phy502 - Solid State Physics (Course overview)

Experimental Physics I-IV, Quantum structure of Matter

The students gain comprehensive insights into solid state physics and associated phenomena. They learn how symmetry operations are interconnected with structural parameters of solids. From the chemical interaction between atoms, the binding properties and thermodynamic stability of solids are derived. The oscillatory motion of atoms in simple 1D chain models is extended towards the dynamic response of crystals, while a statistical analysis leads to the concept of heat capacity and heat conductance of solids. The quantum mechanical description of particles in a box is exploited to develop the model of free and quasi-free electrons as well as the band structure of solids. The students are made familiar with the economically relevant fields of semiconductor and low temperature physics as well as magnetism.