Periodic Systems Course Syllabus, Winter 2016

This paradigm introduces the fundamental vibrational states of classical periodic systems, and the fundamental quantum states of periodic quantum systems. This knowledge forms the basis of the theory of solid state physics. Many of the systems we will study have relevance to photonic crystals, circuit theory and other engineering applications.

You should have taken PH211, 212, 213 and PH314, and the pre- and co-requisite math courses. If you have missed any of the preceding Paradigms, please see the instructor. In particular, we will build on concepts and mathematical techniques from

• PH421: Oscillations
• PH424: Waves
• PH425: Spins

Matt W. Graham

• Office hours: Mon 2-3pm, Wed 2-3pm

Teaching assistant:

• Office hours:

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 1 pm to 1.50 pm in 212 Weniger Hall
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12 pm to 1.50 pm in 212 Weniger Hall

Required texts:

• Main, Vibrations and Waves in Physics, 3rd Ed, Cambridge University Press, 1993.
• Taylor, Classical Mechanics, see Chpt 11.
• McIntyre, Quantum Mechanics: A Paradigms Approach, 1st Edition.
• Warren, Onlines Paradigms Text (will be linked off the main course page as needed under the reading column)

Other text books where the instructor finds useful information:

• Kittel, “Solid State Physics”, 8th Edition.
• Georgi, “The Physics of Waves”
• Marion J. B., and Thornton, Stephen B., Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems, 4th Ed., Saunders College Publishing, 1995. (also used for Oscillations, Central Forces, and Capstone in Classical Mechanics)
• Liboff, R., Introductory Quantum Mechanics 3/e, Addison Wesley, 1998. ISBN 0-201-87879-8 (also used for 1-D Waves, Quantum Measurements, Central Forces, and Capstone in Quantum Mechanics)

Homeworks are typically due at 5pm. Late homework will be graded, until solutions have been posted. A late penalty of 10% (min) to 30%(max) will applied each day at the discretion of the grader for homeworks late for one day of M-F "work week"

Collaboration on homework is encouraged, but write-ups must be completely and absolutely independent. This applies also to (and especially to) any computer-generated material. If you intend to use LaTeX, Maple or Mathematica as the means to present your solution, you must be VERY particular about your presentation. Well-presented solutions can be excellent, but if you don't take care, they can be impossible to decipher. Discuss with the instructor if you need guidance. If you turn in a solution that is too similar to someone else’s, all of us will discuss the matter, and you and the other party or parties will be asked to generate new, independent solutions.

Homework solutions from previous years are strictly off-limits. You are on your honor not to use them. Allow faculty to use their time interacting with you, rather than continually thinking up new assignments. Besides, if you don't do the work yourself, it will show up very clearly on exams.

See final exam schedule for exam time. The final will be given in Weniger 304 and 304F. You are allowed to bring a calculator and a cheat sheet. Aid sheet size = 8.5”x11”. Only write on one side of the cheat sheet. Write anything that you want. For example, any fundamental constants we have used in class, any equations we have used in class.

Homework 35%;

Journal Club Talk 15%;

Final 50%.