This module will introduce students to the key concepts in condensed matter physics, the solid state and the quantum theory of solids. Students will gain an understanding of how vibrational and recombinatorial spectra arise and how they are used to understand the structure of solids; and the physical processes responsible for specific heat capacity of solids, light emission from semiconductors, and electron transport in solids. They will master the relevant theory and obtain experience in solving numerical problems.

Crystal dynamics: sound waves, the one dimensional crystal, normal modes, lattice vibrations and phonons, Bloch waves. Semiconductors: electrons and holes, intrinsic and extrinsic behaviour, Fermi energy, band structure, effective mass, excitons and plasmonics. Transport properties and electrodynamics of metals: conductivity, Hall effect, cyclotron resonance, Debye model of specific heat. Dielectric properties: Drude model, polarons and hopping conduction. Non-equilibrium carrier densities: continuity equations, neutrality. Photonic devices: photodiodes, LEDs, homojunction and heterojunction LASERs, photonic crystals. Optical Properties: Brillouin scattering, crystal optics, infrared absorption, optical phonons, Raman scattering.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 1) Show how vibrational (phonon) and recombinatorial (photon) spectra arise and how they are used to understand the structure of solids. 2) Discuss the physical processes responsible for specific heat capacity of solids, light emission from semiconductors, electron transport in solids and to be able to understand and extrapolate information from associated spectroscopic techniques that identify each phenomenon. 3) Describe physical basis and experimental observation of lattice vibrations in solids, band structure of semiconductors and the operation of photonic devices from fundamental phenomena. 4) Derive relevant equations describing crystal dynamics, semiconducting properties, conduction mechanisms, electrodynamics and transport processes, from basic laws and principles. 5) Solve numerical problems, form information provided, on the topics covered. 6) Use physical concepts and theory to model real physical systems.

On successful completion of the module students will: Appreciate the importance of solid state physics and the quantum theory of solids for application in academic and research environments.

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The module will be taught via interactive lecture, experiential tutorial, problem-based private study, self directed learning, recommended reading, reflection on and application to physics-related research problems, enquiry based learning, observation, demonstration, skills acquisition and adaptation, mentorship and lab supervision. Students will learn basic concepts and learn how apply their knowledge to solve physical and numerical problems.