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Solid State Physics

Code: 100175
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Physics OP 4

Contact lecturer

Name :
F. Xavier Alvarez Calafell
Email :
xavier.alvarez@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Aitor Lopeandia Fernandez

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

It is highly recommended to have basic notions of Quantum Physics and Thermodynamics.

Objectives

This course deals with the study of some fundamental properties of the solid materials.

The interaction of two particles or one particle in an external potential is usually studied. In the real world there are almost never two particles, it is much more complex, there are many particles (on the order of Avogadro's number). But most of the things we handle are solid: mechanical tools, motors, radio, TV, mobile, etc.
Although in principle, it would be enough to study these properties from the wave function solution of eq. Schrödinger, due to the high number of particles it is impossible and it is necessary to make approximations.

Solid State Physics is a very extensive subject, impossible to deal with in a subject of 6 credits, therefore, only the most basic properties of crystalline solids will be studied. They are fundamental for later studies or in many branches of research.

 

Learning outcomes

  1. Communicate complex information in an effective, clear and concise manner, either orally, in writing or through ICTs, in front of both specialist and general publics.
  2. Use critical reasoning, show analytical skills, correctly use technical language and develop logical arguments
  3. Work independently, take initiative itself, be able to organize to achieve results and to plan and execute a project.
  4. Working in groups, assume shared responsibilities and interact professionally and constructively with others, showing absolute respect for their rights.
  5. Identify and understand the general properties of a crystal.
  6. Describe Schrödinger's equation for a crystal.
  7. Simplify and solve the approximate equations of a crystal.
  8. Use approximations to calculate the energy of electrons.
  9. Solve equations that describe ion vibrations.
  10. Apply the techniques studied in other disciplines such as crystallography and electron devices.
  11. Distinguish quasicrystal glass on the basis of its properties.
  12. Define useful approaches for studying superconductivity.
  13. Describe the approaches needed to solve Schrödinger's equation for a crystalline solid.
  14. Predict electron dynamics from a semiclassical model.
  15. Identify situations in which a change or improvement is needed.

Contents

Topic 1: Crystal Lattices




  • Crystal structure and classification




  • Direct lattices and unit cells




  • Reciprocal lattices and their relation to the direct lattice




Topic 2: Diffraction




  • Principles of wave diffraction in crystal lattices




  • Bragg’s conditions and X-ray diffraction




  • Interpretation of diffraction patterns




Topic 3: Cohesion




  • Forces holding atoms together in a crystal




  • Noble gas crystals and ionic crystals




  • Cohesive energy and stability of crystal structures




Topic 4: Phonons. Classical Theory




  • Vibrations in crystals and normal modes




  • Phonons as quanta of crystal vibrations




  • Classical theory of the harmonic oscillator




Topic 5: Phonons. Quantum Theory and Thermal Properties




  • Quantum treatment of phonons




  • Heat capacity and thermal conduction in crystals




  • Bose-Einstein distribution and phonon statistics




Topic 6: Free Electrons. Drude and Sommerfeld Models




  • Drude’s classical model for electrons in metals




  • Introduction to Sommerfeld’s quantum theory




  • Free electron Fermi gas and electrical properties




Topic 7: Electrons in Periodic Potentials. Bloch Functions and Energy Bands




  • Periodic potential and Schrödinger equation solutions




  • Bloch functions and basic concepts of band theory




  • Origin of allowed and forbidden bands




Topic 8: Semiconductors




  • Band structure in semiconductors




  • Charge carriers: electrons and holes




  • Basic electrical and optoelectronic properties




Topic 9: Superconductors




  • Main characteristics of superconductors




  • Superconducting phase transition




  • Basic models of superconductivity (overview only)



Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
survey of the subject 0.25 0.01 2, 15
Individual or group work 86 3.44 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Problem sessions 16 0.64 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14
Theoretical sessions 32.75 1.31 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

In the theoretical sessions, the basic lines will be explained so that the student can work the subject in an efficient way, either individually or in groups.

 In the problem classes, the difficulties encountered by the students when solving the exercises proposed will be solved.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Moodle short tests 30% 10 0.4 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
First part test 35% 2.5 0.1 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Second part test 35% 2.5 0.1 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Continuous Assessment

  • First partial exam covering the content studied up to that point: 35% of the final grade.

  • Submission of practical assignments and Moodle quizzes related to the course material: 30% of the final grade.

  • Second partial exam covering all the content of the course related to the topics in the second half of the term: 35% of the final grade.

To be able to average and compute all activities, the student must obtain a minimum grade of 3.0 in each of the evaluable parts.

Furthermore, to pass the course, the weighted average of the three activities must be at least 5.0.

The recovery exam will consist of two parts, corresponding to each of the partial exams taken. The student will only have to retake the part in which they obtained less than a 3.0. The submission of practical assignments and Moodle quizzes is not recoverable.

Students who have not participated in any of the partial exams, recovery exams, or the submission of practical assignments and quizzes will receive a final grade of \"Not Evaluable.\"

There will be no grade improvement exam for students who have already passed the course.

Single Assessment

Students who have opted for the single assessment modality must take a final exam consisting of:

  • First partial exam covering the content studied up to that point: 35% of the final grade.

  • Second partial exam covering all the content of the course related to the topics in the second half of the term: 35% of the final grade.

  • Submission of practical assignments and Moodle quizzes completed during the course (30% of the final grade).

These exams will take place on the same day, time, and place as the second partial exams of the continuous assessment modality.

To be able to average, the student must obtain at least a 3.0 in each part, and to pass the course, the weighted average of the three activities must be at least 5.0 out of 10.

If the final grade does not reach 5, the student will have another opportunity to pass the course through a recovery exam, which will be held on the date set by the degree coordination. In this exam, it will be possible to recover 70% of the grade corresponding to the partial exams. The part corresponding to practical assignments and quizzes is not recoverable.

Bibliography

Basic

Theory

  1. N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin, Solid State Physics. (Saunders Collegue, 1976)  ISBN 0-03-083993-9 (Collegue Edition), 0-03-049346-3 (International Edition
  2. C. Kittel, Introducción a la Física del Estado Sólido. (Reverté, 3a. edición,  1998). ISBN 84-291-4317-3
  3. J. Maza, J. Mosqueira y J.A. Veira, Física del estado sólido, (Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 2008; Manuais Universitarios, n. 8). ISBN 978-84-9750-906-0
  4. J.M. Ziman, Principios de la Teoría de Sólidos. (Selecciones Científicas, 1969)

 

Problems

  1. H.J. Goldsmid, Problemas de Física del Estado Sólido (Reverté, 1975). ISBN 84-291-4037-9
  2. L. Mihaly and M.C. Martin, Solid State Physics (Jonh Wiley & Sons, Inc.,1996). ISBN 0-471-15287-0
  3. J. Piqueras y J.M. Rojo, Problemas de Introducción a la Física del Estado Sólido (Alhambra, 1980). ISBN 84-205-0670-2

 

Avanced

J. Callaway, Quantum Theory of the Solid State. (Academic Press, Inc. 2on edition, 1991). ISBN 0-12-155203-9

Software

No special program is used.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 Catalan first semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 Catalan first semester morning-mixed