8.511 | Fall 2004 | Graduate

Theory of Solids I

Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Description

This is the first term of a theoretical treatment of the physics of solids. Topics covered include:

  1. Free Electron: Fermi Sea

    • Crystalline Lattices
    • Bloch’s Theorem
    • Band Structure: OPW, APW, Tight-binding
    • Survey of Periodic Table
  2. How to Construct Lattice Potential?

    • Pseudo-potential
    • Electron-electron Interaction
    • Density Functional Theory
    • Screening, Lindhard Function
    • Linear Response Theory
  3. Methods of Testing Band Structures

    • Semiclassical Equation of Motion
    • de Haas van Alphen
    • Quantum Hall Effect
  4. Beyond Band Theory: Mott Insulator

  5. Phonons

  6. Electron-phonon Interaction

  7. Superconductivity

    • BCS Theory
    • Flux Quantization
    • Vortices and Type II Superconductors
    • Josephson Effect

Textbook

Marder, Michael P. Condensed Matter Physics. New York: Wiley, 2000. ISBN: 9780471177791.

Grading

The grade for the course is based upon weekly homework assignments (70%) and one quiz (30%).

ACTIVITIES PERCENTAGES
Homework Assignments 70%
Quiz 30%

Course Info

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As Taught In
Fall 2004
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