Physics 55400 S (U4500 S)
Introduction to Solid State Physics
Fall 2015
Instructor:
Supplementary material:
Prof. S. A. Vitkalov, MR330B, 212-650-5460
vitkalov@sci.ccny.cuny.edu
TTh, 5-6:15 PM in MR417A
M 11:30 AM-1:30 pm in MR330B (or by appointment)
“Introduction to Solid State Physics”
by Charles Kittel, Wiley, Eight Edition.
“Principle of the Theory of Solids”/ by J. M. Ziman, Cambridge
Exams:
University Press 1972
Midterm exam and final exam
Class schedule:
Office Hours:
Textbook:
Homework:
Eight assignments
Pre- or corequisites:
Modern physics (Physics 32100, 32300, 55100 or equivalent)
Syllabus:
Chapter 1
Crystal Structure (lattices, local atomic bonding units, crystal structures)
Chapter 2
Diffraction and the Reciprocal Lattice (diffraction, reciprocal lattices, structure factors,
Bragg and von Laue descriptions of diffraction, Brillouin Zones))
Chapter 3
Bonding in Solids (covalent, metallic, ionic and van der Waals bonding, cohesive
energies)
Chapter 4&5 Phonons (crystal vibrations, thermal properties, Debye and Einstein models,
anharmonic effects)
Chapter 6
Free electron Fermi gas (1D, 2D and 3D electron systems, thermal and electrical
properties, classical motion in magnetic field)
Chapter 7
Energy bands (motion in periodic potential, Bloch functions, metals and insulators)
Chapter 8
Semiconductor Crystals (energy bands and energy gaps, effective mass, electrons
and holes, doping, mobility, Hall effect)
Chapter 9
Fermi Surface (FS) and Metals (reduced and periodic zone schemes, Harrison
construction of FS, electron transport, motion in quantizing magnetic field,
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Quantum Hall Effect)
Surface and Interface Physics (surface crystallography, 2D electronic structures,
transport in 2D electron systems, p-n junctions, heterojunctions, semiconductor
lasers and light emitting diodes)
Nanostructures (imaging techniques, electron structure of 1D and 0D systems,
electrical transport in 1D and 0D systems)
Important information
Objective of course: This course will serve to introduce students to the field of solid state
physics and material science. The course includes important areas of traditional solid state
physics describing electrical, thermal, acoustic and optical properties of solids and recent
development in the field of low dimensional electron structures, where the quantum properties
of condensed materials are significant. In addition, this course will serve as the stepping stone to
more advanced graduate level courses on materials such as the quantum theory of solids and
advanced materials engineering. A detailed list of course objectives is presented below.
Homework: Homework will be collected during the semester.
Grades: Student grades will be based on the following components:
Exams
(midterm + final)
80%
Homework assignments (8)
20%
Note that attendance and class participation are also critical for your success in this course.
Exams: There will be one midterm exam (75 min.) and a final exam (140 min.). No exam
grades will be dropped and no make-ups will be given except in the case of documented illness.
Extra help: Students can obtain extra help in this course by meeting with me either
during my office hours or at other mutually agreeable times. You are encouraged and
expected to take advantage of all these opportunities.
Course Objectives:
After successfully completing this course, students should be able to
1. recognize the 14 Bravais lattices and understand their relationship to common crystal
structures
2. understand the different types of bonding in solids
3. understand how diffraction studies can aid in the determination of crystal structures;
understand the usefulness of the reciprocal lattice
4. be familiar with the relationship between lattice vibrations and phonons as well as the
contributions of phonons to specific heat and thermal conductivity.
5. understand the role that electrons play in electrical conductivity via the Drude model
6. be familiar with the free-electron model and the contribution of electrons to the specific
heat
7. understand the role of the lattice potential in the development of energy gaps in the
electronic energy band structure.
8. recognize the characteristic properties of semiconductors, metals and insulators.
9. be familiar with the concepts of effective mass, electrons and holes, and doping of
semiconductors.
10. be familiar with concept of Fermi surface (FS) in normal metals, understand quantum
electron motion in strong magnetic field.
11. understand the roles of dimensionality and quantum confinement in determining the
electronic properties of solids; be familiar with electron transport in quantum dots, quantum
wires and 2D films.