magnetism, superconductivity.
week 13 11-23 to 11-24
Student presentations and/or superconductivity continued
week 14 11-30 to 12-4
Selected current topics + presentations.
week 15 12-7 to 12-9
Continuation
week 16 12-16
1-3 PM exam turn-in, final presentations as needed.
Final Exam, time/date TBA.
Further Information: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu.
You should also know the Aggie Honor Code: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” and
consult the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web, http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor.