Condensed Matter Physics 2

Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties" is designed for students interested in solid state physics.

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

The aim of this course is to show how the structural properties of translational invariance determine the properties of electrons in crystalline solids. From Bloch's theorem, the general characteristics of electron levels in solids (band structure, insulator/semiconductor/metal) are deduced. After the presentation of two models (almost free electrons and strong bonds), the EU specializes in semiconductors and the basic concepts needed to understand the physics of these key materials for information technology.

Teaching of quantum mechanics in the Bachelor's program and solid state physics (structural properties of condensed matter) in the Master's program.

Recommended prerequisites:

Introductory courses on quantum physics in crystalline solids.

Continuous control

- Reminder of crystal structure (direct Bravais lattice, reciprocal lattice, first Brillouin zone).

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

- Free electrons (restricted zone representation, density of states, Fermi surface).

- Almost free electrons: a qualitative study.

- Periodic potential: first-order study under perturbation (degeneracy of undisturbed energy, dispersion relation, energy discontinuities, equal-energy surfaces).

- Strong bond model.

- Semiconductors (chemical composition and band structure, effective mass, holes, impurities).