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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Core Physics 303 |
| Unit code |
PHYS30030 |
| Credit points |
30 |
| Level of study |
H/6
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Hayden |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
120 credit points of physics units at level I in Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, joint honours Mathematics and Physics or Physics and Philosophy, or Chemical Physics programmes. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department |
School of Physics |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Science |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit comprises the balance of material essential mainly for a Masters degree in a Physics or Physics-related programme consisting of matter in the condensed date including crystalline structures and free-electron theory, materials, semiconductors and magnets, the operator formalism of Quantum Mechanics, Dirac notation, perturbation theory. Comprises PHYS32011 Quantum Physics 301 and PHYS30021 Solid State Physics 302.
Aims:
- To understand the concept of reciprocal lattice and the behaviour of electrons in a crystalline solid including the classification of solids, their electronic properties and how to measure and calculate them.
- To introduce the electronic structure and physical properties of a semiconductor. To reveal how p-n junctions, semiconductor lasers and LEDs work.
- To present simple qualitative models to relate the behaviour of electrons in a crystal to magnetism.
- To introduce the operator formalism in quantum mechanics, Dirac notation, perturbation theory.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the importance of the reciprocal lattice and relevance to diffraction. Be able to calculate and explain band structure related properties in crystalline systems and construct simple Fermi surfaces from given electron density or electronic bands.
- Understand how to describe the motion of an electron in a band.
- Able to describe the electronic structure and physical properties of a semiconductor.
- Able to distinguish between diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism, and to understand what gives rise to these phenomena in
metals.
- Understand and use the operator formalism or quantum mechanics to solve the harmonic oscillator. Have a basic knowledge of the foundations of quantum mechanics and the importance of operators and state vectors. Able to apply first and second order perturbation theory to a number of simple models. Able to use time-dependent perturbation theory in simple cases and calculate the transition probability for simple potentials.
Teaching Information
Lectures and Problems classes
Assessment Information
Written examinations comprising 1 3-hour paper in Solid State Physics and 1 2-hour paper in Quantum Mechanics. Attendance at problems classes may contribute to the award of credit points.
Reading and References
Kittel Introduction to Solid State Physics Rae Quantum Mechanics
Ibach and Luth Solid State Physics Mandl Quantum Mechanics
Matthews Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
