This course aims to delve into the basic phenomena related to the physical properties of crystalline solids. It provides a basic theoretical preparation for understanding the Physics of Condensed Matter and its many practical applications.



It presupposes a good knowledge of Quantum Physics, Statistical Physics, practical notions of computation and having successfully completed the mandatory course Solid State Physics I.



Although it is not necessary to have taken the optional Quantum Mechanics and Structural Properties of Solids, they help in understanding some concepts taught in this course.

The following competences will be especially dealt with



- Being able to organise, plan and learn autonomously the fundamental concepts of Solid State Physics, based on the independent study of bibliography and the resolution of regularly assigned exercises.



- An ability to theoretically understand physical phenomena related to the fundamental properties of solids.



- An ability to interpret and correlate experimental data with basic theoretical models.



- Being able to carry out simple computational calculations on the phenomena and models studied, developing small computer programs in the MATHEMATICA language.



- An ability to understand and critically interpret the content of simple research articles related to the subject matter of the course.

0- Electronic bands in real crystals

Free electron bands and Fermi surfaces in two and three dimensions. Nearly-free electrons and pseudopotentials. Hybridation of orbitals and tight-binding method. Independent electrons and DFT.



1- Electron dynamics in crystals

Electron wave-packets.Semiclassical model and equations of motion. Motion under electrostaic fields.

Effective mass. Holes. Motion in a static magnetic field. Measuring the Fermi surface. The Haas-van

Alphen effect. Introduction to the quantum Hall effect.





2- Scattering

Introduction. Crystal momentum conservation. Neutron scattering: general aspects. Cross section. Elastic scattering (Bragg's law) and inelastic (one phonon processes). Optical probes: Brillouin and Raman scattering.



3- Anharmonic effects

Limitations of the harmonic approximation. Nearly-harmonic approximation and thermal expansion. The Gruneisen parameter. Thermal conductivity.



4- Magnetic properties

Interactions of solids with magnetic fields. Magnetic susceptibility. Larmor diamagnetism. Curie's law. Pauli paramagnetism. Electonic interactions and magnetic structure. Magnetic properties of two-electrons systems.Exchange interaction. Spin hamiltonian. Ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.



5.Defects and optical properties

Point defects. Color centers. Polarons and excitons. Optical spectroscopies. The Franck-Condon effect.

The textbook indicated in the bibliography (Ashcroft and Mermin) will be used from the first day of class and it is essential to be able to follow the course, so it is highly recommended that you have it before starting the course. Apart from that book, additional Moodle material will be distributed on each topic.



Textbook pages and additional material will be regularly assigned for study outside the classroom. At the beginning of each class, students will be able to speak up to express their doubts and comments, and the teacher will focus the class according to this, clarifying any difficult points and elaborating upon the material distributed in writing.



Examples of small codes written in MATHEMATICA will also be distributed to allow students to perform calculations and show results for various examples related to the course. Based on those codes, students may be assigned tasks relating to their modification or the design of new ones to allow results to be obtained for other examples.



Depending on the progress of the course, some classroom practice may also be evaluated, the result of which would be included in the ordinary evaluation.



VERY IMPORTANT: It is a course in which regular attendance to class is fundamental. In any case, only students who regularly attend classes will be able to submit papers throughout the course and attend evaluated classroom practicals.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 70
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 30

P = Average mark of the papers delivered through eGela and, if applicable, the written partial tests carried out during the term (“evaluated classroom practicals"). Papers not delivered within deadlines and classroom practicals which have not been undertaken will get a 0 mark.





WAIVERS: Failure to attend the final exam will result in a “deferral” (NO PRESENTADO) mark.



- Pursuant to the new UPV/EHU regulations, during the first nine weeks of the term, students can waive their class mark by notifying their teacher in writing. In that case, their mark will be solely based on the final exam, without taking into account any assignments delivered or classroom practicals evaluated. Students without a class mark may have to take additional tests during the final exam to demonstrate their competence in those aspects of the course evaluated in the class mark.

The mark will be solely based on the final exam.

-Textbook by Ashcroft y Mermin.

-The program "Mathematica". Students of the University of the Basque Country can download the program for free, following the directions in eGela.

Basic bibliography

* Ashcroft, N.W., Mermin, N.D. "Solid State Physics", Holt, Rhinehart & Winston 1976.

* Hook, J.R., Hall, H.E. "Solid State Physics", John Wiley 1991.

* Kittel, C., "Introducción a la Física del Estado Sólido", Reverté 1993.

In-depth bibliography

Please check eGela.

Journals

Research papers on related topics may be assigned for reading along the course. Students of the University of the Basque Country may download a VPN that gives electronic access to many scientific journals.

Web addresses

Please check eGela.