SOLID STATE PHYSICS - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module will review crystal structures, will develop the concepts of heat transport and heat capacity in crystalline solids and introduce the concept of quantisation of lattice vibrations (phonons). The module will introduce the free electron theory of metals and introduce band theory. The concept of semiconductors will be discussed and the physics of modern photonic devices such as semiconductor lasers, photo-sensors and nuclear radiation detectors will be introduced.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

SELLIN Paul (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• The lecture course will cover the following topics:


• Crystal structure: Revision of crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice and a review of X-ray diffraction technique.


• Lattice dynamics: Lattice vibration, concept of phonons and phonon modes, density of states, derivation of Dulong-Petit, Einstein and Debye models of heat capacity, electronic heat capacity and electrical conductivity.


• Band theory: Free electron model, energy-momentum dispersion relationship, concept of Brillouin zones, band structure and band gaps, distinction between metals, insulators and semiconductors.


• Semiconductor device physics: Doping of semiconductors, pn junction diodes, basic introduction to emission and absorption in semiconductors photonic and sensor devices (light emitting diodes, semiconductor lasers, photodetectors and nuclear radiation detectors).


• The laboratory experiments will include: X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, absorption in semiconductors,characterisation of semiconductor lasers and LEDs.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Examination submitted during the Late Summer Assessment period. For the laboratory coursework the written reports may be assessed by a condensed programme of laboratory work, with written report.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• 
  recall of subject knowledge
  


• 
  ability to apply subject knowledge to unseen problems
  


• 
  practical laboratory skills
  


• 
  scientific communication skills
  
   
  
  Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
  


• 
  An end of semester examination of 2 h duration with 2 questions from 3 to be attempted
  


• 
  Fortnightly online topic quiz for which all questions should be attempted.
  


• 
  The laboratory coursework is assessed through a combination of interviews, written reports and a poster presentation.
  

The Laboratory unit of assessment has a qualifying mark of 40%.

 

Formative Assessment

Problem sets are provided during the weekly 1 hour tutorial on solid state physics, together with model answers to these questions, which allow the students to test their understanding of course material. Formative assessment during the laboratory classes is provided by feedback from laboratory demonstrators and academic staff. 

 

Feedback

Verbal feedback is provided during the weekly 1 hour tutorial throughout the semester. Model solutions are provided for the questions on the problem sets to provide students with feedback on their problem-solving ability. Feedback during the laboratory classes is provided by demonstrators and staff giving verbal feedback and support during the class.

Module aims

• develop key concepts in solid-state physics including crystal structure and dynamics, concept of densities of states, lattice and electronic heat capacity and the band theory of solids. The difference between metals, insulators and semiconductors will be discussed and the module will show how semiconductors play a pivotal role in modern electronic and photonic devices.
• Laboratory classes will be used to reinforce concepts developed in the lectures and will be used to further develop and enhance laboratory skills, particularly in the area of analysis and spectroscopy.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• equip students with subject knowledge

• develop skills in applying subject knowledge to physical situations

• enable students to tackle unseen problems in solid state physics

• advance students' practical skills

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 22h of lectures and 11h of tutorials over 11 weeks

• 1-week experiments throughout semester (24 hours laboratory work)

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHY2068

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.