Atomic, Quantum and Solid State
Device Physics
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this course the
student should have:
1. Gained an understanding of the
fundamental principles of quantum
mechanics and their application to
atoms, molecules, larger atomic
assemblies and to solid state
devices
2. Demonstrated an ability to relate
semiconductor device
characteristics, processes and
macroscopic behaviour to quantum
and solid state device theory
3. Have obtained experience in the
experimental and simulation
methodologies used in the
investigation and analysis of
atomic and solid state phenomena.
Syllabus Content:
This syllabus is designed to inter-relate
the following areas: quantum
mechanics; the energy level structure
of atoms, molecules and solids; and
semiconductor device physics. The
point of departure is Schrodinger’s
equation and its application to
idealised one-dimensional systems.
The course material then progresses to
deal with more complex systems
culminating in quantitative treatments
of metals and semiconductor crystals.
It concludes with a treatment of
magnetic properties of materials and
quantum magnetic phenomena.
1. Quantum Physics of Atoms
and Molecules
1.1 Quantum theory of the
hydrogen atom
1.2 Zeeman splitting, the SternGerlach experiment,
electron spin
1.3 The harmonic oscillator;
molecular rotations and
vibrations
1.4 Barrier tunneling
2. Electrons in Metals
2.1 Free electron energy band:
the Schrodinger solution
2.2 Fermi-Dirac distribution
function and density of
states
2.3 Application to specific
heats and electrical
conduction
2.4 Bragg reflection of electron
waves
2.5 Thermionic and field
emission, contact potentials
3. Band Structure of the Solid State
3.1 Bloch’s theorem; periodic
potential
3.2 The Kronig-Penney model;
E-k relation for a free
particle
3.3 Tight-binding
approximation and band
theory
3.4 Brillouin zone
representation
3.5 Band structure of metals,
insulators and
semiconductors
4. Magnetism
4.1 Diamagnetism
4.2 Atomic magnetic
moments: paramagnetism
and magnetic resonance
4.3 Exchange interactions,
ferromagnetism
4.4 The magnetisation curve:
hysteresis
Practical Programme:
Experiments: Electron diffraction,
Normal Zeeman Effect, Carrier
mobility, Temperature variation of
conductivity, Bragg diffraction,
Magnetic resonance measurements.
Simulations: Schrodinger’s equation,
Fermi function and Fermi-Dirac
statistics, BJT device simulations.
Representative tools: CUPS
Simulation Software
Reading List:
Recommended Texts:
1. Understanding Solid State Physics,
Holgate, Taylor and Francis, 2005.
2. Essential Solid State Physics, R. J.
Cole, Wiley, 2006.
3. Understanding Solids, R. J. Tilley,
Wiley, 2004.
4. Introduction to Solid State Physics,
C. Kittel, 8th Ed., Wiley, 2004.
Recommended Journals and
Websites:
1. Physics World.
2. Physics Today.
3. Materials Research Bulletin.
4. American Journal of Physics.
5. European Journal of Physics.
6. http://www.aip.org
7. http://www.sfu.ea/semcai/quantum/
quantum_primer.html
8. http://www.aapt.org
9. http://www.buffalo.com
10. http://www.silvaco.com
Assessment Methods:
Practical Continuous Assessment
(30%): marks derived from
attendance, performance and written
reports/presentations and simulation
assignment (LO 3)
Final Examination (70%): 2-hr written
examination. (LOs 1, 2)
Assessment Criteria:
Below 40%: Inability to understand
the basic concepts encountered in this
module
40-49%: Ability to grasp the
fundamental concepts of atomic,
quantum and solid state device physics
50-59%: Ability to understand and
explain the fundamental concepts of
atomic, quantum and solid state device
physics and demonstrate some
problem-solving skills
60 -69%: All the above, and in
addition, apply problem-solving
techniques to advanced problems.
70%+: All previous to an excellent
level. Demonstrates an ability to put a
solution into the context of the course
material and assess whether such
solutions are meaningful.
General Syllabus Information
Last Revised
17/5/10
Allocated Time (hours/week)
Theory
Practical
Tutorial
2
1.5
0.5
Total
4
Allocated Time (hours/semester)
48
Contact Hours
Independent Learning
87
Total
Allocated Marks
Continuous (written)
Continuous(practical)
Final Examination
Total
Credits & Exams
Credit level
135
0
30
70
100
7
Number of credits
5
Number of final exams
1
Exam Duration (hrs)
2