Introduction to condensed matter physics

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Matthieu Verstraete

Substitute(s)

Philippe Ghosez

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Introduction to Materials Science with application to insulators, semiconductors, and metals. It aims at understanding the behavior and physical properties of condensed matter, from the microscopic level to the macroscopic level.

Table of contents
0. Order and disorder in condensed matter. 1. Introduction to condensed matter composed of electrons and atoms 2. Lattice vibrations 3. Thermal properties. 4. Electronic structure of condensed matter. 5. Semiconductors

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The students will learn to use calculations from classical and quantum mechanics in the framework of condensed matter physics.
* Global then deductive reasoning * Simple modelling of complex and collective phenomena * Progressive addition of complexity in models to capture specific aspects of the Physics of the problem * Applications of the quantum mechanics and mathematics learned over the past 2.5 years of Baccalaureate, to concrete problems * Reciprocal links between phenomenology and microscopic explanations for the behaviors of materials * Understanding of the workings of common experimental techniques

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Mathematical analysis. Fourier transforms.
Basic physics.
Basic chemistry.
Quantum physics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Ex-cathedra classes and interactive problem sets and exercises

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Second term.

Recommended or required readings

Lecture notes.
Textbooks:

• N. ASHCROFT, N.D. MERMIN, Solid State Physics, Saunders College (1976)
• Ch KITTEL Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley (8th ed 2004)
• R. J. ELLIOTT, Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Wiley (1998)

Assessment methods and criteria

Written and oral exam in May-June and in August-September. The oral exam contains 3 sub questions: 1) on chapter 0 (symmetry) 2) on phonons and thermal properties, chapters 2+3 3) on electrons, semiconductors or phase transitions, chapters 4+5+6
Each question is prepared at the blackboard for 10-15 minutes then discussed by the candidate.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

No comments

Contacts

Prof. Matthieu Verstraete bureau 3/7 Physique B5a tél. : 04/366.9017 e-mail : matthieu.verstraete@ulg.ac.be
TA: Sébastien Lemal office 3/8 Physics building B5a email : slemal@student.ulg.ac.be

Items online