On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
1. Discuss the problems with which solid state physics is concerned;
2. Explain the meaning of band structure;
3. Discuss the BCS theory of superconductivity and its inability to explain high temperature super conduction;
4. Explain the concepts of dia, para and ferromagnetism.
Review of the properties of solids, bonding types and crystal structures; Crystals of inert gases, London interaction, ionic crystals, covalent crystals, elastic constants, crystal vibrations, phonons, first Brillouin zones, force constants, quantization of elastic waves, thermal properties of phonons, heat capacity, Debye-Einstein models of density of states, thermal conductivity, resistivity of phonon gas; Super conductivity; Revie of experimental results; Influence of magnetic fields; The Meissner effect, type I and II superconductors; The superconducting gap; Isotope effect; Elements of BCS theory; Tunneling; AC and DC Josephson effects; Introduction to ceramic superconductors; Quantum theory of diamagnetism and paramagnetism; Spectroscopic g factor; Susceptibity; Ferromagnetism; Curie temperature and exchange integral; Temperature dependence of saturation magnetization; Magnons; Neutron magnetic scattering; Anti-ferromagnetism; Ferrimagnetism; Ferromagnetic domains, origin of domains; Coercive force and hysteresis.
Kittel, C., Introduction to solid state physics, John Wiley, New York, USA, 2005.
Continuous assessment 40%
Written examination 60% (1×3 hrs.)
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