Condensed Matter Physics 2

The EU course “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 covers the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic energy levels, and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.

The objective of this course unit is to show how the structural properties of translation invariance determine the properties of electrons in crystalline solids. Based on Bloch’s theorem, the general characteristics of electronic levels in solids (band structure, insulator/semiconductor/metal) are derived. After presenting two models (nearly free electrons and strong bonds), the course focuses on semiconductors and the basic concepts necessary for understanding the physics of these materials, which are key to information technology.

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

Recommended prerequisites:

Introductory Courses on Quantum Physics in Crystalline Solids.

Ongoing Assessment

· Review of crystal structure (direct Bravais lattice, reciprocal lattice, first Brillouin zone).

· Bloch states (translation operator, Bloch's theorem, Born–von Kármán boundary conditions, energy bands, Fermi level).

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

· Nearly free electrons: a qualitative study.

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

· Strong-tie model.

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