OVERVIEW

The third year teaching in the degree course in Materials Science introduces to the basic knowledge of Physics of Solids. Particular importance is given to the ability to interpret the physical properties of solids with the help of appropriate simplifications and mathematical models identifying the validity limits of the model. The program provides an introduction to Crystal structure, electronic structure and vibrational states of Solids.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Intended learning outcomes are 

To Acquire basic knowledge of solid state physics in its experimental and theoretical aspects;

To develop a solid working methodology and an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Know how to apply the basic knowledge of classical physics, modern physics and chemistry to the introductory study of Physics of Solids 

To be familiar with the mathematical tools necessary to make models useful to describe the behaviour of crystalline solids and to understand its structural, vibrational and electronic properties.

Know how to integrate the knowledge and languages ​​of the various disciplines       

TEACHING METHODS

Classroom lessons with examples and applications. The course includes about 64 hours of lectures. Student's  participation is required in the discussion that highlights the characteristics of the various models used and their adequacy to interpret the properties of crystalline solids.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Real solid and perfect crystals. Simplification hypothesis and models.

Crystal structure: direct lattice and reciprocal lattice. Experimental Methods for Determining the Crystal Structures: Diffraction, Other Methods.

Study of lattice vibrational states. Simple models in 1D and 3D. Frequency dispersion and frequency density of states. Quantization of lattice vibrations: phonons. Bose Einstein's Statistics. Thermal properties of solids: specific heat vs temperature. Debye temperature and classic limit. Anharmonic crystal.

Experimental methods for determination of phononic dispersion relations.

Electronic property study. Free metal electron gas: Drude model, Sommerfeld model. Density of k states, energy density of states. Fermi Dirac's Statistics. Fermi Energy, Fermi temperature. Applications: Specific electronic heat. Periodic potential. Bloch waves and band structure in solids. Free electron model, nearly free electron model, tight binding. Band Structure of metal, insulating, semiconductor, and relation with electronic properties. xperimental methods for determining the band structure.

Complements: topics covered in support of basic knowledge upon request of the students.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

N. W. Ashcroft N. David Mermin   Solid State Physics

 C. Kittel Introduction to Solid State Physics

  H. P. Myers  Introductory  Solid State Physics

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVANA TERRENI (President)

LUCA VATTUONE

CORRADO BORAGNO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

september 2020

Class schedule

PHYSICS OF SOLIDS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

 The exam consists of an oral exam with two questions on the core concepts of the course, and the possibility to apply them to concrete situations. The talk time is about half an hour. If necessary, a third reserve question is made.

For students attending, the first subject is chosen by the student. The second topic is proposed by the examination board.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The purpose of the oral exam is to determine the degree to which the following learning outcomes are achieved: to know the basic aspects of solid state physics, ability to apply them, ability to use a specific language and appropriate mathematical tools.

The assessment takes into account all of these elements.

Exam schedule