Condensed Matter Physics

Description

This course builds on knowledge of statistical mechanics, classical and quantum mechanics to give an understanding of real solid substances, vital in the fields of nanoscience, nanotechnology, materials science and condensed matter (solid state) physics. It builds from an introduction to materials, crystal bonding, crystal lattices, reciprocal lattice, diffraction, thermal properties and electronic properties, including an introduction to metals, insulators, semi-conductors, to cover: the physics and mathematics of periodic solids; phonons; phonon specific heat; anharmonic properties of solids; point defects; diffusion; dislocations and the strength of crystals; and magnetic solids.