PHY3305 Solid State Physics I (IS)

2011-2012

Code: PHY3305
Level: 3
Title: Solid State Physics I (IS)
Instructors: Dr A.P. Hibbins
CATS Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credit Value: 5
Pre-requisites: Physics of Crystals (PHY2009) (50% minimum mark)
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: T1:01-11
Availability: Programme F304 only
Background Assumed: -
Directed Study Time: Not applicable
Private Study Time: 100 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: -
Observation report: N/A

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

• 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;

Discipline Specific Skills

• apply thermodynamics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to the sold-state;

Personal and Key Skills

• problem solving.

Learning / 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 Free-electron model
   1. Free-electron Fermi gas
   2. Energy dispersion in k-space and the Brillouin zone
   3. Density of states
   4. Electron-distribution function; Fermi level
2. Nearly-Free-Electron Model
   1. Effect of crystal potential on the free-electron picture
   2. Bloch electron
   3. Reduced and extended zones
   4. Effective mass
   5. Origin of energy-band gaps
   6. Holes
3. Band Picture for Classification of Solids
   1. Band picture for insulators, semiconductors and metals
   2. Fermi surfaces in metals
4. 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
5. Elementary Optical Properties of Semiconductors
   1. Fundamental absorption; direct and indirect transitions; absorption coefficient; recombination
6. Transport Properties of Solids
   1. Drift and diffusion in semiconductors; the Einstein relation
   2. Phonon distribution function and density of states
   3. Thermal conduction in semiconductors and insulators
   4. Electrical and thermal conduction in metals
   5. The Wiedemann-Franz law

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.