Condensed Matter Physics 2

The EU "Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties" is intended for students interested in solid-state physics.

Following on from the course unit "Condensed Matter Physics 1: Structural Properties," this course unit addresses the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic levels, and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.

The objective of this EU is to show how the structural properties of translation invariance determine the properties of electrons in crystalline solids. Bloch's theorem is used to deduce the general characteristics of electronic levels in solids (band structure, insulator/semiconductor/metal). After presenting two models (quasi-free electrons and strong bonding), the course focuses on semiconductors and the basic concepts needed to understand the physics of these materials, which are key to information technology.

Teaching quantum mechanics at the bachelor's level and solid-state physics (structural properties of condensed matter) at the master's level.

Recommended prerequisites:

Introductory lectures on quantum physics in crystalline solids.

Continuous assessment

· Reminders about crystal structure (direct Bravais lattice, reciprocal lattice, first Brillouin zone).

· Bloch states (translation operator, Bloch's theorem, Born-Von Karman boundary conditions, energy bands, Fermi level).

· Free electrons (representation in restricted zone, state density, Fermi surface).

· Almost free electrons: qualitative study.

· Periodic potential: first-order perturbation theory (degeneracy of unperturbed energy, dispersion relation, energy discontinuities, surfaces of equal energy).

· Strong ties model.

· Semiconductors (chemical composition and band structure, effective mass, hole, impurities).