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
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.
