Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should:

• explain the basic concepts that are used to describe the structure and physical properties of crystalline substances,
• use physical models to perform calculations of the properties of solids,
• summarise an experimental work and its theoretical interpretation in a written report.

Content

Building blocks of crystals: Bravais lattices, crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones.

Diffraction: Theory and experimental methods.

Lattice dynamics: Phonons, density of states, specific heat, thermal conductivity.

Electron theory: Free electron model, elementary band theory, metals, semiconductors, electrical conductivity.

Laboratory work: Semiconductor physics. Models of electronic band structure.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons and laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Passed laboratory work is also required.