PHYS 604 - Solid-State Physics I

[3]

A survey of the physics of metallic, semi-conducting and insulating solids, with particular emphasis on the electronic and vibrational properties of crystals. This course can serve as the first part of a complete two-semester survey of the quantum theory of matter (with PHYS 704). A student wishing to obtain a broad overview of the theory and applications of condensed matter physics may take this course in conjunction with the complementary Physics of Materials course (PHYS 603). The first part of the course concerns the classical theory of the electronic and thermal behavior of metallic solids and the development of the quantum mechanical description of free-electron metals. The failure of the free-electron model leads a discussion of crystal structure, the reciprocal lattice and X-ray crystallography. The one-electron band theory of crystals is developed within the nearly free electron and tight-binding approximations and is applied to the theory of cohesion of simple and transition metals. The electronic properties and device applications of semi-conducting crystals are discussed. The course concludes with a review of the classical and quantum theory of lattice vibrations.
When Offered: (Fall)
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHYS 601 and PHYS 602.