10.1.

23 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics

1. Course information
Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics

Course title: Introduction to Condensed Matter Course Code: Phys 4501

Credit hours: 3 hrs Contact hrs: 5 hrs (3hr lecture + 2hr tutorial)

Prerequisite(s): Electronics (Phys 3502) Prior-knowledge: quantum mechanics,

Academic Year: Semester: I Year : IV

College/Faculty/Institute: Offering Department: Physics

Program: Undergraduate Enrollment: Regular

Course Status: Compulsory

Instructor(s):

1.) Instructor(s): Address: Block No. ____Room No. _____

2.)Tutor: Address: Block No. ____Room No. _____

Others (if any):

2. Course description
a. Rationale
This course is an introduction to the physics of materials designed for upper level undergraduate
students in physics. The course will cover traditional solid state physics and will also include topics in

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soft condensed matter. Students should have a strong physics background with knowledge of
electromagnetism, thermal physics and quantum mechanics.

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic ideas that underline Condensed Matter
physics, with emphasis on the behaviour of electrons in crystalline structures, particularly in materials
that are metallic. Students will appreciate Condensed Matter physics as one branch of physics which
plays a fundamental role in the electronic industry.

b. Objectives of the course

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

· examine the behaviour of solid state systems and, through the application of physical
laws, make quantitative predictions of future behaviour based upon their properties,
· describe crystal structure of solids in terms of a space lattice + unit cell, and relate
structures in real space to those in reciprocal space,
· relate crystal structure and degree of ordering to atom binding and packing,
· explain the concepts of the reciprocal lattice and the Brillouin zone,
· describe Bloch’s theorem,
· familiar with linear combination of orbitals,
· discuss band structure and band gap of crystals,
· familiar with classical transport theory of electrons
· discuss classical Boltzmann equation with respect to motion of charge carriers,
· discuss the electrical, thermal and optical properties in terms of the free electron model,
· apply knowledge of how crystalline structures vibrate and the associated theories of heat
capacity,
· discuss the factors that control the electrical conductivity of metals,
· elaborate how the diffraction of X rays is related to the properties of the reciprocal
lattice.

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 c. Learning outcomes
· The students will be able to understand how different kinds of matter are described
mathematically and how material properties can be predicted based on microscopic structure.
· Students will learn the importance of different materials in a variety of applications and will be
able to explain how many technological devices function.
· The Students will become familiar with the language of condensed matter, specialized terms
and key theories, thus enabling them to read and understand research papers and produce
their own term paper on a relevant topic.

d. Introduction to Condensed matter physics: contents and sub contents

The course covers phenomena associated with the Condensed matter physics: Topics to be treated
include the classification of solids and crystal structure, X-ray diffraction, classification of crystals,
binding energy, and an introduction to their electronic, vibrational, thermal, optical, magnetic,
dielectric properties and the quantum mechanical description of electrons in crystals.

3. Instructional method and strategies

a. Teacher’s activities
Interactive lecture methods followed by discussion, problem solving, group work presentation
feedback etc. and guide students in their practical activities.
b. Students’ activities
Active involvement of learners is required at each phase. This is done through questioning and
answering, reflection, reporting, solving problems associated with the respective topics. The students
individually and in peer practice and learn every given activities for each topics. The learners also learn
more individually by constructing a simple Sundial (take-home practical).
4. Assessment strategies
Basically continuous assessment is practiced. However, the essence of continuous assessment is
implemented in a way that can address both assessment for learning and assessment of learning.

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Assessment for learning is practiced at each phase of teaching and learning process to improve student
progress to the desired level of interest through couching, questioning and answering, interviews
assignment for group work. On the other hand, assessment of learning is also administered framing on
the following parameters
Note: The continuous assessment method comprises of various modalities as follows;
· Group /individual assignment……………………………….……………………… 5 – 10%

· Quiz…………………………………………………………….................................... 5 - 10%

· Project work………………………………………………………………….……………… 5 – 10%

· Interview……………………………………………………………………………………… 0 – 5%

· Presentation….. ………………………………………………………….…..…………… 0 – 5%

· Class work …………………………………………………………………..……………….. 0 – 5%

· Mid exam………………………………………………………................................. 20 - 25%

· Final exam ………………………………………………….................................... 40 - 50%

All the aforementioned assessment modalities will conditionally be implemented. However, at least
two quizzes, two assignments, one mid exam and final exam are mandatory for the completion of the
course assessment.
5. Instructional resource and material
· Instructional models of crystals, animations to show crystal structures, packing fractions, ppt
etc.

6. Course Outline
1. Crystal Structure and X-ray Diffraction (7 hrs)
1.1. Lattice points and space lattice
1.2. Fundamental types of lattices
1.3. Index system for crystal planes
1.4. Classification of crystals

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 1.5. Crystal and reciprocal space
1.6. Brillion zone in one, two and three dimensions
1.7. X-ray diffraction
1.8. Structure factor and extinction rules
1.9. Liquid crystal

2. Binding Energy in Crystals (5 hrs)

2.1. Bonding in solids

2.2. Ionic bonding
2.3. Covalent bonding
2.4. Metallic bond
2.5. Properties of metallic crystals
2.6. Calculation of cohesive energy
3. Electronic Band Structures (7 hrs)
3.1. Plane waves, LCAO formulation of Bloch theorems
3.2. Periodicity and gap openings
3.3. Band structure methods
3.4. Density of states
3.5. K-point sampling
3.6. Thermodynamic properties of non-interacting Fermi systems
3.7. Graphene
4. Vibration in Molecules and Crystals (5 hrs)
4.1. Crystal vibration
4.2. Acoustic and optical modes
4.3. Thermodynamic properties
4.4. Long wave length limit and elasticity theory
5. The Free Electron Fermi Gas (5 hrs)
5.1. Energy levels in one dimension
5.2. Effect of temperature on the Fermi-Dirac distribution
5.3. Free electron gas in three dimensions
5.4. Heat capacity of the electron gas

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6. Dielectrics and Ferroelectrics (7 hrs)
6.1. Review of basic formulae
6.2. The microscopic concept of polarization
6.3. Langevins theory of polarization in polar dielectrics
6.4. Clausius-Mosotti relation
6.5. The static dielectric constant of solids and liquids (Elemental dielectrics, Polarization of ionic
crystals)
6.6. Ferroelectricity
6.7. Piezoelectricity

7. Magnetism (7 hrs)

7.1. Magnetic permeability

7.2. Magnetization
7.3. Diamagnetism
7.4. Para magnetism
7.5. Ferromagnetism
7.6. Quantum theory of paramagnetism and ferromagnetism
7.7. The domain model

8. Transport Theory (5 hrs)

8.1. Dynamics of electrons

8.2. Drude model of transport
8.3. Classical Boltzmann equation
8.4. Application to electrons and phonons
8.5. Quantum transport in nanostructures
7. Text and Reference Books
Text Book:

C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley, 9thedition, (June, 2018).

Recommended References

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1. M. Ali Omar, Elementary Solid state Physics: Principles and Applications, Addison Wesley, (1993).

2. S. O. Pillai, Solid State Physics, New Age Int. 6thed., (2008).

3. Ashcroft N.W. and Mermin N.D., Solid State Physics, Holt-Saunders, (1976).

4. Burns G., Solid State Physics, Academic Press, (1985).

5. Hook J.R. and Hall H.E., Solid State Physics 2nded.,, Wiley, (1991).

7. L. Mihly and M.C. Martin, Solid State Physics; Problems and Solutions, Wiley-VCH,(2009)

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