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SK2758 Solid State Physics 7.5 credits

The course is given in period 1 of the autumn semester 2025

This is an introductory course to solid state physics, which is the single largest subject field within physics. The course introduces reciprocal space (also called k space) and its different applications, which is necessary knowledge for all further studies within the field. 

Information per course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Termin

Information for Spring 2025 Start 17 Mar 2025 programme students

Course location

AlbaNova

Duration
17 Mar 2025 - 2 Jun 2025
Periods
P4 (7.5 hp)
Pace of study

50%

Application code

61523

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Min: 25

Target group

CTFYS, Optional for the master's program in technical physics.

Planned modular schedule
[object Object]
Schedule
Schedule is not published

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted
Contact

Magnus Andersson (magnusan@kth.se)

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus SK2758 (Spring 2022–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SK2758 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course introduces k-space (wave vector space) and the reciprocal lattice with its applications, which are central concepts for further studies within solid state physics. In addition, the course gives an overview of different models to describe the properties of solid materials. The syllabus is as follows

  • Classification of solid material, atomic binding
  • Crystalline materials, lattice vectors, unit cells
  • Reciprocal space, Brillouin zones
  • X-ray diffraction, Bragg’s law, von Laue equations
  • Lattice vibrations, phonons, heat capacity
  • Free electron model, resistance in metals, Hall effect
  • Band structure, Bloch wave functions, introduction to band structure calculations
  • Semiconductors, metals, superconductivity and magnetism

Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to

  • describe and classify materials from their crystal structure and atomic arrangements
  • apply the theory for X-ray diffraction in reciprocal space (k-space) to determine the lattice structure of crystalline materials and also be able to use these principles for other waves in solid materials
  • describe the different physical mechanisms for crystal binding by identifying repelling and attractive interaction coupled to atomic properties
  • formulate basic models for lattice vibrations (phonons) and their influence on the physics of crystalline materials, make calculations based on these models and be able to relate the conclusions form the models to experimentally measured properties of materials
  • formulate electron properties in a periodic potential, explain factors that affects the band structure of a crystalline material, make a simple band structure calculation and based on this develop a qualitative understanding of the band structure of materials
  • explain the physical principles for different types of electric and magnetic phenomena in solid materials and relate this to macroscopically measurable quantities

with the aim of being able to handle the coupling between fundamental theoretical models and experimental results in solid state physics and having sufficient knowledge to continue with deeper studies within the field.

For higher grades, it is in addition required that the students should be able to apply the knowledge learnt in the course on for them completely unknown problems.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Completed course SI1155 Theoretical physics or SH1012 Modern physics.

English B / English 6

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

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
  • TEN2 - Written exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN3 - Unsupervised examination, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, 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.

The examination TEN2 corresponds subject-wise to the earlier examination TEN1 in the course.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

Yes

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

No information inserted

Contact

Magnus Andersson (magnusan@kth.se)

Supplementary information

The course is given in period 1 of the autumn semester 2025