PHYS 135. Condensed Matter Physics

Crystal structure and diffraction, the reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones, lattice vibrations and normal modes, phonon dispersion, Einstein and Debye models for specific heat, free electrons and the Fermi surface, electrons in periodic structures, the Bloch Theorem, band structure, semiclassical electron dynamics, semiconductors, magnetic and optical properties of solids, and superconductivity.
Prerequisite: PHYS 113 and PHYS 114.
Natural sciences and engineering.
1 credit.
Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy

Check the Fall 2020 Schedule of Courses

Check the Spring 2021 Schedule of Courses