PES 446 / PHYS 546 Solid State Physics
COURSE OUTLINE:
This semester will cover Chapters 1-8 in Kittel.
a. classification of lattices (Ch. 1)
b. reciprocal lattices (Ch. 2)
c. bonding in crystals (Ch. 3)
a. free electrons in metals (Ch. 6)
b. electrons in periodic potentials (Ch. 7)
c. semiconductors (Ch. 8)
Text book: "Introduction to Solid State Physics" Charles Kittel, 7th ed., 1996
optional text for graduate students (PHYS 546): "Solid State Physics" N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin
Other books on 4 hr/overnight reserve at the library:
this book is comparable in level to Kittel
this book is somewhat simpler than Kittel
(lowest problem set will be disregarded)
Students in the graduate class may have additional problems on the problem sets and exams which will require somewhat greater mathematical sophistication.
Homework: Due approximately every week. Solutions to the homework will be available on reserve in the library the afternoon after the problems have been turned in. As a result I can not accept late homework. Hand in whatever you have done ! Homework problems are a very important part of the course. The only way to learn physics is to work with it as much as possible.
Problem Set and Exam solutions will be placed on reserve after they are graded.
last updated: April 26, 1997