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IM2601 Solid State Physics 6.0 credits

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus IM2601 (Autumn 2009–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Classification of solid materials by atomic structure, microstructure, atomic binding and crystalline order. The direct and the reciprocal lattices. X-ray analysis and its use for determining the lattice structure of a material. Models for electron and lattice vibrations (phonons) in crystalline materials (particularly the free electron model, the Deby model and the Einstein model). Electrons in real materials, Brillouin zones, band structure, Fermi surfaces. The basic physical understanding of certain materials and material properties: metals, semiconductors, insulators, dielectrica, ferroelectrica, superconductivity, dia- para-, ferro- and antiferro-magnetism, optical properties. The pn-junction in semiconductors.

Intended learning outcomes

This is an introductory course in solid state physics and covers the most central concepts within the largest research area of modern physics. The course uses methods and principles from practically all previous courses within the Engineering Physics programme at KTH. After this course, the students are expected to be able to:

  • Classify real solid materials based on basic concepts like atomic arrangement, microstructure and crystal binding.
  • Use the lattice structure of crystalline materials both in real space and in reciprocal space (k-space) and be able to transform between these two spaces.
  • Apply the theory of X-ray diffraction in reciprocal space to determine the lattice structure of crystalline materials and be able to use these principles also for other matter waves.
  • Formulate basic models for electrons and lattice vibrations (phonons) for describing the physics of crystalline materials, make calculations based on these models and both quantitatively and qualitatively relate the found conclusions from the models to experimentally measured quantities of materials.
  • Formulate electron properties in a periodic potential, explain the factors affecting the band structure of a crystalline material and based on this develop a qualitative understanding of the relation between band structure and the electrical/optical properties of a material.
  • Calculate some physical parameters of semiconducting materials and explain the basic physical principles behind a pn-junction.
  • Explain the physical principles for different types of electric and magnetic phenomena in solid materials (like e.g. paraelectricity, dielectricity, ferroelectricity, superconductivity, paramagnetism, diamagnetism, ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism etc) and in relevant cases relate this to macroscopically measured physical quantities

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

120 university credits (hp) in engineering or natural sciences and documented proficiency in English corresponding to English A.

Recommended prerequisites

Basic university physics within thermodynamics, optics, electrical engineering, quantum physics and statistical physics.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

Charles Kittel, Introduction to solid state physics, 8th edition, John Wiley and Sons Inc. (2005), ISBN: 978-0-471-41526-8

Östen Rapp, 100 lösta problem i fasta tillståndets fysik, KTH (2007)

Laborationsinstruktioner från kursansvarig

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Written exam (TEN1), 4.5 hp and laborative work (LAB1), 1.5 hp

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Engineering Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

IM2602 Solid state physics, continuation course

Specialized courses within the field

Contact

Magnus Andersson

Supplementary information

The course is evaluated and developed according to the KTH policy for course analysis.

The course is replaced by SK2750 as from autumn term 2017.