Crystalline solids consist of a very large number of interacting entities and their physical properties, and these can be atoms, ions, electrons, spin etc. Studying this is essential to understand the properties of solids and thereby select anddesign materials for specific applications.The specific topics that will be covered are:

• crystal structure, reciprocal lattice
• diffraction of waves by crystals
• crystal binding
• phonons -crystal vibrations, phonons -thermal properties
• free electron model of metals, energy bands, semiconductors and Fermi-surfaces

The course will emphasize the k-space formalism and its application to understand diffraction of waves (e.g., X-rays, electrons) by crystals, the properties of phonons (cf. lattice vibrations),electronic band-structure and in the broader context of waves (e.g., electromagnetic waves and sound waves) in periodic media

After completing the course the student should be able to

• describe the structure and physical properties of crystalline solids
• formulate and apply the theory of crystalline solids
• calculate the structure, electronic, optical and thermal properties of technologically important crystalline materials

Introduction to Solid State Physics, Charles Kittel; Upplaga:  Förlag: John Wiley and Sons Inc. År: 2005ISBN: 0-471-68057-5

Lecture and tutorial materials, posted on the course page in Canvas.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

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

• TEN1 - Written examination, 5.0 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 examination ( TEN1 )

The written exam is set for a total of 24 units. It consists of Part I: descriptive/conceptual (total: 12 units) and Part II: derivations/Calculations (total: 12 units).

Only for students registered for course offerings prior to 2020, the bonus model is applicable. The bonus units are for two control exams held in the years prior to 2020.  

Grading scheme: MAX: 24

A >22-24; B >19-22; C >16-19; D >13-16; E 12-13; FX >10 < 12

Grading scheme with bonus model : MAX 24 (exam) + 4 (bonus from quizzes)

A >24-28; B >20-24; C>16-20; D >13-16; E 12-13; FX >10 < 12

Grade A-E on the written exam, 5.0 hp

Extra problems to solve and an oral exam

Yes

• 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.