Syllabus

Module: 1 [10-classes]

Electrons in a periodic potential and band theory: Bloch’s theorem, Born-von Karman boundary condition, density of levels, van-Hove singularities, Kronig-Penney model. Electrons in a weak periodic potential, energy levels, energy bands and energy gap. Tight binding method, Wannier functions. Concept of Fermi surface. Effective mass of electrons, concept of holes. De Haas-van Alphen effect.

Module: 2 [7-classes]

Dielectric properties of solids: Dielectric function of electron gas and plasma oscillations, Dielectric function in the general framework of screening, Thomas-Fermi theory of screening, Lindhard theory of screening. Dielectric properties of insulators: macroscopic electrostatic Maxwell equations, theory of local field, Clausius-Mossotti relation, theory of polarizability, application to ionic crystal and it’s optical properties.

Module: 3 [6-classes]

Semiconductors: General properties of homogeneous semiconductors and it’s band structure. Carrier concentration in thermal equilibrium, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, impurity levels and it’s population in thermal equilibrium.

Module: 4 [7-classes]

Magnetism in solids: Magnetic moment of an atom orbital, spin and total magnetic moment, Hund’s rule. Larmor Diamagnetism, Van-Vleck Paramagnetism, Curie’s law for free ions and solids. Paramagnetism and diamagnetism of metals.

Module: 5 [6-classes]

Superconductivity: Type-I and Type-II. Thermal, electrical and magnetic properties. Energy gap. Isotope effect, London theory, coherence length. Overview of BCS theory and BCS ground state. Flux quantization. Josephson effect.

To introduce the concept of the band theory of solids and their origin.

To develop the understanding on the theory of dielectric polarisation and applications.

To provide the understanding of different types of magnetism and magnetic ordering phenomenon.

To provide basic ideas in semiconducting properties and superconductivity.

After completion of this course students will gain knowledge about the physics of condensed matter, elementary idea about the band theory of solids, concept of dielectric polarization, magnetic ordering, superconductivity and semiconducting behavior of solids.

Ashcroft and Mermin., Solid State Physics, Harcourt Asia PTE Ltd., , NA

Charles Kittel., Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley & Sons , NA

Michael P. Marder., Condensed Matter Physics, Wiley India Pvt. Ltd. , NA

J. M. Ziman., Principle of theory of solids, Cambridge University Press , NA