PHY3305 Solid State Physics I (IS)

2007-2008

Code: PHY3305
Title: Solid State Physics I (IS)
Instructors: Dr A.P. Hibbins
CATS credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: Programme F304 only
Level: 3
Pre-requisites: Physics of Crystals (PHY2009) (50% minimum mark)
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: -
Duration: Semester I
Directed Study Time: Not applicable
Private Study Time: 100 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: -
Observation report: awaiting notification

Aims

This module is an Independent Study version of PHY3102. It is taken by students remote from Exeter, e.g. at Stage 3 of F304, who are therefore unable to attend traditional lectures and tutorials.

This module is designed to be a starting point for consideration of solid state physics for some students but also to provide an overview for those who will not proceed further. As such it fits into a series of core modules PHY1003 (Properties of Matter), PHY2009 (Physics of Crystals), PHY3102 (Solid State I) and PHYM401 (Solid State II). Solid state physics is not only important from a technological point of view but also as the physical realisation of much fundamental physics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Module Specific Skills

After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• explain qualitatively band theory;
• compare the strengths and weakness of free electron and nearly free electron theories;
• state Bloch Theorem;
• draw E-k diagrams;
• describe the concepts of Brillouin zone, Density of States, Fermi energy, effective mass and holes;
• describe the basic optical transitions in semiconductors;
• describe an acceptor and donor;
• distinguish between extrinsic and intrinsic properties of semiconductors;
• define drift, diffusion and thermal conduction and the relations between them for metals, semiconductors and degenerate semiconductors;
• distinguish an insulator, semiconductor and metal;
• explain how to construct a Fermi surface.

Discipline Specific Skills

• Knowledge of the application of physical laws to solid-state matter.

Personal and Key Skills

• Students are required to meet deadlines for completion of problems sheets and must therefore develop appropriate time-management strategies.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Independent study, problem sheets.

Assignments

Problem sheets for completion by specified deadlines.

Assessment

One 90-minute examination (100%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. Review of Brillouin zones
2. Free-electron model
   1. Free-electron Fermi gas
   2. Energy dispersion in k-space
   3. Reduced and extended zones
   4. Effective mass
   5. Density of states
   6. Electron-distribution function; phonon distribution function; Fermi level
3. Nearly-Free-Electron Model
   1. Effect of crystal potential on the free-electron picture
   2. Bloch electron
   3. Origin of energy-band gaps
   4. Holes
4. Band Picture for Classification of Solids
   1. Formation of energy bands in solids
   2. Band picture for insulators, semiconductors and metals
5. Fermi surfaces
   1. Fermi surfaces in metals
   2. Harrison's construction of the Fermi sphere
6. Elementary Optical Properties of Semiconductors
   1. Fundamental absorption; direct and indirect transitions; absorption coefficient; recombination
7. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors
   1. Donor and acceptor levels in semiconductors; ionization energy of a donor electron, and the Bohr radius
   2. Free-charge-carrier concentration and the Fermi level at different temperatures
   3. The significance of the Fermi level; band structure of a p-n junction
8. Transport Properties of Semiconductors and Metals
   1. Drift and diffusion of charge carriers; the Einstein relation
   2. Thermal conduction by electrons and phonons; relation between electrical and thermal conductivity (Wiedemann-Franz law)
   3. Comparison of transport properties of semiconductors and metals; degenerate semiconductors

Core Text

Kittel C. , Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley (UL: 530.41 KIT)

Supplementary Text(s)

Burns G. (1985), Solid State Physics, Academic Press, ISBN 0-12-146070-3 (UL: 530.41 BUR)
Hook J.R. and Hall H.E. (1991), Solid State Physics (2^nd edition), Wiley, ISBN 0-471-928054 (UL: 530.41 HOO)

Formative Mechanisms

Answers to problems sheets will be marked and returned.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the marked problems, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.