PHYS 135. Condensed Matter Physics

Condensed matter physics applies the physical laws of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electromagnetism to describe the physical properties of materials. This course explores the physics of metals, insulators, semiconductors, and superconductors by examining their structure, energy bands, and thermal, magnetic, electronic, and optical properties. Topics include: crystal structure and diffraction, the reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones, lattice vibrations and normal modes, phonon dispersions, scattering, 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, or permission of the instructor.
Natural sciences and engineering.
1 credit.
Fall 2022. Smith, H.
Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy

Check the Spring 2021 Schedule of Courses

Check the Fall 2021 Schedule of Courses