Introduction to Solid State Physics (PH575) is a 3-credit introduction to the physics of condensed matter for graduate students in physics, chemistry and engineering areas in which materials science is important. Senior undergraduates in physics will also find the course accessible. Topics include the theoretical basis of the electronic structure of solids, viewed from the real-space perspective of the interactions between atoms; the free electron description and physical properties of electrically conducting materials; semiconductors; optical properties of materials; the origins of magnetism; lattice excitations (phonons), and nanoscience. The goal is to understand the concepts underlying modern condensed matter physics and to become familiar with some of the experimental and computational techniques available to test those concepts. A major project is the computation of the band structure of a real material using density functional theory.
PH451 or equivalent and PH427 are recommended.
Senior-undergraduate phyics or graduate level background in Quantum mechanics is assumed.
Exam and midterm topics may be discussed in lectures, assigned for homework, or for reading. An equation sheet compiled by the student, covering one side of an 8.5“ x 11” page, is permitted.
Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of PH575, students are expected to be able to:
Other standard texts:
Oline online texts:
Introduction to Semiconductors - Cambridge University DoITPoMS.
Optical Properties of Solids, esp chap 2 (M. Dresselhaus)
The library is a vital resource - use it! Alternative text books, ebooks, journals, and more are housed in the shelves or are available online if you use your oregonstate.edu account. The following texts may be useful:
There will be about 5-6 problem sets, due roughly every 1-2 weeks. Problems will include text-book type problems, and also reading assignments from the current literature. Check the web page for assignments and due dates. Assignments turned in after solutions are posted will earn less than full credit. Turn in partially completed assignments by the due date and the rest later for partial credit. Pay attention to your presentation - physical insight and clear explanations are as important than the mathematical manipulation. Clarity, logical structure, spelling, grammar, and neatness contribute to the overall assessment. Make your solutions a model that a student entering PH575 could work from.
Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not obtained approval, please contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098 or at http://ds.oregonstate.edu. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. Students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the implementation of individual accommodations, but this is not required.
Diversity Statement
The Department of Physics and the College of Science strive to create an affirming climate for all students including underrepresented and marginalized individuals and groups. Diversity encompasses differences in age, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, physical or mental ability, religion, socioeconomic background, veteran status, sexual orientation, and marginalized groups. We believe diversity is the synergy, connection, acceptance, and mutual learning fostered by the interaction of different human characteristics.”
See final exam schedule for exam time. 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.