Course Introduction

This course is organized in a logical sequence to ensure the utilization of the basic concepts of solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, and the crystallography to elaborate their unique properties possessed by the solids. Some theoretical aspects which allow us to treat the complex behaviour of charge carriers in solids are discussed. Also included, some extended introductions to electronic band structure models as well as the motion of electrons in energy bands are dealt with simple phenomena encountered in solids. One of the most important phenomena involved in the response of charge carriers under the influence of external fields. Then, the properties of semiconductors will be discussed. Later on, after exploring the origin of magnetism, we put our focus towards the optical properties of solids. Finally, the theoretical and experimental concepts of superconductivity will be discussed in details.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Understand the relation between the electronic structure of crystalline solids and their dielectric, magnetic and superconducting properties.

Understand and use some standard models for calculations of polarization, magnetization and superconductivity in solids.

Suggested Books:

1. Charles Kittle. (2005). Introduction to Solid State Physics (8th Edition). Hoboken New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2. M. A. Wahab. (2017). Solid States Physics: structure and properties of materials (3rd Edition). Oxford: Alpha Science International.
3. N. G. Szwachi and T. Szwacka. (2016). Basic elements of crystallography (2nd revised Edition). Singapore: Pan Stanford Publishing Pte Ltd.
4. (1st Edition). Oxford: OUP.The Oxford Solid State BasicsSteven H. Simon. (2013).
5. J. S. Blakemroe. (2012). Solid State Physics (2nd Edition). Cambridge University Press. 

Assessment Criteria:

Sessional: 20 (Presentation/Assignment 05, Lecture activities/Attendance 05, Sessional Tests 10 Marks (Each sessional test will be conducted one week prior to Mid Term and Final Term Examination.)

Mid-Term Exam:  30

Final-Term Exam: 50

Course Contents

Solid state problem, free electron approximation, density of states, Fermi Dirac distribution, k-space, concept of Fermi energy and the Fermi surface, free electron description of Heat capacity, electrical conductivity of metals, Hall effect, Nearly free electron model, origin of the energy gap, , Bloch functions, Concept of hole, reduced, periodic & extended zone schemes, motion of electrons in a periodic potential, crystal momentum, effective mass, physical interpretation of the effective mass, Kronig-Penney model, Calculation of band structure, Tight-Binding method, Semiconductors, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, intrinsic carrier concentration, mobility, impurity conductivity donor states, acceptor states, thermal ionization of donors and acceptors,  simple description of pn-junction and rectification, Transistors, Semiconductors heterostructures and outline of solid state lasers, Optical properties of solids, Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism, Larmor Diamagnetism, Pauli Paramagnetism, Conduction electrons Diamagnetism, introduction to superconductivity.