8 ECTS Credits — Semester 1 — Major
Quantum solid state physics explores how solid materials behave at the quantum level, focusing on phenomena like superconductivity, quantum phase transitions, and topological insulators, which can only be understood through quantum mechanics. The term “solid state” denotes the study’s emphasis on solid materials, including metals, semiconductors, insulators, and superconductors, where properties are dictated by the behaviour of particles like electrons and atomic nuclei at the atomic and subatomic scale.
Quantum mechanics offers a theoretical framework for understanding matter and energy at this level, introducing concepts like wave-particle duality and quantum entanglement. These principles challenge classical intuition but are fundamental to grasping the behaviour of quantum systems. Quantum solid state physics, drawing from condensed matter physics, quantum mechanics, and materials science, finds applications in technology, driving the development of novel materials for electronics, optoelectronics, and energy storage.
Syllabus
Part 1
● Free electron Fermi gas
● Crystalline structure and diffraction
● Bloch theory of solids, energy bands
● Semiconductors
● Superconductivity
Part 2
● Magnetism and a introduction to spintronics
● Magnetism in low dimensions
● Applications of magnetic materials
Suggested bibliography
- C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, J. Wiley and sons
- N. W. Ashcroft and D. M. Mermin, Solid State Physics, Brooks & Cole
- H. Alloul, Physics of Electrons in Solids, Springer
- M. T. Dove, Structure and Dynamics, O.U.P.
- J. Singleton, Band theory and electronic properties of solids, O.U.P.
- S. J. Blundell, Magnetism in condensed matter, O.U.P.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites correspond to what is taught at the third year level of a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, and in particular to the following:
- Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics. Book: Quantum Mechanics, C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu, F. Laloë (vols. I and II), Ed. Wiley.
- Fundamentals of Statistical Physics. Book: Statistical Mechanics, K. Huang, Ed. Wiley. Concepts of Statistical Physics needed for this course can be learnt in parallel.