Foundations of Condensed Matter Physics
MP
118 (Tues 4-5pm), MP
1115 (Thurs
12-2pm)
This graduate-level course will provide you with the foundations of Condensed Matter Physics, both theoretical and experimental.
We will cover the following topics:
1.
Crystal
Lattice:
Structures & Binding
2. Phonons
I:
Lattice Vibrations
3. Phonons
II:
Thermal Properties
4. Electron
Kinetics:
Transport & Thermal Properties
5. Electron
Dynamics:
Dispersion & Fermiology
6. Elementary
Excitations:
Quasiparticles & Screening
7. Superconductivity*
8. Magnetism
9. Tunneling* &
Photoemission
10. Mesoscopic Transport & Nanoscale Phenomena
Homework:
HW#1 (due Oct. 6) Soln#1a Soln#1b Soln#1cHighlights from Lectures:
Week1a
(complex solids)
Week1b
(crystal lattice)
Textbooks:
Main:
C.
Kittel, Introduction to Solid State
Physics (8th Edition)
Supplemental: J. M.
Ziman, Principles of the Theory of
Solids (2nd Edition)
Prerequisites:
Quantum Mechanics,
Statistical
Mechanics,
Classical
Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism
(all at the
upper-division
undergraduate level).
Grading Policy:
Homework:
1/3
Exam:
1/3
Presentation*:
1/3
*You
will
be expected
to give a 20 minute in-class presentation
on a topic related to the course.