PHY 580: Condensed Matter Physics I

 Course Information

Please note that exact details of the course can vary

Professor:  TBA

Semester: Spring in alternate years
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PHY525, PHY570

Catalog Description: Drude and Sommerfiled theories. Crystal lattices and symmetries. Bragg scattering. Properties and calculation of electron spectra. Fermi surfaces of metals. Electrons in magnetic field. De Haas – van Alphen effect and Phonons. Electron-phonon interaction. Defects in solids. (Lec. 3) Pre: PHY 525, 570 or permission of chair.

Course Goals & Outcomes

Upon completion, successful students will be able to:

• Understand various important topics of advanced modern condensed matter physics
• Use new mathematical methods and applications
• Further develop physics intuition, critical thinking, and problem solving skills
• Conduct advanced physics research on a better foundation

Course Description

Topics covered in this course include:

• Crystal lattices, structures, and symmetries
• Electron and phonon spectra
• Band calculations and Fermi surfaces
• Dynamics of electrons in static and high frequency electric and magnetic fields.
• Resonance and size effects
• Electron-electron and electron-phonon interaction

Homework 60% (due in 10 days after it is assigned; 5 point off for each business day after deadline), Final exam/project 40%

 Contact Information: physics@etal.uri.edu

LEC: LEC: (3 crs.) Drude and Sommerfiled theories. Crystal lattices and symmetries. Bragg scattering. Properties and calculation of electron spectra. Fermi surfaces of metals. Electrons in magnetic field. De Haas – van Alphen effect and Phonons. Electron-phonon interaction. Defects in solids. (Lec. 3) Pre: PHY 525, 570 or permission of chair.