Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Solid State Physics
Code PHYS363
Coordinator Dr HR Sharma
Physics
H.R.Sharma@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

To develop concepts introduced in Year 1 and Year 2 modules which relate to solids; to consolidate concepts related to crystal structure; to introduce the concept of reciprocal space and diffraction; to enable the students to apply these concepts to the description of crystals,transport properties and the electronic structure of condensed matter; to illustrate the use of these concepts in scientific research in condensed matter; to introduce various other solids.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Familiarity with the crystalline nature of both perfect and real materials.

(LO2) An understanding of the fundamental principles of the properties of condensed matter.

(LO3) An appreciation of the relationship between the real space and the reciprocal space view of the properties of crystalline matter.

(LO4) An ability to describe the crystal structure and electronic structure of matter

(LO5) An awareness of current physics research in condensed matter.

(S1) An ability to describe the crystal structure and electronic structure of matter.


Syllabus

 

Reciprocal lattice Reciprocal lattice: definition and theorem, Reciprocal lattice of various crystal lattices Brillouin Zone in 1-3D Diffraction Laue diffraction conditions Ewald construction Atomic form factor Structure factor and diffraction extinction rules for various crystal structures, Diffraction experiments (X-ray/Neutron/Electron diffraction), Synchrotron radiation Band Structure Origin of energy bands (quantum mechanical approach), magnitude of band gap Band filling, Fermi surfaces Bloch Theorem Central equation Tight binding model Band structure of real lattice (metals, semiconductors, graphene) Determination of band by angle resolved photoemission DFT Other solids Non-crystalline materials Soft materials Alloys, quasicrystals, oxide, glasses.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lectures delivered online
Description: lectures available to entire cohort over the VLE
Teaching Method 2 - Workshop
Description: two problem-solving classes with guidance from staff and to receive feedback


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           2

16

18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Exam open book examination - completed online  90 minutes    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
open book coursework Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule: Semester 1.      40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.