Condensed matter physics looks at the properties of solids and liquids. In this course, we look at the effects of atomic and electronic interactions on material properties, and see how these effects underpin many modern technologies. This requires the development of a number of physical concepts, based on waves, statistical physics, electromagnetism and
quantum mechanics.
A: Order and crystals
different manifestations of order, the crystal lattice – position space, diffraction and the reciprocal lattice – momentum space
B: Lattice vibrations
vibrations of a linear chain (ball and spring model), optical and acoustic phonon modes, Debye model for heat capacity in solids

C: Quantum mechanics of electrons in solids
free electron states, electrons and the crystal lattice, electron bands; why some materials conduct and others insulate
D: Semiconductor behaviour and applications
carriers in semiconductors – origins and descriptions, carrier motion: mobility, diffusion, semiconductor devices and applications
E: Magnetism
types of magnetic order; the Weiss model, magnetism in metals; Pauli paramagnetism, magnetic exchange

• Interpret diffraction patterns and demonstrate how such patterns relate to crystal structures;
• Model lattice vibrations inside a crystal structure, and describe the effect on the heat capacity and thermal conductivity;
• Describe the free electron and nearly free electron models for electrons in solids, and apply to observed properties;
• Understand the role of charge carriers in semiconductors and describe some semiconductor devices and applications;
• Describe some types of magnetic order and derive expressions for the susceptibility in magnetic materials.