Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
Code PHYS363
Coordinator Dr HR Sharma
Physics
H.R.Sharma@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims
  • To develop concepts introduced in Year 1 and Year 2 modules which relate to solids.
  • To consolidate concepts related to crystal structure.
  • To introduce the concept of reciprocal space and diffraction.
  • To enable the students to apply these concepts to the description of crystals,transport properties and the electronic structure of condensed matter.
  • To illustrate the use of these concepts in scientific research in condensed matter.
  • To introduce various other solids

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module the student should have:

  • Familiarity with the crystalline nature of both perfect and real materials.
  • An understanding of the fundamental principles of the properties of condensed matter.
  • An appreciation of the relationship between the real space and the reciprocal space view of the properties of crystalline matter.
  • An ability to describe the crystal structure and electronic structure of matter.
  • An awareness of current physics research in condensed matter.

Syllabus
1 

Reciprocal lattice

  • Reciprocal lattice: definition and theorem,
  • Reciprocal lattice of various crystal lattices
  • Brillouin Zone in 1-3D

Diffraction

  • Laue diffraction conditions
  • Ewald construction
  • Atomic form factor
  • Structure factor and diffraction extinction rules for various crystal structures,
  • Diffraction experiments (X-ray/Neutron/Electron diffraction), Synchrotron radiation

Band Str ucture

  • Origin of energy bands (quantum mechanical approach), magnitude of band gap
  • Band filling, Fermi surfaces
  • Bloch Theorem
  • Central equation
  • Tight binding model
  • Band structure of real lattice (metals, semiconductors, graphene)
  • Determination of band by angle resolved photoemission
  • DFT

Other solids

  • Non-crystalline materials
  • Soft materials
  • Alloys, quasicrystals, oxide, glasses

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   2

       18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  1 1/2 hours  1  100  August resit for PGT students only. Yr3 and Yr4 students resit at the next normal opportunity.    Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) Written Examination  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: