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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 Autumn 2025 Start 25 Aug 2025 programme students

Course location

AlbaNova

Duration
25 Aug 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
Periods
P1 (7.5 hp)
Pace of study

50%

Application code

51027

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
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Schedule
Schedule is not published

Contact

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

Course syllabus as PDF

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

Course syllabus SK2758 (Autumn 2025–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SK2758 (Autumn 2025–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course introduces k-space (wave vector space) and the reciprocal lattice and its applications, which are central concepts for further studies in solid-state physics. In addition, the course provides an overview of different models for describing the physical properties of solid materials.

The following subject content is included in the course:

  • Classification of solid materials, atomic bonding
  • Crystalline materials, lattice vectors, unit cells
  • Reciprocal space, Brillouin zones 2025-04-09
  • X-ray diffraction, Bragg's law, von Laue equations
  • Semiconductors, metals, insulators
  • Glitter vibrations, phonons, heat capacity, thermal conduction in semiconductors and insulators
  • The free electron model, electrical and thermal conduction in metals, the Hall effect
  • Band structure, Bloch wave functions, introduction to band structure calculations

Intended learning outcomes

After passing the course, students should be able to:

  • Describe and classify materials based on their crystal structure and atomic arrangement.
  • Apply the theory of X-ray scattering in reciprocal space (k-space) to determine the lattice structure of crystalline materials and utilize these principles for waves in periodic materials.
  • Describe the various physical mechanisms of crystal bonding by identifying repulsive and attractive interactions linked to atomic properties.
  • Formulate and use basic models for lattice vibrations (phonons) to make calculations and relate these models to experimentally measured properties of materials.
  • Formulate the properties of electrons in a periodic potential and develop a qualitative understanding of the band structure with simple band structure calculations.

Explain the physical principles of different types of electrical and optical phenomena in solid materials and relate this to macroscopically measurable quantities.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Completed course SI1155 Theoretical physics or SH1012 Modern physics.

English B / English 6

Literature

You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

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.

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

Supplementary information

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