The course introduces k-space (wave vector space) and the reciprocal lattice with its applications, which are central concepts for further studies within solid state physics. In addition, the course gives an overview of different models to describe the properties of solid materials. The syllabus is as follows

• Classification of solid material, atomic binding
• Crystalline materials, lattice vectors, unit cells
• Reciprocal space, Brillouin zones
• X-ray diffraction, Bragg’s law, von Laue equations
• Lattice vibrations, phonons, heat capacity
• Free electron model, resistance in metals, Hall effect
• Band structure, Bloch wave functions, introduction to band structure calculations
• Semiconductors, metals, superconductivity and magnetism

After the course, the student should be able to

• describe and classify materials from their crystal structure and atomic arrangements
• apply the theory for X-ray diffraction in reciprocal space (k-space) to determine the lattice structure of crystalline materials and also be able to use these principles for other waves in solid materials
• describe the different physical mechanisms for crystal binding by identifying repelling and attractive interaction coupled to atomic properties
• formulate basic models for lattice vibrations (phonons) and their influence on the physics of crystalline materials, make calculations based on these models and be able to relate the conclusions form the models to experimentally measured properties of materials
• formulate electron properties in a periodic potential, explain factors that affects the band structure of a crystalline material, make a simple band structure calculation and based on this develop a qualitative understanding of the band structure of materials
• explain the physical principles for different types of electric and magnetic phenomena in solid materials and relate this to macroscopically measurable quantities

with the aim of being able to handle the coupling between fundamental theoretical models and experimental results in solid state physics and having sufficient knowledge to continue with deeper studies within the field.

For higher grades, it is in addition required that the students should be able to apply the knowledge learnt in the course on for them completely unknown problems.

Lectures

Lectures will be a combination of real-time lecturing of the material combined with interactive questions. Pre-recorded lectures from VT2020 will be available in Canvas. 

Exercise sessions

During a problem solving session, a teacher assistant will help you through the solution to specific problems in the exercise books.

Laboration

There are two laborations in the course. The X-ray laboration is an on-site laboration in our course laboratory. The band structure calculation laboration is a home laboration that will be done from you own computer. 

Charles Kittel, Introduction to solid state physics, 8th edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2005, ISBN 978-0-471-41526-8 (available at Kårbokhandeln).

Exercise books and other own material (can be downloaded from Canvas)

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN2 - Written exam, 4.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• TEN3 - Unsupervised examination, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The examination TEN2 corresponds subject-wise to the earlier examination TEN1 in the course.

Laboratory Work ( LAB1 )

Two laborations, where the X-ray diffraction laboratory work and the band structure calculation laboratory work are examined by a written lab report. The report should be in English.

Written exam ( TEN2 )

A 4 hour written exam at the end of the course.

Unsupervised examination ( TEN3 )

Four quizzes (named DE1, DE2, DE3 and DE4) in Canvas during the course.

The grading in the course is based on the following grading criteria

Grade A: Show a very good understanding of the basic concepts in the course and show a good ability to solve both standard problems and advanced problems within the whole field.

Grade B: Fullfils the requirements for grade C, but only partly for grade A.

Grade C: Show a very good understanding of the basic concepts in the course and show a good ability to solve standard problems together with an ability to solve more advanced problems within parts of the field.

Grade D: Fullfils the requirements for grade E, but only partly for grade C.

Grade E: Show a good understanding of the basic concepts in the course and show a good ability to solve standard problems within the field.

TEN3 - Unsupervised examination

Examines a good understanding of the basic concepts in the course.

LAB1 - Laboratory work

Trains and examines a good basic understanding of the most challenging concept in the course - the reciprocal space and the reciprocal lattice.

TEN2 - Written exam

Examines the problem solving ability in the course and uses the grading criteria above. 

An attempt to raise an already approved final grade on the course is allowed within a time limit of 2 years from the date of the student's first course registration on the course. Only the written exam (TEN2) part can be examined in a renewed examination.

TEN2 - Written exam

A reexamination is offered in the August re-exam period.

TEN3 - Unsupervised examination

Students that have passed TEN2, will obtain an additional opportunity to pass TEN3 as soon as their pass result on TEN2 is made official. Students with good reasons (e.g. sickness) can in advance ask the examiner for individual deadlines of the digital exams.

LAB1 - Laboratory work

Missed laboratory work can be done during the next course offering.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.