School of Engineering and Technology, (SET)

This course serves as an introduction to solid state physics with the emphasis on the electronic structure of solid elements. The aim of the course is to give an understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors. The course will also deal with the properties of different magnetic materials and give some insight of the industrial use of magnetic materials.

This course introduces engineers into the realms of solid state physics. Starting from free-electron theory to crystal structure classical condensed matter physics is explored into the Nano-domain.

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I.             The Free Electron Model
1.   Particle in 1, 2 and 3 dimensional potential wells
2.   Density of state
3.   Application of the free electron model in real systems
 
II.         Crystal Structure
1.   Lattice, basis and crystal structure
2.   The reciprocal lattice, the structure factor
3.   Experimental diffraction methods

III.      The Free Electron Model Revisited
1.   Plasmons
2.   Optical properties of free electron like metals
3.   The Hall Effect

IV.       Energy Bands
1.   Energy gaps
2.   The nearly free electron model
3.   The number of orbitals in a band
4.   Electrons and holes, effective masses

V.          Semiconductors
1.   Intrinsic semiconductors
2.   Band gaps
3.   Law of mass action
4.   Mobility of charge carriers
5.   Extrinsic semiconuctors
6.   The p-n junction

VI.       Magnetism
1.   Diamagnetism and paramagnetism
2.   Ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism
3.   Technical applications of magnetism
 

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1.     A compendium based on Introductory Solid State Physics by HP Myers, Cambridge University Press.
2.     Condensed Matter Physics, by Michael P. Marder, Wiley-Interscience (2000), ISBN-10: 0471177792
3.     Nanophysics and Nanotechnology: An Introduction to Modern Concepts in Nanoscience, by Edward L. Wolf, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2004, ISBN-13: 9783527404070
 

The final grade will be computed from mid-term exam (30%), final exam (50%), and assignments (20%). open-book examination is used for both mid-term and final exam.

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