Solid State Physics Introduction

2 hour crash course

What you’ll learn
Gain familiarity with key concepts on Solid State Physics.
Understand different models used for solids.
Explain why different materials behave in different ways.
Begin to be able to understand research papers.

Requirements
Familiarity with cross and dot products of vectors and comfort with first-year university maths. Understanding of basic quantum mechanics.

Description
This is an introductory course on solid state physics aimed at those studying physics at university and want to get a head-start before studying this topic on their course. Anyone else who wants to do this course is absolutely welcome too!!!The course assumes you have some knowledeg of university maths, although you do not need maths to follow the key concepts. Understanding basic quantum mechanics, dot and cross-products and matrices will help a lot. I have tried to focus on absolute essentials so you can be the most bang for your buck with this course.This course covers topics of crystal structure, reciprocal space including Bragg Diffraction, Free and Nearly-free electron models, lattice vibrations (phonons) and semiconductors…so lots to unpack in 2 hours.I have short quizzes after every topic and practice questions with full solutions to ensure you have an understanding as you go along too! Feel free to do them as you go along whilst the content is fresh or to wait till the end to view them as an end of topic test – the choice is yours.Happy learning and feel free to contact me with any questions or mistakes you find that I can clarify or change if possible 🙂

Overview
Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Crystal Structure

Lecture 2 Crystal Structure

Lecture 3 Crystal Structure Questions

Lecture 4 Crystal Structure Answers

Section 3: Reciprocal Space

Lecture 5 Reciprocal Space

Lecture 6 Reciprocal Space Questions

Lecture 7 Reciprocal Space Answers

Section 4: Free Electron Model

Lecture 8 Free Electron Model

Lecture 9 Free Electron Model Questions

Lecture 10 Free Electron Model Answers

Section 5: Nearly Free Electron Model

Lecture 11 Nearly Free Electron Model and Bands

Lecture 12 Nearly Free Electron Model and Bands Questions

Lecture 13 Nearly Free Electron Model and Bands Answers

Section 6: Phonons

Lecture 14 Phonons

Lecture 15 Phonons Questions

Lecture 16 Phonons Answers

Section 7: Semiconductors

Lecture 17 Semiconductors

Lecture 18 Semiconductors Questions

Lecture 19 Semiconductors Answers

University physics students are anyone wanting a 2-hour crash course on Solid State physics before taking a course in the topic at university