Examiners: 9229 University Lecturer Henrik Johannesson, 2766 Professor Bengt Lundqvist
Condensed matter physics is the science concerned with the properties of matter in the liquid or solid state. A central issue is to explain the remarkable properties exhibited by metals, semiconductors and insulators, including electron structure, elementary excitations and transport processes. They can be understood in terms of simple models based on quantum mechanics and statistical physics, whereas more complex phenomena require advanced methods. This is the area of physics that most directly fuels advances in technology, from engines to computers, from medicine to space technology.
AIM OF SUBJECT
The course gives an introduction to central phenomena, concepts, and techniques in condensed matter physics. Of particular importance is the study of models for understanding generic properties of condensed matter. The focus of the course is on elementary theory of solids (electronic structure, phonons, transport) at the level of N. W. Ashcroft and N. D. Mermin: Solid State Physics. The aim is here to provide some working knowledge of basic physics and problem solving, including computer supported studies. Collective phenomena (including magnetism, superconductivity and superfluidity) are discussed, with the emphasis on description and conceptual understanding.
The course offers a number of guest lectures on topical issues in condensed matter (high-Tc superconductors, mesoscopic physics, clusters, surfaces, "soft matter"), reflecting on the progress in experiment and theory during the last 10-15 years.
The course also surveys some important applications of condensed matter physics in materials science and technology, experimental techniques, and theory development in other areas of physics.
CONTENT
Lectures dealing with: free-electron model of metals, successes and failures. Lattices and crystal structures. Independent electrons in a periodic potential, band structure, the Fermi surface,
transport in electric and magnetic fields. Electron correlations: Hartree-Fock and Fermi liquid theory. Density functional method. Cohesion. Beyond the static-lattice model, phonons. Dielectric properties of insulators and semiconductors. Crystal defects. Magnetic phenomena. Superconductivity. Superfluidity. Overview of current research.
LITERATURE
The textbook N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin: "Solid State Physics" (W.B. Saunders Company,
1976) will be used, supplemented with lecture notes and selected scientific articles. An extensive
collection of problems and a list of key tutorial questions are available.
EXAMINATION
Weekly homework assignments.
Final take-home exam.
Project on a timely topic requiring extensive use of scientific literature,
to be presented as a term paper /mini seminar.
* Quantum Mechanics
* Statistical Physics
* Computational Physics
* Advanced Experimental Physics