Fundamentals Of Solid-State Physics

An Introduction

What you'll learn

Unit Cells

Diffraction in crystals

Diffraction Mechanism

Lattice Dynamics

Requirements

Basics Mathematics

Description

Welcome to Fundamentals of Solid State Physics! In this course, we will cover key concepts and theories related to the atomic and microscopic structure of solid materials. Understanding the fundamentals of how atoms arrange themselves into orderly crystals and the interactions between the atomic components of solids is crucial for explaining the physical properties of materials.The course will begin with an examination of unit cells, the basic repeating units of the crystal lattice that determine the symmetry and structure of crystalline solids. We will study the geometry of simple cubic, body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, and hexagonal close-packed unit cells. A grasp of unit cells lays the groundwork for understanding more complex crystal structures.Next, we will explore the mechanism of x-ray diffraction in crystals. When x-rays interact with the orderly arrangement of atoms in a crystal, a definite diffraction pattern is produced. Analysis of these interference patterns allows us to determine the crystal structure. Diffraction provides an invaluable tool for probing materials at the atomic level.Finally, the course will cover specific heat capacity and how it varies with temperature in crystalline solids. The way that heat is stored in solids depends directly on the quantized vibrations of the crystal lattice called phonons. Specific heat provides deep insights into the quantum nature of solids.Through this survey of fundamentals of crystal structures, diffraction, and specific heat, students will gain an appreciation for how the microscopic atomic world defines the behavior of solids at the macroscopic scale. The knowledge gained serves as a robust platform for advanced studies in solid state physics and materials science.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Lattice Dynamics

Lecture 2 Understanding Simple Crystals and Unit Cells

Lecture 3 Wigner-Seitz Cell, Complex Crystal, Lattice Translation and Defects in Crystals

Lecture 4 Point Symmetries, Classification of Crystal, Binding Energy and Polarization Ve

Lecture 5 Observable and Residual Symmetries

Section 2: Understanding Reciprocal Lattice

Lecture 6 Introduction to Reciprocal Lattice

Lecture 7 Properties of Reciprocal Lattice

Section 3: Diffraction in Crystals

Lecture 8 Diffraction Mechanism Part 1

Lecture 9 Diffraction Mechanism Part 2

Lecture 10 Diffraction Mechanism Part 3

Lecture 11 Diffraction Mechanism Part 4

Section 4: Specific Heat in a crystal

Lecture 12 Dulong-Petit Model of Specific Heat in a Crystal

Lecture 13 Einstein Model of Specific Heat in a Crystal

Lecture 14 Adiabatic Approximation

Beginner in Solid-State Physics