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Solid State Physics: Course Outline

Solid-state physics is the study of rigid matter, or solids, through methods such as quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetism, and metallurgy. It is the largest branch of condensed matter physics.

Course Outline

  • Periodic arrays of atoms.
  • Fundamental types of lattices.
  • Index system for crystal planes.
  • Simple crystal structures.
  • Direct imaging of atomic structure.
  • Non-ideal crystal structures.
  • Diffraction of waves by crystals.
  • Scattered wave amplitude.
  • Brillouin zones.
  • Fourier analysis of the basis.
  • Quasi crystals.
  • Crystals of inert gases.
  • Ionic crystals.
  • Covalent crystals.
  • Metals.
  • Hydrogen bonds.
  • Analysis of elastic strains. 
  • Elastic compliance and stiffness constants.
  • Elastic waves in cubic crystals.
  • Vibrations of crystals with monatomic basis.
  • Two atoms per primitive basis.
  • Quantization of elastic waves.

Course Outline

  • Phonon momentum.
  • Inelastic scattering by phonons.
  • Phonon.
  • Heat capacity.
  • Anharmonic crystal interactions.
  • Thermal conductivity.
  • Electronic heat capacity.
  • Diffraction pattern, glasses.
  • Amorphous ferromagnets and semiconductors.
  • Low energy excitations in amorphous solids.
  • Fiber optics.
  • Lattice vacancies.
  • Diffusion.
  • Color centers.
  • Shear strength of single crystals.
  • Dislocations.
  • Strength of alloys.
  • Dislocations and crystal growth.
  • Hardness of materials.

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