PHYS3531 Condensed Matter Physics (2011/12)

Details of the module's prerequisites, learning outcomes, assessment and contact hours are given in the official module description in the Faculty Handbook - follow the link above.  A detailed description of the module's content, together with book lists, is given below.  For an explanation of the library's categorisation system see http://www.dur.ac.uk/physics/students/library/.

Content

Semiconductors

Dr S. Brand

12 lectures + 3 examples classes in Michaelmas Term

Syllabus: sp³ bonding model. 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. 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

Additional: Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel (Wiley)
Additional: Semiconductor Physics and Devices, D. A. Neaman (McGraw-Hill)
Additional: Semiconductor Physics: An Introduction, K. Seeger (Springer)
Additional: Physical Properties of Semiconductors, C.M. Wolfe, N. Holonyak and G.E. Stillman (Prentice Hall),
Additional: Physics of Semiconductor Devices, S.M. Sze (Wiley)
Additional: Essentials of Semiconductor Physics, W.T. Wenckebach (Wiley)

Dielectrics

Dr S. Brand

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:

Additional: Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel (Wiley)
Additional: Solid State Physics, J.S. Blakemore (CUP)

Magnetic Properties

Dr I. Terry

12 lectures + 3 examples classes in Epiphany Term

Syllabus: Diamagnetism, Paramagnetism: Curie's Law, Brillouin function. Mean field theory: ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Curie-Weiss Law, Néel temperature. Magnetic excitations: ferromagnetic magnons. Bloch T3/2 law. Bulk magnetic properties; hysteretic magnetisation curves, domain walls, magnetic anisotropy, demagnetisation energy, magnetostriction. Magnetic order and exchange interaction: Heisenberg Hamiltonian and direct exchange, superexchange, indirect exchange, RKKY interaction. Superconducting critical temperature and field, Type I/Type II superconductors, the intermediate and vortex states.

Textbooks: 

Additional: Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel (Wiley)
Additional: Introduction to Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, D. Jiles (Chapman & Hall)
Additional: Solid State Magnetism, J. Crangle (Arnold)
Additional: Superconductivity, W. Buckel (CUP)
Additional: Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, J. Jakubovics (Institute of Metals)
Additional: Modern Magnetic Materials R.S. O'Handley (Wiley)  

Organic Electronics

Dr F.M.B. Dias

Syllubus: Physical properties of organic semiconductive materials. Thin film deposition techniques for organics. PLED and OLED displays. Active matrix AMOLED displays. Phosphorescent OLEDS. Organic photovoltaic materials and devices. Organic transistors. Ink jet printing of circuits. Processing to obtain high mobility. E-paper. Flexible displays and future technology.

Textbooks:

Additional: Introduction to Molecular Electronics, M.C. Petty, M.R. Bryce and D. Bloor (Arnold)
Additional: Electrical Properties of Polymers, A. Bluthe and D. Bloor (Cambridge)

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/