Prof.
Barus & Holley 329
What's New (as of August 20,
2008):
The
class meets on September 3 at noon
Please come to the Monday colloquia -- it is a good way to be exposed to the
wide world of physics. The colloquia are held each Monday at 4:30 pm in Barus & Holley 168. Cookies, tea, and coffee are
available at 4:00 pm in the same room. Click here for the Colloquia Calendar.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Material covered: electric, magnetic and
thermal properties of solids; crystals, quasicrystals,
X-ray diffraction, band theory, electron transport in metals and
semiconductors, crystal vibrations and phonons, superconductivity, magnetism;
nanostructures and other topics of current interest if time permits.
Prerequisites:
Physics 142 or equivalent, or the permission of the instructor, Prof. Feldman.
Class meets: in Barus & Holley 155 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 12:50 pm.
Required Text:
N. W. Ashcroft and N. D. Mermin, "Solid State Physics"
Homework: About 1 set per week.
Course grader:
Tests and Exams: One midterm test plus a final exam. The final exam will be held on December 15 at 2 pm.
Grading scheme:
Classroom Participation ................................... 10%
Homework ..................................................... 25%
Midterms
........................................................ 25%
Final
Exam ..................................................... 40%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
..............................................................100%
Here are some other books that you may find useful for basic background:
1. Introduction to Solid State Physics by C. Kittel. (John Wiley & Sons, 8th edition, 2005) A classical introductory level textbook. An excellent complement to Ashcroft & Mermin. Highly recommended.
2. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths
(Prentice-Hall, 1995). This book will be
helpful if you feel that you need additional background in Quantum Mechanics.
It is an exceptionally well-written undergraduate level textbook.
3. Condensed Matter Physics by M. P. Marder. (John
Wiley & Sons, Corrected printing, 2000) An up-to-date survey of the physics of solids and
liquids.
Here are some intermediate textbooks that are classics:
1. Principles of the Theory of Solids by J. M. Ziman. My personal favorite.
2. Basic Notions of Condesed Matter Physics by P. W. Anderson.
e-mail Prof.
Prof. Feldman's telephone extension: x33056
Prof. Feldman's Office Hours: Tuesdays
and Wednesdays 2.30pm to 3.30pm in B&H 329.
Prof. Feldman's Web
Page