PHYS3531 Condensed Matter Physics (2008/09)
Content
Semiconductors
12 lectures + 3 examples classes in Michaelmas Term
Syllabus: Physical properties which characterise semiconductor lattices, the reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones. Bloch's theorem, Bloch electrons. Periodic potential, nearly free electrons, band gaps, energy bands and reduced zone schemes, effective masses. Tight binding model. Intrinsic semiconductors, distribution of electrons and holes, Fermi function, effective density of states. Extrinsic semiconductors, doping, p- and n-type impurities, Fermi levels, carrier concentration in doped semiconductors, hydrogenic theory of shallow impurities. Electrical transport, carrier dynamics, electron and hole motion under electric fields, scattering mechanisms, Optical properties, interaction with photons, absorption, excitons. p-n junctions, depletion layers, electric fields, diffusion and drift, IV curves.
Textbooks:
One of the recommended texts for the Level 2 module Thermal and Condensed Matter Physics
Semiconductor Statistics, J.S. Blakemore (Pergamon), B
Introduction to the Quantum Theory of Semiconductors, M.M. Cohen (Gordon & Breach), B
Semiconductor Physics: An Introduction, K. Seeger (Springer), B
Physical Properties of Semiconductors, C.M. Wolfe, N. Holonyak and G.E. Stillman (Prentice Hall), B
Physics of Semiconductor Devices, S.M. Sze (Wiley), B
Essentials of Semiconductor Physics, W.T. Wenckebach (Wiley), B
Dielectrics
6 lectures + 1 examples class in Michaelmas Term
Syllabus: Frequency dependent dielectric properties of insulating materials: electronic, ionic and dipolar contributions. The Debye equations, local field effects. Piezoelectric, ferroelectric and pyroelectric materials and applications.
Textbooks:
Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel (Wiley), B
Solid State Physics, J.S. Blakemore (CUP), B
Magnetic Materials
12 lectures + 3 examples classes in Epiphany Term
Syllabus: Diamagnetism, Paramagnetism: Curie Law, Brillouin function. Mean field theory: ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Curie-Weiss Law, Neel temperature. Magnetic excitations: ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic magnons. Bloch T3/2 law. Bulk magnetic properties; hysteretic magnetisation curves, domain walls, magnetic anisotropy, demagnetisation energy, magnetostric-tion. Magnetic order and exchange interaction: Heisenberg Hamiltonian, direct exchange, superexchange, indirect exchange, RKKY interaction. Critical temperature and field, Type I/Type II superconductors, the intermediate and vortex states.
Textbooks: One of the recommended texts for the level 2 module Thermal and Condensed Matter Physics
Introduction to Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, D. Jiles (Chapman & Hall), B
Solid State Magnetism, J. Crangle (Arnold), B
Superconductivity, W. Buckel (CUP), B
Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, J. Jakubovics (Institute of Metals), B
Modern Magnetic Materials R. S. O'Handley, B
Organic Electronics
6 lectures + 1 examples class in Epiphany Term
Syllabus: Liquid crystals, electro-optic displays, conjugated polymers, organic light-emitting diodes, polymer light-emitting diodes, molecular switches and molecular wires, optical computing, photorefractive memory, data storage.
Textbooks:
Introduction to Molecular Electronics, M.C. Petty, M.R. Bryce and D. Bloor (Arnold). B
Electrical Properties of Polymers, A. Bluthe and D. Bloor (Cambridge). B
Revision
4 lectures in Easter Term, one by each lecturer.
Teaching methods
Lectures: 2 one-hour lectures per week.
Examples classes: These provide an opportunity to work through and digest the course material by attempting exercises and assignments assisted by direct interaction with the lecturers and demonstrators. Students will be divided into groups, each of which will attend one one-hour class every two weeks.
Problem exercises: http://www.dur.ac.uk/physics/students/problems/