Entry requirements

120 credits and Chemical Binding in Molecules and Materials and Introduction to Materials Science. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• recognise and interpret quantum mechanics as formulated using Dirac notation
• apply Dirac formalism to perform quantum mechanical analysis of relevant systems
• explain the thermal properties, in particular heat capacity, in solids
• classify condensed matter upon its electrical and transport properties, based on its electronic structure
• carry out and explain experiments in condensed matter physics

Content

Quantum methods: Quantum mechanics based on the Dirac formalism with bra and ket vectors, operators and observables. The harmonic oscillator with creation and annihilation operators. Quantum mechanical tunnelling. Quantum entangled states and quantum optics: Laboratory exercise with "quantum eraser" and its connection to Dirac formalism. Quantum mechanical formulation of Bloch functions in a periodic crystal. Reciprocal space: reciprocal space and the Brillouin zones, phonons and thermal properties of solids. Electrons: the free electron Fermi gas, energy bands. Classification of materials: metals, semiconductors, insulators.

Instruction

Lectures, exercise classes, seminars and laboratory exercises.

Assessment

Hand-in problems for grade 3, oral examination for higher grades (4 credits), laboratory exercises with written and oral presentation (1 credit).