F6121 Introduction to solid state physics

Faculty of Science
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. RNDr. Václav Holý, CSc. (seminar tutor)
prof. RNDr. Václav Holý, CSc. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Václav Holý, CSc.
Department of Condensed Matter Physics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: prof. RNDr. Václav Holý, CSc.
Supplier department: Department of Condensed Matter Physics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Prerequisites
A good knowledge of the basic physics course (electromagnetic waves, optics, mechanical waves and vibrations), a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics (wave function, the Schroedinger equation) on the basic-course level. Elementary knowledge of calculus (differentiation and integration of simple functions) and linear algebra (linear systems, matrices).
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The lecture presents the elements of solid state physics in the extent necessary for every student of the master physics course. A special emphasis is given to electron and phonon properties of crystalline solids and to semiconductors.
Learning outcomes
After successful passing of this course the students should be able to
- define and explain basic properties of condensed matter
- successfuly apply these general conclusions to semiconductors behavior
- analyse the electron and phonon properties of a given crystal.
Syllabus
  • 1. Crystal structure. Crystal lattice, reciprocal lattice. 2. X-ray diffraction. Scattering from an atom and from a lattice. 3. Electron gas, the Drude model. Electrical, optical, magnetic a thermal properties of an ideal electron gas. 4. The Sommerfeld model. The Fermi surface, the Fermi energy. Electrical conductivity of metals. 5. One electron in a periodic potential. The Bloch theorem. The Fermi surface and density of states. Method of nearly free electrons, thight-binding method. Electron and hole orbits. 6. Quasiclassic approximation. Holes, free electrons, the Hall effect. 7. Semiconductors. Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, density of charge carriers. p-n junction. 8. Classical theory of a harmonic crystal. Heat capacity of a lattice. One-dimensional and three-dimensional crystal lattice with a single-atom base and with a many-atom-base. Phonons, their dispersion relation. 9. Quantum theory of a harmonic crystal. The Einstein and the Debye models. Frequency density of the phonon states. 10. Classification of solids. Types of chemical bonds, van Der Waals force, cohesion force.
Literature
  • KITTEL, Charles. Úvod do fyziky pevných látek. 1. vyd. Praha: Academia, 1985, 598 s. URL info
  • ASHCROFT, Neil W. and N. David MERMIN. Fizika tverdogo tela. Moskva: Mir, 1979, 399 s. info
  • ASHCROFT, Neil W. and N. David MERMIN. Fizika tverdogo tela. Translated by K. I. Kugel - A. S. Michajlov - Moisej Isaakovič Kaganov. Moskva: Mir, 1979, 424 s. info
  • DEKKER, Adrianus J. Fyzika pevných látek. Translated by Martin Černohorský. Praha: Academia, nakladatelství Československé akademie věd, 1966, 543 s. info
  • P. Y. Yu, M. Cardona, Fundamentals of Semiconductors, Springer 2001
Teaching methods
lectures and mandatory class exercises, solution of prescribed problems
Assessment methods
To access the written and oral exam, active attendance at all the seminars is required - apart from calculations during seminars, each student must present the solutions to the prescribed problems.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2007 - for the purpose of the accreditation, Autumn 1999, Autumn 2010 - only for the accreditation, Autumn 2000, Autumn 2001, Autumn 2002, Autumn 2003, Autumn 2004, Autumn 2005, Autumn 2006, Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2011 - acreditation, spring 2012 - acreditation, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2015, Autumn 2016, autumn 2017, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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