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Outline:

'This module aims to lay a secure foundation for the understanding of the underlying principles of the structure of crystalline solids, determination of their structures, and to establish an understanding of the relationships between structure and thermal, mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties.

Aims:

• To show how the diverse properties (structural, electronic, magnetic) of solid materials can be related to interactions at the atomistic level, using theoretical models.
• To provide a sound foundation for the advanced condensed matter options in the third and fourth years.
• To show how the study of condensed matter plays a vital part both in other areas of physics and, more generally in science, technology and industry.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

After completing this module, students will be able to

• describe simple structures in terms of a lattice and unit cell, understand the concept of reciprocal space and its utility in the interpretation of diffraction data and more generally for understanding the propagation of waves in periodic media.
• understand the basic features of the coupled modes of oscillation of atoms in a crystal lattice using the one-dimensional chain as a model and relate crystal properties (specific heat, thermal conductivity) to the behaviour of these oscillations.
• appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the free electron model and explain the effect of the lattice on the behaviour of electrons in solids both from the point of view of the nearly-free electron model and the tight-binding model.
• explain the basic features of semiconductors and relate this to simple semiconductor devices starting with the PN junction.
• understand the origin and classification of the magnetism of solids (paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic)Ìý including the development of mean-field theories where appropriate.
• explain the basic thermodynamic properties of superconductors and form an appreciation of the components of the microscopic theory that explains their behaviour.

Teaching and Learning Methodology:

This module is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of workshops and additional discussion.

In addition to timetabled lecture and supplementary hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online.

Indicative Topics:

1. Crystal structures
2. Reciprocal space and diffraction
3. Lattice dynamics and phonons
4. Models of electrons in solids
5. Semiconductors
6. Magnetic properties of solids
7. Superconductors