Condensed Matter Physics

Code:

FIS3020

Acronym:

FIS3020

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2023/2024 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Engineering Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:EF	90	study plan from 2021/22	3	-	6	48	162
L:F	50	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162
L:MA	1	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To aquire kowledge of the fundamental paradigms of condensed matter physics, in particular with regard to the crystalline state. To integrate these paradigms with knowledge of Quantum Mechanics and Thermal Physics. To familiarize oneself with some of the fundamental techniques for material characterization. To understand the metallic state, its thermodynamic properties and transport. To introduce the physical basis of semiconductors and their applications.

Learning outcomes and competences

To have the the ability to derive some of the basic results of the models studied and of finding  answers to relatively elementary extensions of the models, demonstrating understanding of the basic principles and their relationships.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Knowledge of Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism.

Program

Note: A&M = Ashcroft and Mermin. Example of a model in condensed matter: the Drude model and the transport and optical properties of metals.[A&M Chap. 1] The Sommerfeld model and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Fermi level and Fermi wavevector. Concept of density of states. Density of states in 3D, 2D and 1D. Specific heat and Pauli susceptibility of a gas of electrons.[A&M Chap. 2,3] Elastic scattering of radiation and structure. Short and long range order. Diffraction of radiation by crystals. Reciprocal lattice, the Bragg condition, crystal planes and Miller indices. Experimental geometries of diffraction [A&M Chap. 4-6] Electrons in a periodic lattice. Bloch's theorem. Concept of Brillouin Zone. Quasi-free electron bands. Degeneracies and opening gaps. Tight -binding models: relationship with LCAO methods. Wannier states and tight-binding parameterization of bands. Examples of bands: bands of aluminum; bands of Si and Ge; bands of graphene.[A&M Chaps. 8 -10] Semi-classical motion in bands. The insulator of bands (or Wilson). Semi-classical motion in external fields. Electrons, holes and Hall effect.[A& M Chaps. 12 e 13]  The harmonic lattice; Einstein Model and specific heat. Normal modes, phonons and quantification. Debye model, the phonon density of states and specific heat of the harmonic lattice.[A&M Chaps. 22 e 23]

Mandatory literature

Marder Michael P. 1960-; Condensed matter physics. ISBN: 0-471-17779-2
Ashcroft Neil W.; Solid state physics. ISBN: 9780030839931

Complementary Bibliography

Ziman J. M.; Principles of the theory of solids. ISBN: 0-521-08382-6
Singleton John; Band theory and electronic properties of solids. ISBN: 0-19-850644-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Before each theoretical class, the student must read the chapters of the recommended bibliography, previously assigned by the teacher. Theoretical classes will be essentially discussion of concepts, formal development and discussion of results.

The problem classes will be preceded by the preparation of the problems at home, previously published in the week before the corresponding TP class. The TP class will be divided into groups of 4 elements, who will solve proposed problems during a determined time, followed by the presentation and discussion of the resolution of these problems by groups indicated by the teacher.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	113,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Accordingly to the Assessment Rules of FCUP

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam mark.

Classification improvement

Exam

Observations

Jury: J. Agostinho Moreira, J. Pedro Araújo e Eduardo Castro